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Coronavirus news: Britain needs 'big increase in testing,' says government adviser; Euro 2020 postponed for a year – live updates Coronavirus news: Britain needs 'big increase in testing,' says government adviser; Euro 2020 postponed for a year – live updates
(32 minutes later)
UK measures to last at least ‘several months’; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners; Australia tells citizens to fly home. Follow the latest updatesUK measures to last at least ‘several months’; Iran temporarily releases thousands of prisoners; Australia tells citizens to fly home. Follow the latest updates
School closures have all sorts of complicating effects, including leading to children being with grandparents and having an impact on the workforce, MPs have been told by the chief scientific advisor. Julian Assange, the founder of the whistleblowing website Wikileaks, must be released from a British prison before the coronavirus spreads among inmates, accorinding to campaigners for him.
The Don’t Extradite Assange (DEA) campaign added that prison authorities had signalled that prison inmates will be especially vulnerable to the virus.
WikiLeaks ambassador Joseph Farrell said: “With the authorities about to end social visits it’s essential that Julian Assange be included in any release policy. His health is already in jeopardy and further isolation would be damaging in itself, let alone the threat that he might contract the virus itself.”
Assange is fighting extradition to the US, where he faces 18 charges in the US of attempted hacking and breaches of the Espionage Act over the publication of classified US cables a decade ago.
His defence argues that he should be protected from extradition because the US-UK treaty rules it out for political offences.
Far from taking the coronavirus threat seriously, thousands of Argentines, rather than going into self-isolation during the government-mandated two-week leave of absence from non-essential jobs, are rushing to the beach in the last days of Argentina’s southern hemisphere summer.
A line of cars two kilometres long queued outside the Atlantic beach resort of Monte Hermoso Monday, waiting to get in and take advantage of the warm weather.
“There’s a lot of irresponsibility and little understanding by people,” Monte Hermoso mayor Alejandro Dichiara, said in a radio interview.
“We need to stay home and not contaminate.”
“Can somebody explain to me why so many people are going to Monte Hermoso at this hour? It’s a quarantine.. not holidays! We never learn,” Leandro Grecco, a resident of the city of Ingeniero White, in the same province of Buenos Aires as Monter Hermoso, asked in the caption to a video he tweeted of the long line of cars.
Argentina reported nine new cases of coronavirus Monday, including a health worker, bringing the total number of cases to 65, including two reported deaths, almost all recent arrivals from Europe, at least one from the US and another from Israel.
A letter has been sent to UK hospitals postponing all non-urgent elective surgery until April, reports James Illman of the Health Service Journal.
People need to urgently change their behaviour in order to limit how coronavirus is transmitted, according to academics whose research in the UK suggests that workplaces were “hotspots” for transmission by younger people. But for the over-65s, it’s shops and restaurants.
That comes from a piece in the Guardian by Petra Klepac, assistant professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The sensible thing at the moment would be to avoid ibuprofen in cases of people who have coronavirus amid some uncertainty about its impact, MPs have been told by the UK’s chief scientific adviser.
Take something else such as paracetamol, added Sir Patrick Vallance.
His comments, in answer to a question at a parliamentary committee, come after experts criticised Britain’s NHS advice that people self-isolating with Covid-19 should take ibuprofen, saying there is plausible evidence this could aggravate the condition.
French authorities have warned against taking widely used over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. The country’s health minister, Olivier Véran, a qualified doctor and neurologist, tweeted on Saturday: “The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone … ] could be a factor in aggravating the infection. In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.”
Vallance’s testimony has now ended.
The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Tuesday is 1,950, up from 1,543 on Monday, the country’s Department of Health has said.
A total of 50,442 people have been tested with 48,492 negative results. The department said an update on the number of deaths would be announced later on Tuesday.
This summer’s European Championship has been postponed until the summer of 2021, Uefa has decided, as it contemplates the unprecedented disruption caused by the coronavirus.
European football’s governing body held its scheduled conference call with Europe’s 55 national football associations at 12pm UK time, and 17 minutes later the Norwegian FA was the first to tweet the news that the tournament had been postponed until next year. Shortly after 2pm GMT, Uefa confirmed the news in a statement.
The proposed new dates are 11 June until 11 July 2021, with decisions on dates for other club and international competitions for men or women to “be taken and announced in due course”.
Meanwhile, on the UK footballing scene National League club Barnet have responded to the suspension of football during the coronavirus crisis by putting all the club’s non-playing staff on immediate notice of redundancy.
The club’s owner, the businessman Tony Kleanthous, told the Guardian there are approximately 60 employees being laid off, and he was holding meetings with them all on Tuesday.
Kleanthous said that as players’ contracts are protected in football and cannot be terminated early, clubs’ general employees are the ones vulnerable, and with no money coming in, he said he had no choice but to lay everybody off.
He called on the Football Association to give more leadership in the crisis, and for the Premier League to set up financial assistance for clubs lower down the football pyramid.
The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has been providing his daily update, which you can follow here:
School closures have all sorts of complicating effects, including leading to children being with grandparents and having an impact on the workforce, MPs have been told by the chief scientific adviser.
He points out that Taiwan - which has been very successful in suppressing the virus - has not closed their schools. But it is still on the table here in the UK and one of the levers which could be pulled.He points out that Taiwan - which has been very successful in suppressing the virus - has not closed their schools. But it is still on the table here in the UK and one of the levers which could be pulled.
You can watch Vallance’s evidence here by the way.You can watch Vallance’s evidence here by the way.
Britain needs a big increase in testing, MPs have been told by Britain’s chief scientific adviser, who added that he is “pushing for it very hard”Britain needs a big increase in testing, MPs have been told by Britain’s chief scientific adviser, who added that he is “pushing for it very hard”
“The quicker we can get to a true community-based test the better,” said Sir Patrick Vallance.“The quicker we can get to a true community-based test the better,” said Sir Patrick Vallance.
He went on to say that at the moment entire households are being put into quarantine even if they do not have it, and may have to be put into quarantine again, but that is still the right thing.He went on to say that at the moment entire households are being put into quarantine even if they do not have it, and may have to be put into quarantine again, but that is still the right thing.
On tests, there are lots of laboratory tests being done and lots of people claiming to have them but a lot of work was being done in the UK now on that front.On tests, there are lots of laboratory tests being done and lots of people claiming to have them but a lot of work was being done in the UK now on that front.
Vallance suggested that the private sector could play a big part in testing being ramped up.Vallance suggested that the private sector could play a big part in testing being ramped up.
There was a question from Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, about whether Britain could and should follow the example of some Asian countries in using mobile phone tracking to identify movements of people who may have the virus - even though there may be civil liberties implicationsThere was a question from Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, about whether Britain could and should follow the example of some Asian countries in using mobile phone tracking to identify movements of people who may have the virus - even though there may be civil liberties implications
That approach would have made total sense back in January, replied Vallance, and may well yet come back into play at a later stage. But he knows that people are working very, very hard in the UK and elsewhere in developing that approach.That approach would have made total sense back in January, replied Vallance, and may well yet come back into play at a later stage. But he knows that people are working very, very hard in the UK and elsewhere in developing that approach.
The social distancing measures that have now been introduced in the UK should reduce the peak of the spread by around 50%, MPs have been told by Britain’s chief scientific adviser.The social distancing measures that have now been introduced in the UK should reduce the peak of the spread by around 50%, MPs have been told by Britain’s chief scientific adviser.
Sir Patrick Vallance also answered a particular question that has been exercising the minds of many people: why Britain has not continued with the mass testing in place in some other countries.Sir Patrick Vallance also answered a particular question that has been exercising the minds of many people: why Britain has not continued with the mass testing in place in some other countries.
Public Health England has done 44,000 tests so far, which is in the top three or four countries and the state body has a capacity of about three or four thousand a day, he said.Public Health England has done 44,000 tests so far, which is in the top three or four countries and the state body has a capacity of about three or four thousand a day, he said.
He went on to explain that one of the recommendations from the UK government’s “Sage” expert committee is that testing should be put in “the right place”. As capacity ramps up, it will be extended to other groups from the current focus on groups such as those now in hospital.He went on to explain that one of the recommendations from the UK government’s “Sage” expert committee is that testing should be put in “the right place”. As capacity ramps up, it will be extended to other groups from the current focus on groups such as those now in hospital.
The second type of testing – which is incredibly important – will be for those who have already had the virus and may be asymptomatic.The second type of testing – which is incredibly important – will be for those who have already had the virus and may be asymptomatic.
“it will change a lot if we can understand that,” he added.“it will change a lot if we can understand that,” he added.
The travel and tourism sector is in a fight for its very survival and governments should pursue a raft of measures to preserve as many as 50 million jobs at risk globally, a global trade body has warned.The travel and tourism sector is in a fight for its very survival and governments should pursue a raft of measures to preserve as many as 50 million jobs at risk globally, a global trade body has warned.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has implored governments around the world in an open letter to take drastic and immediate action to protect and preserve the travel & tourism sector.The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has implored governments around the world in an open letter to take drastic and immediate action to protect and preserve the travel & tourism sector.
The WTTC said that its figures show travel and tourism contributes 10.4% of global GDP, and 320 million jobs.The WTTC said that its figures show travel and tourism contributes 10.4% of global GDP, and 320 million jobs.
The WTTC president, Gloria Guevara, said:The WTTC president, Gloria Guevara, said:
In Britain, the archbishop of Canterbury has announced that public worship is “suspended until further notice”, but a Church of England spokesman said weddings and funerals could still go ahead.In Britain, the archbishop of Canterbury has announced that public worship is “suspended until further notice”, but a Church of England spokesman said weddings and funerals could still go ahead.
Justin Welby, who is the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, said in a joint statement with John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, that it was now necessary to put public services on hold until further noticeJustin Welby, who is the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, said in a joint statement with John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, that it was now necessary to put public services on hold until further notice
But they added: “We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support.”But they added: “We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support.”
This is Ben Quinn picking up the liveblog again.This is Ben Quinn picking up the liveblog again.
Iranian police have dispersed crowds who forced their way into two popular shrines soon after they were closed because of the threat from the coronavirus outbreak.
Shia Muslims entered the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and the Fatima Masumeh shrine in Qom on Monday night, protesting at the closures announced earlier in the day on Iranian state television.
The shrines are normally open for prayers around the clock. Health officials had told pilgrims that kissing and touching the shrines could spread the virus, and had urged clergy to close them for weeks.
Worshippers who entered the shrines chanted objections to the closures. In a statement, religious leaders and a prominent Qom seminary urged pilgrims to rely on wisdom and patience during the crisis.
The incident comes as religious authorities all over the world take steps to limit contact or close places of worship in response to the pandemic.
The virus has erupted as the world’s most popular religions prepare for important festivals during which large numbers of people usually gather to pray and celebrate. Easter and Passover take place next month, and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – during which most of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims will fast – begins around 23 April.
Another day has brought another raft of cancellations and postponements of high-profile sporting events. But one sport is determined to carry on.
The two-week-long Candidates chess tournament, the final eliminator for the world chess championship, kicked off in Yekaterinburg, Russia, this morning, despite a country-wide ban on sports events.
However, the tournament is subject to strict infection-control procedures.
Leon Watson, from UK-based chess learning site Chessable, said: “The Candidates, which is one of biggest events in the chess calendar, is still going ahead regardless mainly because the organisers were prepared weeks in advance.
“Measures have been taken to protect against the spread of coronavirus such as players being quarantined beforehand, spectators being banned from the playing area and during the competition, those involved are being virus-tested twice a day.”
Health authorities in Switzerland estimate that around 2,650 people had tested positive for coronavirus and said that 19 people had died, Reuters reports.
After criticism over a perceived failure to act early enough, the Swiss federal government yesterday declared an “extraordinary situation”, including a ban on all private and public events and the closure of restaurants and bars.
Only businesses providing essential goods and services such as supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and post offices, were to remain open, swissinfo.ch reported.
Schools have been closed across the country until 19 April.
Announcing the latest infection statistics, Daniel Koch, the head of the communicable diseases department at the Federal Office of Health, predicted that the number of cases in the country would escalate.
He urged residents to observe strict measures ordered by Bern including bans on events and gatherings, calling these critical in helping limit the damage.
Bloomberg Philanthropies, the multibillionaire Michael Bloomberg’s charitable foundation, has announced it is to fund a $40m global initiative to fight the spread of coronavirus in low- and middle-income countries.
Announcing the plan, Bloomberg, who recently spent about 14 times that amount in an abortive bid for the Democrat presidential nomination, said:
It comes after Bloomberg spent about $558m in three months in his punt to run for the US presidency.
The governor of Rio de Janeiro state and mayor of São Paulo have both declared an “emergency situation” over coronavirus as numbers of confirmed cases in Brazil rose to 234.
Rio’s famous Sugar Loaf mountain was also closed to visitors but its Christ the Redeemer statue remains open – for now.
Rio’s state governor, Wilson Witzel, suspended sporting events, shows, cinemas, theatres, prison visits, visits to coronavirus patients in hospitals, state schools, and interstate busses from states with coronavirus circulation for 15 days. He said.
He also recommended that bars and restaurants operate at 30% capacity, gyms close, trains, ferries and busses be only half full, and that flights and cruise liners from states or countries with coronavirus no longer land or dock in Rio.
People were recommended to avoid beaches, a message reinforced on Monday by lifeguards with megaphones. Rio city hall has also suspended classes and holidays for health workers and will no longer licence public events.
The São Paulo mayor, Bruno Covas, closed theatres, libraries and cultural centres, cancelled events, ordered busses disinfected and suspended classes from 23 March. City employees over 60 were told to work from home. São Paulo state government on Saturday banned events with more than 500 people and suspended classes for a week.
Hello, this is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog for the next hour or so while Ben Quinn takes a break.
The Queen has cancelled five garden parties at Buckingham palace in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus, the Press Association reports.
More than 8,000 guests at a time mingle on the lawns of the Queen’s official residence in London at the parties, which are usually held between May and July.
Guests also queue in tea tents and take their seats in nearby chairs, with around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake consumed at each party.
Although the event is outdoors, guests – many of them elderly – gather to watch the Queen and senior royals circulate down lanes of people.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse garden party, which takes place in July, will remain under review
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.