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Coronavirus news: UK measures to last at least 'several months' as restrictions increased globally – live updates Coronavirus news: UK measures to last at least 'several months'; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners – live updates
(32 minutes later)
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer does not rule out further curbs; Ohio primary polls ordered to close; France in lockdown; WHO urges widespread testing. Follow the latest updatesEngland’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer does not rule out further curbs; Ohio primary polls ordered to close; France in lockdown; WHO urges widespread testing. Follow the latest updates
Australians are being urged to fly home as soon as possible to avoid being stranded overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Travel advice issued on Tuesday evening by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australians should return home before the virus caused more borders to close.
Travellers are also being urged to reconsider their need to go overseas.
“If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means,” the advice read.
“You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas.”
The Guardian is covering that development on an Australian liveblog here
Happy St Patrick’s Day - and apologies for taking a little bit of time before saying that.
It’s certainly a national day like no other - even with personal childhood memories of cold days watching some particularly outlandish floats making their way through Donegal Town - and the traditional parades and festivities across Ireland are all obviously cancelled (or perhaps postponed).
The streets of Dublin, traditionally thronged for festivities, will be largely empty, while the Irish government has cautioned people against gathering for private parties as pubs are closed.
But that’s not to say people are not celebrating. An annual “Global Greening” project organised by Tourism Ireland is still going ahead and will involve hundreds of landmarks in over 50 countries turning green.
They range from the London Eye to the the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Communities are meanwhile posting images on social media under the hashtag #StPatricksDayTogether of the costumes and activities that are being worn or are taking place in line with offical guidance.
The state broadcaster is also encouraging a virtual parade.
Kazakhstan will effectively close its capital Nur-Sultan and biggest city Almaty from March 19 after both reported coronavirus cases, the state emergency commission said on Tuesday.
In addition to restricted movement of people and vehicles, the authorities instructed restaurants to switch to delivery-only mode and said they may shut down public transport, Reuters reports.
Kazakhstan has reported 32 coronavirus cases so far.
The move by Britain’s Tate galleries to close (reported earlier) has been welcomed by people including Professor Ian Donald, a prominent psychologist specialising in behavioural factors in anti-microbial resistance.
Iran has temporarily freed a total of 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, a spokesman for its judiciary said on Tuesday, adding that the prisons were responding to the threat of a coronavirus epidemic in jails.Iran has temporarily freed a total of 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, a spokesman for its judiciary said on Tuesday, adding that the prisons were responding to the threat of a coronavirus epidemic in jails.
“Some 50% of those released are security-related prisoners . Also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak,” the spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili.“Some 50% of those released are security-related prisoners . Also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak,” the spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili.
Iran refers to political prisoners as security prisoners, and has been under intense pressure to step up its prisoner release program as the Coronavirus outbreak spreads through its jails.Iran refers to political prisoners as security prisoners, and has been under intense pressure to step up its prisoner release program as the Coronavirus outbreak spreads through its jails.
At least five women had started a hunger strike in protest at the government inaction and the repeated changes to the list of those to be released. Although widely reported that Iran was about to release 85,000 prisoners, the authorities have already released tens of thousands in jails.At least five women had started a hunger strike in protest at the government inaction and the repeated changes to the list of those to be released. Although widely reported that Iran was about to release 85,000 prisoners, the authorities have already released tens of thousands in jails.
The World Health Health Organisation said it feared the number of people suffering from the disease in Iran was five times the official figures compiled by the Iranian health ministry not due to deliberate under-reporting by the government, but the difficulty in identifying all those infected.The World Health Health Organisation said it feared the number of people suffering from the disease in Iran was five times the official figures compiled by the Iranian health ministry not due to deliberate under-reporting by the government, but the difficulty in identifying all those infected.
Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to jail. Amongst those released is Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to jail. Amongst those released is Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.
There was no word on the fate of Nazanin Zaghai-Ratcliffe, the most famous of the British iranian dual nationals being held in Ervin jail since 2016. Her family had been to the jail on Sunday to lobby for her release, but the logic behind those being released and detained is unclear.There was no word on the fate of Nazanin Zaghai-Ratcliffe, the most famous of the British iranian dual nationals being held in Ervin jail since 2016. Her family had been to the jail on Sunday to lobby for her release, but the logic behind those being released and detained is unclear.
The campaign to free her has been retweeting reaction to the Iranian government’s announcement.The campaign to free her has been retweeting reaction to the Iranian government’s announcement.
On the island of Jamaica, political and social messages have long been spread through the dancehalls and music, and so it is with coronavirus.On the island of Jamaica, political and social messages have long been spread through the dancehalls and music, and so it is with coronavirus.
Just days after the island’s first confirmed case, an educational single, New Hail, was released to teach listeners how to avoid spreading the virus.Just days after the island’s first confirmed case, an educational single, New Hail, was released to teach listeners how to avoid spreading the virus.
As well as trying to popularise a new method for greeting your friends, New Hail, by Zagga, educates listeners about hygiene, including covering their mouths when they cough, and eating the right foods to fortify their immune systems.As well as trying to popularise a new method for greeting your friends, New Hail, by Zagga, educates listeners about hygiene, including covering their mouths when they cough, and eating the right foods to fortify their immune systems.
Explaining his reasons for recording the song, Zagga told the Jamaica Star:Explaining his reasons for recording the song, Zagga told the Jamaica Star:
Despite the dancehalls closing, many fans had also been hoping that a new dance would emerge to mark the coronavirus crisis. But dance star Ding Dong of the Ravers Clavers dance crew has refused calls to come up with a new coronavirus move, calling the outbreak “a serious matter”. He told the Star:Despite the dancehalls closing, many fans had also been hoping that a new dance would emerge to mark the coronavirus crisis. But dance star Ding Dong of the Ravers Clavers dance crew has refused calls to come up with a new coronavirus move, calling the outbreak “a serious matter”. He told the Star:
With 12 confirmed cases as of yesterday, Jamaica’s lack of advanced medical infrastructure and close links countries with surging outbreaks, such as the UK, United States and Canada, makes it potentially vulnerable. Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area on Friday, and announced a travel ban on visitors from the UK, the source of the Jamaica’s first case.With 12 confirmed cases as of yesterday, Jamaica’s lack of advanced medical infrastructure and close links countries with surging outbreaks, such as the UK, United States and Canada, makes it potentially vulnerable. Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area on Friday, and announced a travel ban on visitors from the UK, the source of the Jamaica’s first case.
On Monday, Holness announced a raft of restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, including calling for all non-essential public and private sector employees to work from home, a ban on public gatherings of more than 20 people; the closure of all bars, nightclubs and other entertainments; and restrictions on numbers in taxis and on public transport.On Monday, Holness announced a raft of restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, including calling for all non-essential public and private sector employees to work from home, a ban on public gatherings of more than 20 people; the closure of all bars, nightclubs and other entertainments; and restrictions on numbers in taxis and on public transport.
Penalties for anyone caught breaking the rules include imprisonment for up to 12 months and a maximum J$1m fine.Penalties for anyone caught breaking the rules include imprisonment for up to 12 months and a maximum J$1m fine.
Britain’s Tate - one of the UK’s major tourist attractions - has become one of the first national museums and galleries to announce closure.Britain’s Tate - one of the UK’s major tourist attractions - has become one of the first national museums and galleries to announce closure.
It said it would close Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives and Tate Liverpool from 18 March until 1 May.It said it would close Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives and Tate Liverpool from 18 March until 1 May.
In a statement to its members Tate said:In a statement to its members Tate said:
Many other smaller galleries, from the Baltic in Gateshead to the Serpentine in London, have announced they are closing until further notice.
The museum and gallery sector is anxiously awaiting the statement from chancellor Rishi Sunak on what government help there will be to get through the crisis.The museum and gallery sector is anxiously awaiting the statement from chancellor Rishi Sunak on what government help there will be to get through the crisis.
Sharon Heal, director of the Museums Association, called for an emergency fund to be created. She added: “The government has earmarked £120m for a ‘festival of Britain’ in 2022. We believe this should now be made available to support museums at risk of permanent closure as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.”Sharon Heal, director of the Museums Association, called for an emergency fund to be created. She added: “The government has earmarked £120m for a ‘festival of Britain’ in 2022. We believe this should now be made available to support museums at risk of permanent closure as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.”
UK airports may shut down “within weeks without Government intervention”, according to the Airport Operators Association, which represents companies running British hubs.UK airports may shut down “within weeks without Government intervention”, according to the Airport Operators Association, which represents companies running British hubs.
The trade body’s chief executive Karen Dee said: “Governments across the world are supporting their national aviation industries, as many parts of the global travel industry have come to a halt.The trade body’s chief executive Karen Dee said: “Governments across the world are supporting their national aviation industries, as many parts of the global travel industry have come to a halt.
“As some airlines call on the UK Government to act similarly, we are clear that airports will shut down in weeks unless urgent action is taken to support the industry.”“As some airlines call on the UK Government to act similarly, we are clear that airports will shut down in weeks unless urgent action is taken to support the industry.”
She called for measures including:She called for measures including:
• emergency financing as a measure of last resort • Requiring banks to temporarily not enforce financial performance-based banking covenants • Suspending business rates and other government and local government rates and taxes on airports• emergency financing as a measure of last resort • Requiring banks to temporarily not enforce financial performance-based banking covenants • Suspending business rates and other government and local government rates and taxes on airports
Britain is facing a wartime scenario for its public finances as it seeks to offset the coronavirus hit to companies through higher public spending and borrowing, the country’s independent budget office said on Tuesday.Britain is facing a wartime scenario for its public finances as it seeks to offset the coronavirus hit to companies through higher public spending and borrowing, the country’s independent budget office said on Tuesday.
Robert Chote, head of the Office for Budget Responsibility, told MPs today that Britain’s budget deficit hit 20% of economic output during World War Two and he said now was not the time for the government to be squeamish about higher debt.Robert Chote, head of the Office for Budget Responsibility, told MPs today that Britain’s budget deficit hit 20% of economic output during World War Two and he said now was not the time for the government to be squeamish about higher debt.
Chote’s evidence at a parliamentary committee has been streaming online.Chote’s evidence at a parliamentary committee has been streaming online.
It’s an issue that you can follow in more detail on our business liveblog here and is also likely dominate a press conference being given at 4pm local time by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, and the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak.It’s an issue that you can follow in more detail on our business liveblog here and is also likely dominate a press conference being given at 4pm local time by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, and the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak.
Both men will likely face questions about details of how the UK is going to replicate the massive fiscal support packages being rolled by other states, from France to New Zealand.Both men will likely face questions about details of how the UK is going to replicate the massive fiscal support packages being rolled by other states, from France to New Zealand.
My collague Andy Sparrow is also meanwhile livebloggin all political developments in the UK today.My collague Andy Sparrow is also meanwhile livebloggin all political developments in the UK today.
The health damage inflicted on people by long-standing air pollution in cities is likely to increase the death rate from coronavirus infections, experts have said.The health damage inflicted on people by long-standing air pollution in cities is likely to increase the death rate from coronavirus infections, experts have said.
Dirty air is known to cause lung and heart damage and is responsible for at least 8m early deaths a year. This underlying health damage means respiratory infections, such as coronavirus, may well have a more serious impact on city dwellers and those exposed to toxic fumes, than on others.Dirty air is known to cause lung and heart damage and is responsible for at least 8m early deaths a year. This underlying health damage means respiratory infections, such as coronavirus, may well have a more serious impact on city dwellers and those exposed to toxic fumes, than on others.
However, strict confinement measures in China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, and in Italy, Europe’s most affected nation, have led to falls in air pollution as fewer vehicles are driven and industrial emissions fall.However, strict confinement measures in China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, and in Italy, Europe’s most affected nation, have led to falls in air pollution as fewer vehicles are driven and industrial emissions fall.
A preliminary calculation by a US expert suggests that tens of thousands of premature deaths from air pollution may have been avoided by the cleaner air in China, far higher than the 3,208 coronavirus deaths.A preliminary calculation by a US expert suggests that tens of thousands of premature deaths from air pollution may have been avoided by the cleaner air in China, far higher than the 3,208 coronavirus deaths.
In Jordan, the army has said it will deploy at entrances and exits of main cities in the kingdom in a move officials said was ahead of an imminent announcement of a state of emergency to combat the spread of coronavirus.In Jordan, the army has said it will deploy at entrances and exits of main cities in the kingdom in a move officials said was ahead of an imminent announcement of a state of emergency to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The country, which has already announced a tight lockdown after the number of confirmed cases of the virus rose to least 34, was about to take further imminent steps that include announcing a state of emergency, officials told Reuters.The country, which has already announced a tight lockdown after the number of confirmed cases of the virus rose to least 34, was about to take further imminent steps that include announcing a state of emergency, officials told Reuters.
“These measures aim at preventing the spread of coronavirus,” said an army statement.“These measures aim at preventing the spread of coronavirus,” said an army statement.
Britain’s hospitality industry could effectively be destroyed without urgent state help to get through the coronavirus pandemic, industry leaders have warned.Britain’s hospitality industry could effectively be destroyed without urgent state help to get through the coronavirus pandemic, industry leaders have warned.
Pubs and restaurant owners are calling for immediate financial support after Boris Johnson advised people not to go out but stopped short of ordering entertainment venues to close.Pubs and restaurant owners are calling for immediate financial support after Boris Johnson advised people not to go out but stopped short of ordering entertainment venues to close.
The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has added his voice to the plea for clarity, saying the UK should be following measures being enacted in other countries such as France.The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has added his voice to the plea for clarity, saying the UK should be following measures being enacted in other countries such as France.
The British Beer and Pub Association has written to the prime minister, demanding urgent steps be taken to prevent mass job losses and permanent pub closures.The British Beer and Pub Association has written to the prime minister, demanding urgent steps be taken to prevent mass job losses and permanent pub closures.
The letter, seen by the PA Media news agency and dated Monday, follows the government issuing new advice for people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.The letter, seen by the PA Media news agency and dated Monday, follows the government issuing new advice for people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
South-east Asian countries, which had previously reported low case numbers, are continuing to see a rise in infections following an increase of testing.South-east Asian countries, which had previously reported low case numbers, are continuing to see a rise in infections following an increase of testing.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has just reported another 26 cases, bringing its total to 172.Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has just reported another 26 cases, bringing its total to 172.
The country of 264 million did not record its first cases until 2 March. A week ago, the country had carried out only 220 tests; it has now done nearly 1,000.The country of 264 million did not record its first cases until 2 March. A week ago, the country had carried out only 220 tests; it has now done nearly 1,000.
The Philippines also reported another 45 cases on Tuesday afternoon, bringing its total to 185. Its cases rose from six to 140 just last week.The Philippines also reported another 45 cases on Tuesday afternoon, bringing its total to 185. Its cases rose from six to 140 just last week.
Earlier today, officials in Thailand reported a further 30 people had tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 177. The cabinet approved plans to close schools and postpone the traditional New Year celebration, Songkran, due to be held from 13-15 April.Earlier today, officials in Thailand reported a further 30 people had tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 177. The cabinet approved plans to close schools and postpone the traditional New Year celebration, Songkran, due to be held from 13-15 April.
Several countries in the region, including the Philippines and Malaysia, have recently introduced sweeping restrictions affecting millions of people.Several countries in the region, including the Philippines and Malaysia, have recently introduced sweeping restrictions affecting millions of people.
Facebook and Google are among the technology firms that have issued a statement pledging to protect and inform people during the coronavirus outbreak.Facebook and Google are among the technology firms that have issued a statement pledging to protect and inform people during the coronavirus outbreak.
The group of companies have said they have committed to work together and with governments in response to the pandemic.The group of companies have said they have committed to work together and with governments in response to the pandemic.
In a joint statement, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit and YouTube said they would help ensure people could stay connected to each other during isolation as well as fight any misinformation and fraud linked to the outbreak.In a joint statement, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit and YouTube said they would help ensure people could stay connected to each other during isolation as well as fight any misinformation and fraud linked to the outbreak.
“We are working closely together on Covid-19 response efforts,” the statement said.“We are working closely together on Covid-19 response efforts,” the statement said.
“We’re helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in co-ordination with government healthcare agencies around the world.“We’re helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in co-ordination with government healthcare agencies around the world.
China has issued an angry reaction to US President Donald Trump’s characterisation of the disease as “the Chinese virus.”China has issued an angry reaction to US President Donald Trump’s characterisation of the disease as “the Chinese virus.”
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the US president should take care of his own matters first.China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the US president should take care of his own matters first.
“Some US politicians have tried to stigmatise China … which China strongly condemns. We urge the US to stop this despicable practice,” he said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.“Some US politicians have tried to stigmatise China … which China strongly condemns. We urge the US to stop this despicable practice,” he said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
“We are very angry and strongly oppose it,” he added, referring to Trump’s tweet.“We are very angry and strongly oppose it,” he added, referring to Trump’s tweet.
Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, has just announced that the government is going to start an operation to bring home thousands of citizens who have been stranded abroad by the coronavirus. He has set aside €50m to do so. We are expecting more details on that soon.Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, has just announced that the government is going to start an operation to bring home thousands of citizens who have been stranded abroad by the coronavirus. He has set aside €50m to do so. We are expecting more details on that soon.
Meanwhile across the country, people are scrambling to buy last-minute items from shops that are considered non-essential for daily life, after the government’s surprise announcement last night that, from tomorrow, most shops will be forced to close. Supermarkets, chemists and medical stores are allowed to stay open, even on Sundays (there is normally a Sunday trading ban for most shops in Germany). Ikea has closed its 53 German stores, but has said its online store remains open.Meanwhile across the country, people are scrambling to buy last-minute items from shops that are considered non-essential for daily life, after the government’s surprise announcement last night that, from tomorrow, most shops will be forced to close. Supermarkets, chemists and medical stores are allowed to stay open, even on Sundays (there is normally a Sunday trading ban for most shops in Germany). Ikea has closed its 53 German stores, but has said its online store remains open.
The government has advised citizens against all non-essential travel within Germany as well as abroad.The government has advised citizens against all non-essential travel within Germany as well as abroad.
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at over 7,000 this morning, with 17 deaths (though that figure is now several hours old and is due to be updated soon), German hospitals chiefs have said they are gearing up to increase their intensive bed capacity nationwide from the current 28,000 to 34,000 with ventilators.As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at over 7,000 this morning, with 17 deaths (though that figure is now several hours old and is due to be updated soon), German hospitals chiefs have said they are gearing up to increase their intensive bed capacity nationwide from the current 28,000 to 34,000 with ventilators.
Currently 25,000 intensive care beds have ventilators. With 34,000 beds, experts say as long as the current measures slow down the spread of the virus sufficiently, they should be able to treat the tens of thousands they expect to have to be admitted to hospital over the next few months.Currently 25,000 intensive care beds have ventilators. With 34,000 beds, experts say as long as the current measures slow down the spread of the virus sufficiently, they should be able to treat the tens of thousands they expect to have to be admitted to hospital over the next few months.
In the corporate world, VW has said it will close production at all of its German plants and most of those in Europe. The last shift will take place on Friday, the VW boss Herbert Diess has said. The closures are initially planned for the next two to three weeks. On a positive note, production at the company’s plants in China has resumed again.In the corporate world, VW has said it will close production at all of its German plants and most of those in Europe. The last shift will take place on Friday, the VW boss Herbert Diess has said. The closures are initially planned for the next two to three weeks. On a positive note, production at the company’s plants in China has resumed again.
And most journalists, including the Guardian’s two-person team in Berlin, are now excluded from physically accessing government press conferences. We can, however, log in remotely via a livestream, and submit questions, the government has announced this morning. Large news agencies and Germany’s main broadcasters are still able to attend but numbers will be restricted.And most journalists, including the Guardian’s two-person team in Berlin, are now excluded from physically accessing government press conferences. We can, however, log in remotely via a livestream, and submit questions, the government has announced this morning. Large news agencies and Germany’s main broadcasters are still able to attend but numbers will be restricted.
Governments in Asia are preparing to tackle a “boomerang wave” of coronavirus cases as their nationals leave Europe, North America and the Middle East.Governments in Asia are preparing to tackle a “boomerang wave” of coronavirus cases as their nationals leave Europe, North America and the Middle East.
The latest tally from mainland China, where the outbreak first began, showed 21 new confirmed cases on Monday, of which 20 involved infected travellers arriving from abroad, mostly Chinese nationals, Reuters reported. Hong Kong said most of the recent confirmed cases in the past two weeks were “imported”.The latest tally from mainland China, where the outbreak first began, showed 21 new confirmed cases on Monday, of which 20 involved infected travellers arriving from abroad, mostly Chinese nationals, Reuters reported. Hong Kong said most of the recent confirmed cases in the past two weeks were “imported”.
In Taiwan, 24 new cases up to Tuesday were all imported, while South Korea had 44 new infections involving infected travellers as of Sunday. Singapore confirmed 17 new infections on Monday, its biggest daily jump in cases, with 11 of those imported.In Taiwan, 24 new cases up to Tuesday were all imported, while South Korea had 44 new infections involving infected travellers as of Sunday. Singapore confirmed 17 new infections on Monday, its biggest daily jump in cases, with 11 of those imported.
Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, told a press briefing on Tuesday:Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, told a press briefing on Tuesday:
Ling, a Cambridge University student, spoke to Reuters after landing in Hong Kong wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves. She said:Ling, a Cambridge University student, spoke to Reuters after landing in Hong Kong wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves. She said: