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Coronavirus news: UK measures to last at least 'several months'; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners – 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
In the UK, the network coverage website Down Detector is showing a surge in reports of issues with most of the country’s major mobile networks.
It comes as many Britons are working from home and, presumably, much more reliant on their mobile devices to make work calls, emails and other communications.
From the graphs shown on the Down Detector home page, reports of problems began to accelerate from around 9am this morning, before peaking just after 11am. The rate of reports now appears to be slowing.
Saudi Arabia, the current chair of the group of the world’s 20 most industrialised nations, is to stage a virtual G20 summit in the coming days in a bid to show global leaders have coordinated medical and economic plans to control coronavirus.
Some members of the G20, mainly western nations and Japan, held a smaller virtual summit on Monday promising to do whatever it takes to bring the west through the crisis.
The G20 includes China, India, Brazil, Russia, Korea, Turkey, Australia and South Africa, and other big drivers of the world economy.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has been pressing hardest in public for such a summit, but the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez also called for the e-meeting in a phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The next formal summit of the G20 is not scheduled until November in Riyadh.
Largely established by Gordon Brown, the Labour leader at the time of the financial crisis in 2008, the G20 is seen as the more natural forum to develop an international economic response.
Several sources are reporting that UK mobile phone networks including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and GiffGaff are reporting problems and connectivity issues.
I’m investigating and will give you more information as soon as I have it.
The government of Italy has announced it is to renationalise the former national carrier Alitalia to make sure Italian nationals are never again left stranded overseas by a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic.
The takeover, part of a €25bn coronavirus response plan, will cost taxpayers up to €600m, AFP reports. Deputy economy minister Laura Castelli told Italian radio on Tuesday:
The transport minister Paola De Micheli said a “national carrier was strategic for our country at a time of crisis”.
Alitalia faced the threat of closure even before Covid-19 killed more than 2,100 people in Italy and grounded the overwhelming majority of most airlines’ flights. The 74-year-old company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and looked doomed in January when it failed to secure rescues from either the Italian state railway or Germany’s Lufthansa.
The Pakistan Super League has seen its knockout stages called off after Alex Hales, the England batsman, returned home early from the tournament and went into self-isolation due to symptoms that could indicate Covid-19.The Pakistan Super League has seen its knockout stages called off after Alex Hales, the England batsman, returned home early from the tournament and went into self-isolation due to symptoms that could indicate Covid-19.
Hales was among the overseas cricketers who opted to leave the PSL last week due to uncertainty over travel restrictions. On Monday the 31-year-old Nottinghamshire opener stated on Twitter: “Self-isolation begins… TV series to binge-watch please?!”, with that post subsequently deleted.Hales was among the overseas cricketers who opted to leave the PSL last week due to uncertainty over travel restrictions. On Monday the 31-year-old Nottinghamshire opener stated on Twitter: “Self-isolation begins… TV series to binge-watch please?!”, with that post subsequently deleted.
Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan captain who has been commentating on the PSL, told reporters: “It is an unfortunate scenario. A good and right decision has been made in the end. The news is coming, you people will know more.Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan captain who has been commentating on the PSL, told reporters: “It is an unfortunate scenario. A good and right decision has been made in the end. The news is coming, you people will know more.
“Alex Hales has developed some symptoms and the tests are under way. We, the broadcasters and commentators, are also undergoing tests in the next two hours.”“Alex Hales has developed some symptoms and the tests are under way. We, the broadcasters and commentators, are also undergoing tests in the next two hours.”
A leading scientist behind the modelling of the spread of the coronavirus has said that shutting schools would reduce the transmission of the disease, as pressure grows on the government to introduce closures.A leading scientist behind the modelling of the spread of the coronavirus has said that shutting schools would reduce the transmission of the disease, as pressure grows on the government to introduce closures.
Prof Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London and director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, said that while it was not fully understood whether children transmitted the virus in the same way as other illnesses, school closures was a measure that could have an effect.Prof Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London and director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, said that while it was not fully understood whether children transmitted the virus in the same way as other illnesses, school closures was a measure that could have an effect.
Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Tuesday, Ferguson said: “From a purely epidemiological perspective we think, with a lot of uncertainty, that closing schools and universities would further reduce transmission.”Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Tuesday, Ferguson said: “From a purely epidemiological perspective we think, with a lot of uncertainty, that closing schools and universities would further reduce transmission.”
Huge numbers of cinemas across the UK and Ireland are shutting down due to the coronavirus, Andrew Pulver reports.Huge numbers of cinemas across the UK and Ireland are shutting down due to the coronavirus, Andrew Pulver reports.
Major chains, including Odeon, Cineworld and Picturehouse, as well as BFI Southbank, the screening complex operated by the British Film Institute, have announced they are closing their doors with largely immediate effect.Major chains, including Odeon, Cineworld and Picturehouse, as well as BFI Southbank, the screening complex operated by the British Film Institute, have announced they are closing their doors with largely immediate effect.
The latest figures from Iran show 135 new deaths from the coronavirus outbreak - a 13% spike - raising the death toll to 988 in what is one of the world’s worst affected countries. The latest figures from Iran show 135 new deaths from the coronavirus outbreak - a 13% rise - raising the death toll to 988 in what is one of the world’s worst affected countries.
Iranian health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour, who reported the latest number at a televised news conference on Tuesday. He said there were 16,169 infections in the country, which has temporarily freed 85,000 prisoners in an effort to stop the virus spreading through jails. Iranian health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour, who reported the latest number at a televised news conference on Tuesday, said there were 16,169 infections in the country, which has temporarily freed 85,000 prisoners in an effort to stop the virus spreading through jails.
Friday will mark the Persian New Year, Nowruz, raising fears of people traveling and further spreading the virus.Friday will mark the Persian New Year, Nowruz, raising fears of people traveling and further spreading the virus.
The postponement of soccer’s Euro2020 Championship may already have been decided after UEFA last week cancelled its hotel bookings in Copenhagen, one of the host cities, reports Reuters. The postponement of soccer’s Euro 2020 Championship may already have been decided after Uefa last week cancelled its hotel bookings in Copenhagen, one of the host cities, reports Reuters.
The CPH Hotel told the news agency over the phone that UEFA had booked 80 of its 102 rooms but cancelled them a little over a week ago. The Marienlyst Strandhotel, where the Danish team usually bases itself, told Reuters in an email that UEFA had cancelled the rooms booked on behalf of the Danish side. The CPH Hotel told the news agency over the phone that Uefa had booked 80 of its 102 rooms but cancelled them just over a week ago. The Marienlyst Strandhotel, where the Danish team usually bases itself, told Reuters in an email that Uefa had cancelled the rooms booked on behalf of the Danish side.
The Guardian’s David Conn meanwhile reports here in more depth on the unknown question of restarting leagues across Europe, as well as the likely cancellation of Euro 2020.The Guardian’s David Conn meanwhile reports here in more depth on the unknown question of restarting leagues across Europe, as well as the likely cancellation of Euro 2020.
He reports on how Uefa called a video conference last Thursday, for today, to discuss football’s response to the coronavirus crisis, with all 55 of Europe’s football associations, the European Club Association, European Leagues and the international players’ union Fifpro.He reports on how Uefa called a video conference last Thursday, for today, to discuss football’s response to the coronavirus crisis, with all 55 of Europe’s football associations, the European Club Association, European Leagues and the international players’ union Fifpro.
There is expected to be more than one meeting, probably with the FAs holding theirs separately.There is expected to be more than one meeting, probably with the FAs holding theirs separately.
There was some criticism when the video-conferences were announced that no supporters organisations are included, although the postponement of matches clearly affects fans in huge numbers.There was some criticism when the video-conferences were announced that no supporters organisations are included, although the postponement of matches clearly affects fans in huge numbers.
Australians are being urged to fly home as soon as possible to avoid being stranded overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic.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.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.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.“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.”“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 hereThe 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.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).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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 said.“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 said.
Iran refers to political prisoners as security prisoners, and has been under intense pressure to speed up its prisoner release programme as the coronavirus outbreak spreads through its jails.Iran refers to political prisoners as security prisoners, and has been under intense pressure to speed up its prisoner release programme 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. The authorities have already released tens of thousands from 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. The authorities have already released tens of thousands from jails.
The World Health Health Organization 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 Organization 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. Among those released was Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of the 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. Among those released was Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of the opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.
There was no word on the fate of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the most famous of the British-Iranian dual nationals being held in Ervin jail since 2016. Her family went 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 Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the most famous of the British-Iranian dual nationals being held in Ervin jail since 2016. Her family went 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 to countries with 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 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.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 the 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 the 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.”