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Coronavirus news: UK measures to last at least 'several months'; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners – live updates Coronavirus news: Euro 2020 postponed for a year; Australia tells citizens to fly home – 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 updates UK measures to last at least ‘several months’; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners; Saudi Arabia to stage virtual G20 summit. Follow the latest updates
The Euro 2020 football tournament has been postponed to 2021 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, the Norwegian Football Association has announced.
The tournament was due to have been held this year from 12 June to 12 July across 12 countries, including England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Norwegian FA tweeted: “Uefa has decided that the Euros should be postponed until 2021. It will be played from 11 June to 11 July next year.”
The postponement of the European Championship frees a month to try to finish club competitions including the Champions and Europa Leagues but will cause another headache, given the women’s European Championship is scheduled for 7 July to 1 August in England next year.
British people are being advised by the government against all non-essential travel abroad.
Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, has been making making a statement to MPs about new travel advice. You can follow my colleague Andy Sparrow’s coverage of that here.
He says for the next 30 days the government is advising against any non-essential travel globally.
He says this is partly because of the risk of people not being able to return, because so many countries are closing borders.
Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin, the National Public Health Institute in Germany, has said the risk to Germans was now “high”, adding that is the highest gradation there is.
He told a daily conference said that 99% of registered cases had so far survived the illness, and although he had “no idea” what the death rate would eventually be, at the moment all evidence points to the fact that only 1/5 of persons infected will be seriously ill.
Four out of five people will suffer only light symptoms or none at all. And according to information based on existing and previous cases, only around half of those who will be infected, actually get sick, “the other half do not notice it at all”, he said.
The RKI is developing various tools to assist Germany’s medical system, including one which monitors intensive bed capacity in order to enable the optimisation of the health system.
Stanley Johnson, father of the UK prime minister, has indicated he would ignore official advice to tackle the spread of coronavirus and still go to the pub.
His comments came a day after Boris Johnson urged everyone to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues”.
The prime minister said the advice was particularly important for people over 70. But Stanley Johnson, 79, said: “Of course I’ll go to a pub if I need to go to a pub.”
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, he said landlords “don’t want people to be not in the pub at all”.
His comments come as the industry voices concern that the measures could result in mass job losses and permanent pub closures. He suggested his son’s government would produce a major financial package to support businesses.
This is a pandemic that will open up sinkholes in society and volunteers may have to help out in services from deliveries to education, writes Gaby Hinsliff in the Guardian today.This is a pandemic that will open up sinkholes in society and volunteers may have to help out in services from deliveries to education, writes Gaby Hinsliff in the Guardian today.
In Scotland, no new jury trials will begin until further notice as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.The Scottish courts and tribunals announced today that no new criminal jury trials would be commenced or new juries empanelled until further notice. The measure follows yesterday’s extraordinary advice that the general public stay at home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary social contact.In a statement, the Scottish authorities said jury trials that have already commenced would run to conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.“It is likely that further measures will be announced in the coming days,” the statement notes.In Scotland, no new jury trials will begin until further notice as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.The Scottish courts and tribunals announced today that no new criminal jury trials would be commenced or new juries empanelled until further notice. The measure follows yesterday’s extraordinary advice that the general public stay at home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary social contact.In a statement, the Scottish authorities said jury trials that have already commenced would run to conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.“It is likely that further measures will be announced in the coming days,” the statement notes.
Saudi Arabia to stage ‘virtual’ G20 summitSaudi Arabia to stage ‘virtual’ G20 summit
Saudi Arabia, the current chair of the group of the 20 most industrialised nations, is to stage a virtual G20 summit in the coming days in a bid to show world leaders have coordinated medical and economic plans to control coronavirus.Saudi Arabia, the current chair of the group of the 20 most industrialised nations, is to stage a virtual G20 summit in the coming days in a bid to show world leaders have coordinated medical and economic plans to control coronavirus.
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 also brings in China, India, Brazil, Russia, Korea, Turkey, Australia and South Africa, and other big drivers of the world economyMembers 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 also brings in China, India, Brazil, Russia, Korea, Turkey, Australia and South Africa, and other big drivers of the world economy
Iran to free tens of thousands of prisonersIran to free tens of thousands of prisoners
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.
British change in strategy defendedBritish change in strategy defended
Britain had “no time to lose” in changing tactics in order to prevent thousands of deaths and the NHS being overwhelmed, scientists providing guidance to the UK government have said.Britain had “no time to lose” in changing tactics in order to prevent thousands of deaths and the NHS being overwhelmed, scientists providing guidance to the UK government have said.
The Imperial College Covid-19 response team – which is one of several scientific teams advising UK ministers – published a paper showing that 250,000 people could die if efforts were focused only on delaying and slowing down the spread of Covid-19.The Imperial College Covid-19 response team – which is one of several scientific teams advising UK ministers – published a paper showing that 250,000 people could die if efforts were focused only on delaying and slowing down the spread of Covid-19.
Separately, England’s deputy chief medical officer, Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, could not rule out the strict measures having to last for a year but predicted they would last at least “several months“.Separately, England’s deputy chief medical officer, Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, could not rule out the strict measures having to last for a year but predicted they would last at least “several months“.
Australians urged by government to come homeAustralians urged by government to come home
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Australians to return home as soon as possible by commercial means because overseas travel is becoming “more complex and difficult” as countries impose travel restrictions and close their borders.Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Australians to return home as soon as possible by commercial means because overseas travel is becoming “more complex and difficult” as countries impose travel restrictions and close their borders.
The new travel advice, issued on Tuesday night, triggered speculation that the Morrison government could be about to impose a lockdown in Australia. But officials told Guardian Australia that was not in contemplation.The new travel advice, issued on Tuesday night, triggered speculation that the Morrison government could be about to impose a lockdown in Australia. But officials told Guardian Australia that was not in contemplation.
EU to close all external bordersEU to close all external borders
The European Union is set to endorse the strictest travel ban in its history – with France joining Italy and Spain in full lockdown – as Donald Trump told Americans to change their behaviour, acknowledging for the first time that beating the coronavirus could take months.The European Union is set to endorse the strictest travel ban in its history – with France joining Italy and Spain in full lockdown – as Donald Trump told Americans to change their behaviour, acknowledging for the first time that beating the coronavirus could take months.
Leaders of EU states were expected on Tuesday to suspend all travel into the passport-free Schengen zone by non-EU nationals for at least 30 days in a bid to instil uniformity across the bloc after some member states, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland, unilaterally began imposing border checks.Leaders of EU states were expected on Tuesday to suspend all travel into the passport-free Schengen zone by non-EU nationals for at least 30 days in a bid to instil uniformity across the bloc after some member states, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland, unilaterally began imposing border checks.
Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, just announced that the government was going to start an operation to bring home thousands of citizens who have been stranded abroad by the coronavirus.Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, just announced that the government was going to start an operation to bring home thousands of citizens who have been stranded abroad by the coronavirus.
Global quarantines enforced and cities locked downGlobal quarantines enforced and cities locked down
More countries and cities around the world followed each other in locking down borders and introducing draconian restrictions on citizens’ movements or enforcing quarantines on new arrivalsMore countries and cities around the world followed each other in locking down borders and introducing draconian restrictions on citizens’ movements or enforcing quarantines on new arrivals
They included moves by Vietnam to start mandatory quarantine of all arrivals from the US, Europe and countries from the Asean group. In India, airports and hospitals in Mumbai were ordered to use 14-day ink to stamp the left hand of those who were to be quarantined at home.They included moves by Vietnam to start mandatory quarantine of all arrivals from the US, Europe and countries from the Asean group. In India, airports and hospitals in Mumbai were ordered to use 14-day ink to stamp the left hand of those who were to be quarantined at home.
More than 150 die in Spain in past 24 hoursMore than 150 die in Spain in past 24 hours
In Spain, one of the European countries hardest hit, the virus claimed more than 150 lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 491 people, health authorities said Tuesday.In Spain, one of the European countries hardest hit, the virus claimed more than 150 lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 491 people, health authorities said Tuesday.
The number of confirmed cases across the country now sits at 11,178 – the first time that known cases in Spain have officially passed the 10,000 mark. Nearly half of the cases are in the Madrid region. Among the latest to test positive were several more players and coaching staff of La Liga’s Valencia.The number of confirmed cases across the country now sits at 11,178 – the first time that known cases in Spain have officially passed the 10,000 mark. Nearly half of the cases are in the Madrid region. Among the latest to test positive were several more players and coaching staff of La Liga’s Valencia.
China reacts angrily to Trump ‘China Virus’ tweetChina reacts angrily to Trump ‘China Virus’ tweet
China has issued an angry reaction to the 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 and not seek to “stigmatise” China.China has issued an angry reaction to the 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 and not seek to “stigmatise” China.
Coronavirus upends US presidential primaries.Coronavirus upends US presidential primaries.
Three US states will hold their Democratic presidential primaries as scheduled on Tuesday, but an election in Ohio was thrust into chaos when the state defied a judge’s orders and proceeded to delay the election hours before polls open amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.Three US states will hold their Democratic presidential primaries as scheduled on Tuesday, but an election in Ohio was thrust into chaos when the state defied a judge’s orders and proceeded to delay the election hours before polls open amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are competing again on Tuesday for the opportunity to lead their party in a campaign season suddenly overshadowed by a pandemic that closed borders, shaken the economy and swept every corner of public life.Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are competing again on Tuesday for the opportunity to lead their party in a campaign season suddenly overshadowed by a pandemic that closed borders, shaken the economy and swept every corner of public life.
Research on vaccines and treatments progressResearch on vaccines and treatments progress
China has authorised clinical trials on its first vaccine developed to combat the new coronavirus, state media reported on Tuesday.China has authorised clinical trials on its first vaccine developed to combat the new coronavirus, state media reported on Tuesday.
In other developments, US company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said it had identified hundreds of antibodies that could potentially treat the coronavirus.In other developments, US company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said it had identified hundreds of antibodies that could potentially treat the coronavirus.
Cancellation of Uefa 2020 loomsCancellation of Uefa 2020 looms
The postponement of soccer’s Euro 2020 Championship may already have been decided after Uefa last week cancelled its hotel bookings in Copenhagen.The postponement of soccer’s Euro 2020 Championship may already have been decided after Uefa last week cancelled its hotel bookings in Copenhagen.
Uefa has called a video conference 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.Uefa has called a video conference 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.
Thailand and Cambodia report new casesThailand and Cambodia report new cases
Thailand reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, raising the total to 177, with 70-80% of them in Bangkok, according to the health ministry. Cambodia reported 12 new cases, bringing the total to 24.Thailand reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, raising the total to 177, with 70-80% of them in Bangkok, according to the health ministry. Cambodia reported 12 new cases, bringing the total to 24.
It was an eloquent exhortation: “We are asking our people, in order to pull together, to stay apart.”It was an eloquent exhortation: “We are asking our people, in order to pull together, to stay apart.”
The words of Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign minister, captured Ireland on St Patrick’s day when deserted streets, shuttered pubs and silence – a thick silence, stripped of cheers and speeches and marching bands – showed a communion of spirit.The words of Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign minister, captured Ireland on St Patrick’s day when deserted streets, shuttered pubs and silence – a thick silence, stripped of cheers and speeches and marching bands – showed a communion of spirit.
Instead of a gathering of the diaspora with parades and paeans to Irishness, national identity found expression in social distancing, a quiet and stillness that produced a St Patrick’s day like no other.Instead of a gathering of the diaspora with parades and paeans to Irishness, national identity found expression in social distancing, a quiet and stillness that produced a St Patrick’s day like no other.
Families wore green, paraded around their living rooms, shared images of the Niagara Falls and other international landmarks turned green, and generally made the best of it.Families wore green, paraded around their living rooms, shared images of the Niagara Falls and other international landmarks turned green, and generally made the best of it.
The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and the University of Limerick released a video of the song Mo Ghile Mear that celebrated the global nature of Irish culture.The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and the University of Limerick released a video of the song Mo Ghile Mear that celebrated the global nature of Irish culture.
A photo on the front page of the Irish Times showed a grandmother greeting two granddaughters with a huge smile and open arms, her palms pressed against the glass separating them.A photo on the front page of the Irish Times showed a grandmother greeting two granddaughters with a huge smile and open arms, her palms pressed against the glass separating them.
Coveney made his appeal for social distancing last week when Ireland closed schools and universities, banned large gatherings and urged people to miniminise contact.Coveney made his appeal for social distancing last week when Ireland closed schools and universities, banned large gatherings and urged people to miniminise contact.
Not everyone got the message: images of packed pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar district last weekend prompted an outcry. Pubs and nightclubs subsequently shut. The penny seemed to drop.Not everyone got the message: images of packed pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar district last weekend prompted an outcry. Pubs and nightclubs subsequently shut. The penny seemed to drop.
On Monday the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, warned that Ireland’s 223 cases of coronavirus may balloon to 15,000 in just two weeks.On Monday the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, warned that Ireland’s 223 cases of coronavirus may balloon to 15,000 in just two weeks.
On Tuesday Lidle and Tesco supermarkets asked shoppers to respect a new policy: 9-11am is reserved for the elderly, to minimise their exposure to contagion. Anecdotal evidence in Dublin suggested it was going well.On Tuesday Lidle and Tesco supermarkets asked shoppers to respect a new policy: 9-11am is reserved for the elderly, to minimise their exposure to contagion. Anecdotal evidence in Dublin suggested it was going well.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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 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”.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.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.”