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Coronavirus news: trials longer than three days to be put on hold in UK – live updates Coronavirus news: trials longer than three days to be put on hold in UK – live updates
(32 minutes later)
UK measures to last at least ‘several months’; Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe freed temporarily; Saudi Arabia to stage virtual G20 summit. Follow the latest updatesUK measures to last at least ‘several months’; Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe freed temporarily; Saudi Arabia to stage virtual G20 summit. Follow the latest updates
Indonesia’s foreign affairs ministry has announced the suspension of all short-stay visa exemptions and visas on arrival for 30 days. The measure takes effect this Friday, 20 March.
The government has advised citizens to return home from abroad as soon as possible.
Argentina registered its highest single-day rise in reported coronavirus cases so far Tuesday, with 14 new cases – 12 corresponding to recent arrivals from abroad – bringing the total to 79. Two deaths have been reported so far.
Grappling to deal with the crisis, Argentina has gone into full lockdown, leaving thousands of Argentinians stranded abroad. The latest estimate is that there are 30,000 nationals struggling to return to the country due to the suspension of incoming flights. Authorities are negotiating special flights with international carriers and putting the national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas into high gear.Authorities are also working to stem the sudden flow of thousands of people to Argentina’s Atlantic beach resorts. The announcement of paid work leave for persons over 60 and permission for others to work from home has apparently been taken by many as an extension of the southern hemisphere summer holidays.
“We don’t want you to come, there’s an international situation and the protocols for isolation and quarantine have to be respected,” tweeted the mayor of Pinamar, a major beach resort.
Highway controls and the cancellation of all long-distance flights, trains and buses will start Friday, as Argentina heads for a long weekend.
A bit more on the first case in The Gambia now:
In a televised statement, Health Minister Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said officials in the tiny West African state had confirmed an infection in a young woman who had recently travelled from the United Kingdom.
She went into self-isolation after feeling feverish, before being confirmed as a positive case.
“All passengers who came in the same flight or in contact with the confirmed case will be traced and undergo isolation,” the minister said.
Samateh’s announcement came straight on the heels of a televised statement from President Adama Barrow, who announced anti-virus measures on Tuesday before The Gambia had a single confirmed case.
The president announced a ban on public gatherings and the closure of schools for three weeks from Wednesday.
Travellers from affected countries will also be isolated for two weeks, the president said.
Hi, Helen Sullivan with you now, taking over from my colleague Kevin Rawlinson.
As we continue to report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re looking for stories of how this unprecedented crisis has affected couples, families, friends and communities.
If you’ve been separated from a loved one by lockdowns, have had to cancel your wedding or miss an important family event, we’d like to hear from you. We’re always interested in hearing what you may have done in response, too, or how you and your loved ones (and neighbours) are supporting each other in these trying times.
Please do include photographs if you can and are happy for us to use them.
Send me a message on Twitter @helenrsullivan, tag me in a tweet of your own (if you’re happy for us to include it in the blog), or email me: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
The UK’s transport secretary, Grant Shapps, is giving the go-ahead for a temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours rules amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Still in Australia:Still in Australia:
Victorian state police have warned drivers that they can lose their licence or be fined if they refuse a breath test over coronavirus fears.Victorian state police have warned drivers that they can lose their licence or be fined if they refuse a breath test over coronavirus fears.
Queensland police announced on Monday that it had immediately and until further notice suspended “static” roadside breath and drug tests — that’s when you round a corner and suddenly find yourself in a queue of cars being tested — to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Random single-car breath and drug tests will continue.Queensland police announced on Monday that it had immediately and until further notice suspended “static” roadside breath and drug tests — that’s when you round a corner and suddenly find yourself in a queue of cars being tested — to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Random single-car breath and drug tests will continue.
Victoria has taken the same approach — suspended the use of the big drug/0.05 bus but continued to do single car stops.Victoria has taken the same approach — suspended the use of the big drug/0.05 bus but continued to do single car stops.
And in a statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police said drivers could not refuse a breath test out of coronavirus fears.And in a statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police said drivers could not refuse a breath test out of coronavirus fears.
Here’s a summary of the latest news:Here’s a summary of the latest news:
Criminal trials are to be halted in England and Wales, the lord chief justice announced. Lord Burnett said no new trial should start in any crown court unless it is expected to last for three days or fewer. Any longer cases due to start before the end of April are to be postponed.Criminal trials are to be halted in England and Wales, the lord chief justice announced. Lord Burnett said no new trial should start in any crown court unless it is expected to last for three days or fewer. Any longer cases due to start before the end of April are to be postponed.
Australians were told to expect at least six months of severe disruption. The prime minister and chief medical officer delivered a series of new restrictions, saying Australians should avoid international travel and groups of more than 100 people, as well as other measures.Australians were told to expect at least six months of severe disruption. The prime minister and chief medical officer delivered a series of new restrictions, saying Australians should avoid international travel and groups of more than 100 people, as well as other measures.
The virus reached every US state as West Virginia became the last to diagnose a case. All 50 states in the union now have at least one confirmed case. The USA has seen 93 deaths as a result of the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.The virus reached every US state as West Virginia became the last to diagnose a case. All 50 states in the union now have at least one confirmed case. The USA has seen 93 deaths as a result of the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
English Heritage closed off sites. The guardian of some of England’s most cherished treasures, such as Stonehenge, announced that all staffed sites were closing. Unstaffed ones were to remain open, however.English Heritage closed off sites. The guardian of some of England’s most cherished treasures, such as Stonehenge, announced that all staffed sites were closing. Unstaffed ones were to remain open, however.
Pubs and restaurants to be allowed to operate as takeaways in a bid to save businesses from collapse. Ministers announced a plan to relax planning rules amid concerns many will struggle to survive the near-lockdown conditions being encouraged by the government.Pubs and restaurants to be allowed to operate as takeaways in a bid to save businesses from collapse. Ministers announced a plan to relax planning rules amid concerns many will struggle to survive the near-lockdown conditions being encouraged by the government.
You can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here.You can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here.
The Australian market slipped back 1.85% at the opening bell after the country’s government announced a relief package for airlines and amid increasingly gloomy economic forecasts.The Australian market slipped back 1.85% at the opening bell after the country’s government announced a relief package for airlines and amid increasingly gloomy economic forecasts.
Flag carrier Qantas plunged 7.34% while challenger airline Virgin Australia, which had been the focus of market speculation about its financial viability, soared 12.7%. Regional airline Rex, which this morning revealed its own financial weakness, dived 6%.Flag carrier Qantas plunged 7.34% while challenger airline Virgin Australia, which had been the focus of market speculation about its financial viability, soared 12.7%. Regional airline Rex, which this morning revealed its own financial weakness, dived 6%.
In a report, ratings agency S&P said that “the 2020 global recession is here and now”, slashing growth forecasts for economies around the world.In a report, ratings agency S&P said that “the 2020 global recession is here and now”, slashing growth forecasts for economies around the world.
Before the exchange opened, more companies revealed the damage they were taking from the virus outbreak.Before the exchange opened, more companies revealed the damage they were taking from the virus outbreak.
Air New Zealand shares have been suspended until at least Friday while the company works out the hit it will take from sweeping Kiwi travel bans.Air New Zealand shares have been suspended until at least Friday while the company works out the hit it will take from sweeping Kiwi travel bans.
The Australian government gave that country’s airlines a package of tax and service charge cuts worth $715m this morning amid widespread uncertainty about their ability to continue given travel bans and the end of corporate travel. Rex said that without help it would close in six months. It published a wish-list of relief that on first glance looks very similar to the government package.The Australian government gave that country’s airlines a package of tax and service charge cuts worth $715m this morning amid widespread uncertainty about their ability to continue given travel bans and the end of corporate travel. Rex said that without help it would close in six months. It published a wish-list of relief that on first glance looks very similar to the government package.
SkyCity, which operates casinos in New Zealand and Adelaide, said poker machine revenue was down 14% and revenue from table games had plunged 43%.SkyCity, which operates casinos in New Zealand and Adelaide, said poker machine revenue was down 14% and revenue from table games had plunged 43%.
Poker machine maker Aristocrat and private hospital operator Ramsay withdrew profit guidance.Poker machine maker Aristocrat and private hospital operator Ramsay withdrew profit guidance.
West Virginia has become the last of the 50 US states to report a positive case of new coronavirus, meaning the pandemic has now touched every part of the world’s richest and most powerful nation.West Virginia has become the last of the 50 US states to report a positive case of new coronavirus, meaning the pandemic has now touched every part of the world’s richest and most powerful nation.
The family of a British father who died after being diagnosed with coronavirus have said they were “truly heartbroken”. Posting on Facebook, relatives of Craig Ruston said he had died at 6.20am on Monday after his chest infection was diagnosed as Covid-19.The family of a British father who died after being diagnosed with coronavirus have said they were “truly heartbroken”. Posting on Facebook, relatives of Craig Ruston said he had died at 6.20am on Monday after his chest infection was diagnosed as Covid-19.
They said he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June 2018 and was “not ready to go”. The post on his Me and my MND page on Tuesday, signed by his wife Sally and his “amazing girls”, read:They said he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June 2018 and was “not ready to go”. The post on his Me and my MND page on Tuesday, signed by his wife Sally and his “amazing girls”, read:
His family said he was taken ill last Tuesday and spent six days in isolation.His family said he was taken ill last Tuesday and spent six days in isolation.
Relatives said Ruston was a “wonderfully kind and caring” person who welcomed everyone. They said he was still doing “everything in his power” to raise awareness and fight against MND.Relatives said Ruston was a “wonderfully kind and caring” person who welcomed everyone. They said he was still doing “everything in his power” to raise awareness and fight against MND.
In addition, Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, says 454 cases have been identified and the number is rising every day. A two to four week shutdown would be ineffective, he adds. Prof Murphy says community transmission is at a low level at the moment.In addition, Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, says 454 cases have been identified and the number is rising every day. A two to four week shutdown would be ineffective, he adds. Prof Murphy says community transmission is at a low level at the moment.
Australians have been told they face at least six months of restrictions to their daily lives as the country’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, set out a host of measures designed to combat the spread of the virus.Australians have been told they face at least six months of restrictions to their daily lives as the country’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, set out a host of measures designed to combat the spread of the virus.
Morrison has advised Australians not to gather in groups of more than 100, declared a human biosecurity emergency and told Australians they should not to travel internationally, adding that the anti-virus measures are likely to be in place for at least six months.Morrison has advised Australians not to gather in groups of more than 100, declared a human biosecurity emergency and told Australians they should not to travel internationally, adding that the anti-virus measures are likely to be in place for at least six months.
He also asked Australians to stop hoarding household items, saying it was not helpful, and said he was considering further economic measures.He also asked Australians to stop hoarding household items, saying it was not helpful, and said he was considering further economic measures.
However, he advised Australians that they government considers domestic travel to be low-risk and said schools should remain open.However, he advised Australians that they government considers domestic travel to be low-risk and said schools should remain open.
Gambia’s health ministry has reported its first case of coronavirus; a 20-year-old woman who had recently returned from the UK.Gambia’s health ministry has reported its first case of coronavirus; a 20-year-old woman who had recently returned from the UK.
Turkey has confirmed its first death related to the coronavirus and the country more than doubled its confirmed cases to 98, from 47 a day earlier.Turkey has confirmed its first death related to the coronavirus and the country more than doubled its confirmed cases to 98, from 47 a day earlier.
The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, has told a press conference that an 89-year old died after contracting the virus from someone who had contact with China, the epicentre of the global outbreak. Turkey diagnosed 51 more cases on Tuesday, he added.The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, has told a press conference that an 89-year old died after contracting the virus from someone who had contact with China, the epicentre of the global outbreak. Turkey diagnosed 51 more cases on Tuesday, he added.
Tunisia is imposing a curfew from 6pm to 6am from Wednesday, its president has said. The country declared 24 cases, closed mosques, cafes and markets, closed its land borders and suspended international flights.Tunisia is imposing a curfew from 6pm to 6am from Wednesday, its president has said. The country declared 24 cases, closed mosques, cafes and markets, closed its land borders and suspended international flights.
Elsewhere in the region, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered the army to use field hospitals to help health services fight the coronavirus outbreak.Elsewhere in the region, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered the army to use field hospitals to help health services fight the coronavirus outbreak.
The country has confirmed 44 cases and two deaths. Most cases were found in Moroccans resident in Spain, Italy and France who had returned home for visits. Morocco has suspended all international flights, closed mosques, schools, entertainment and sports venues and non-essential shops as a precautionary measure against the pandemic.The country has confirmed 44 cases and two deaths. Most cases were found in Moroccans resident in Spain, Italy and France who had returned home for visits. Morocco has suspended all international flights, closed mosques, schools, entertainment and sports venues and non-essential shops as a precautionary measure against the pandemic.
The Costa Rican government has announced the number of confirmed cases has risen to 50, the day after a state of emergency was declared in the Central American country. Those affected range from 10 to 87 years-old.The Costa Rican government has announced the number of confirmed cases has risen to 50, the day after a state of emergency was declared in the Central American country. Those affected range from 10 to 87 years-old.
On Monday, the Costa Rican president said it would be “hard to say” whether the outbreak in the region could be controlled and warned that predictive models for the spread of virus were “not that precise”.On Monday, the Costa Rican president said it would be “hard to say” whether the outbreak in the region could be controlled and warned that predictive models for the spread of virus were “not that precise”.
Criminal trials in England and Wales are to be put on hold, the lord chief justice Lord Burnett has said, adding that no new trial should start in any crown court unless it is expected to last for three days or fewer.Criminal trials in England and Wales are to be put on hold, the lord chief justice Lord Burnett has said, adding that no new trial should start in any crown court unless it is expected to last for three days or fewer.
As a result, cases longer than three days that were due to start before the end of April will be postponed. Burnett has said:As a result, cases longer than three days that were due to start before the end of April will be postponed. Burnett has said:
Back to Ireland, where Varadkar has urged people to only access news from trusted sources, expressing concern about the impact of false information.Back to Ireland, where Varadkar has urged people to only access news from trusted sources, expressing concern about the impact of false information.
He closed his address with a message of solidarity to those countries currently worst hit by Covid-19.He closed his address with a message of solidarity to those countries currently worst hit by Covid-19.
One country already feeling serious economic effects is Bulgaria, where the prime minister Boyko Borissov has said the nation has already entered into a fiscal deficit.One country already feeling serious economic effects is Bulgaria, where the prime minister Boyko Borissov has said the nation has already entered into a fiscal deficit.
Reuters reports that the Balkan country raised the salaries of medics involved in treating infected patients by 1,000 levs (£466.56) per month and extended 500m levs to support affected companies to service loans.Reuters reports that the Balkan country raised the salaries of medics involved in treating infected patients by 1,000 levs (£466.56) per month and extended 500m levs to support affected companies to service loans.
On Tuesday alone, confirmed cases in the European Union country jumped by 30% to 81, and the country sealed off the ski resort of Bansko.On Tuesday alone, confirmed cases in the European Union country jumped by 30% to 81, and the country sealed off the ski resort of Bansko.
Borissov said his main aim was to protect the small and open economy and carefully manage the state’s finances, discarding what he called populist calls for tax breaks and a freeze on payments of electricity and water bills.Borissov said his main aim was to protect the small and open economy and carefully manage the state’s finances, discarding what he called populist calls for tax breaks and a freeze on payments of electricity and water bills.