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Coronavirus live news: Ohio primary polls ordered to close, NZ launches historic spending package Coronavirus live news: Ohio primary polls ordered to close, NZ launches historic spending package
(32 minutes later)
Ohio governor says voting won’t happen due to ‘health emergency’; French told to stay inside; WHO urges widespread testing. Follow the latest updatesOhio governor says voting won’t happen due to ‘health emergency’; French told to stay inside; WHO urges widespread testing. Follow the latest updates
Thousands of Australian doctors have called on the government to ramp up its coronavirus response.
Almost 2,500 doctors have urged the health minister, Greg Hunt, to take immediate action on containment measures around the country to curb coronavirus.
Led by Dr Hemant Garg, the letter states doctors are “dismayed at the disconnect between the actions being taken within the medical community and the recommendation for actions being passed on to the general population”.
In the US, San Francisco and five other counties in California issued a shelter-in-place order in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The order, which goes into effect at midnight Tuesday until 7 April, is similar to the drastic lockdown measures taken in places like Italy, Spain, France and China, but it’s the first of its kind in the United States.
What does the order do?
This order requires 6.7 million residents in San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties – Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin and Contra Costa – to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
Santa Cruz county issued a similar order later on Monday.
They can’t ever go outside?
Residents “may leave to provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential business or government services”.
The key word here is “essential”.
More on this below:
New Zealand on Tuesday deported its first unruly traveller flouting the country’s mandatory 14-day self-isolation rule for almost all arrivals, the health ministry said. The tourist, who had checked into a backpackers hostel in the city of Christchurch, was removed from the accommodation by the police after officials learned she did not have clear self-isolation plans.
But on the second day of the country’s strict travel restrictions, the new rules appeared to have sunk in for many others. The mood on Wellington airport on Tuesday was subdued and compliant as a handful of travellers arrived on flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
The plane had felt like a ghost ship, said Addison Li-Strong. “I had a whole row to myself.”
All of those who spoke to the Guardian were New Zealanders returning home, and almost all said they planned to self-isolate; one trio was looking forward to a “dreamy” fortnight at a stocked-up family beach house on Wellington’s south coast.
Some questioned whether the border checks in New Zealand and Australia were stringent enough; masked and gloved officials had helped passengers fill in forms stating their health status and plans, and had asked travellers how they were feeling, said Luke Furness, arriving from Thailand via Sydney, but had not performed temperature checks.
“They chucked me a bit of paper and asked me how I was feeling, and I said ‘good’ but why would I say ‘bad’?” he said. “But I am feeling a hundred.”
The procedures were “pretty vague really. They just give you a sheet of paper and make you fill in a card and that’s it,” said Cory Turnewitsch, who planned to move his belongings into the spare bedroom and avoid his four-year-old’s hugs and kisses for the duration of his mandatory isolation.
Not all travellers were so well-behaved. Two young men arriving from Melbourne said they could not stop to chat because their father was waiting outside to whisk them off. To self-isolation?
Both laughed. “Yeah, at the golf course!” one said.
The Greek Orthodox Church suspended daily services. Against a backdrop of incredulity and consternation, the Greek Orthodox church has, if reluctantly, decided to suspend daily services after a marathon session of its Holy Synod, citing the need to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Hundreds of prisoners escaped from prisons in São Paulo state in the South East of Brazil on Monday.
Amazon.com Inc on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States to deal with a surge in online orders, as many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs during the coronavirus outbreak.
All cricket in Australia has been cancelled, including the Sheffield Shield final, with NSW declared champions.
US president Donald Trump has posted a tweet referring to Covid-19 as “the Chinese Virus”. Trump also warned that social upheaval caused by the outbreak could last beyond August.
New Zealand announced an enormous spending package, equivalent to 4% of the country’s GDP in an attempt to fight the effects of Covid-19 on the country’s economy, in what ministers called the most significant peace-time economic plan in the country’s modern history.
Californians were urged to ‘shelter in place’. San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties in California have ordered all residents to shelter-in-place to curb the spread of coronavirus, in a drastic move similar to ones taken in Italy, Spain and China, but the first of its kind in the US. Here is what the order means.
The Ohio primary was ordered to be delayed on health grounds. The state’s governor, Mike DeWine, had recommended on Monday that in-person voting during Tuesday’s primary elections be postponed.
The Sydney Opera House announced it would cancel all public performances starting Tuesday, March 17.
The UN Security Council called off its remaining two remaining meetings for the week, Agence France-Presse reported.
China’s state planner said the economy would return to normal in the second quarter, as the country reported just one case outside Wuhan.
Australia is looking at developing a mass testing process. The country has 415 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The head of the World Health Organizaion, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, implored governments to test more suspected cases, warning that they cannot fight the pandemic blindfolded.
The White House recommended isolation. US President Donald Trump told Americans to avoid any gatherings of more than 10 people over the next 15 days and advising all states with evidence of community transmission to close down bars, restaurants, gyms and other facilities.
Here is the most recent Coronavirus latest: at a glance.
The latest venture into the brave new world of live-streaming-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-shutdown is none other than Chris Martin – the frontman of Coldplay, who had already put a hold on all touring until they could find a sustainable way to do it. Martin is the curator – and inaugural act – of new online festival the Solidarity Sessions: Together, At Home, in which artists will be performing for their fans, over Instagram, from home.
Martin offered up a half-hour concert, featuring Coldplay hits and a David Bowie cover which has already been watched by 585,000. The festival is happening in partnership with the World Health Organization, and intends to raise awareness for their new Solidarity Response Fund – and John Legend is next on the lineup.
A strong contender for cutest coronavirus-induced lockdown news today (and perhaps ever) is penguins Annie and Edward being allowed out of their enclosure to explore some if the exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago:
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is currently working from home, prompting a senior government official who has participated in calls with the prime minister to tell Reuters, “You can run a G7 country from home.”Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is currently working from home, prompting a senior government official who has participated in calls with the prime minister to tell Reuters, “You can run a G7 country from home.”
Trudeau has help in the form of “a very large box of Legos” to keep his children occupied, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told Reuters.Trudeau has help in the form of “a very large box of Legos” to keep his children occupied, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told Reuters.
Friendly reminder: If Trudeau can pull that off, many of you can and should work from home, too (though we understand Trudeau has many helpers and resources beyond Lego at his disposal).Friendly reminder: If Trudeau can pull that off, many of you can and should work from home, too (though we understand Trudeau has many helpers and resources beyond Lego at his disposal).
An update now on Canada, which closed its borders to all foreign nationals except US citizens and permanent residents on Monday.An update now on Canada, which closed its borders to all foreign nationals except US citizens and permanent residents on Monday.
Several other countries have taken the same step. The 27-nation European Union proposed shutting its external borders for 30 days on Monday. “We will be denying entry into Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents ... it is a significant step that we take in exceptional circumstances,” Trudeau told reporters outside his home, where he is under quarantine after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for the respiratory virus.Several other countries have taken the same step. The 27-nation European Union proposed shutting its external borders for 30 days on Monday. “We will be denying entry into Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents ... it is a significant step that we take in exceptional circumstances,” Trudeau told reporters outside his home, where he is under quarantine after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for the respiratory virus.
As the virus’ spread accelerates in Canada, Trudeau urged people to stay home and restrict contact with others. “Staying home is an important step to protect the community and each other. We all have to do it,” he said. The death toll in Canada rose to four on Monday from one on Sunday. The number of infected jumped to 407 from the 341 reported at 9 a.m. (1300 GMT) earlier in the day, medical officials said.As the virus’ spread accelerates in Canada, Trudeau urged people to stay home and restrict contact with others. “Staying home is an important step to protect the community and each other. We all have to do it,” he said. The death toll in Canada rose to four on Monday from one on Sunday. The number of infected jumped to 407 from the 341 reported at 9 a.m. (1300 GMT) earlier in the day, medical officials said.
As former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard self-isolates after embracing Sophie Trudeau a week before Trudeau tested positive for coronavirus, now is a helpful time to remind you to please wash your hands, this time to Gillard’s famous misogyny speech:As former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard self-isolates after embracing Sophie Trudeau a week before Trudeau tested positive for coronavirus, now is a helpful time to remind you to please wash your hands, this time to Gillard’s famous misogyny speech:
The Philippine Stock Exchange was closed with no trading Tuesday after the president placed the northern part of the country including Manila in quarantine.The Philippine Stock Exchange was closed with no trading Tuesday after the president placed the northern part of the country including Manila in quarantine.
The exchange’s CEO said the end of trading activity would be “until further notice.” Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the northern third of the country under an “enhanced community quarantine” that requires millions of people to stay mostly at home in an attempt to contain the coronavirus.The exchange’s CEO said the end of trading activity would be “until further notice.” Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the northern third of the country under an “enhanced community quarantine” that requires millions of people to stay mostly at home in an attempt to contain the coronavirus.
Most office work and mass transit on Luzon Island, including Manila, will be suspended for a month. Public movement will be restricted and large gatherings banned except for medical and other emergencies. Banks, hospitals, drugstores and supermarkets will remain open but only one family member can make such trips and should observe “social distancing.” The Philippines has 142 cases of infection. The 12 deaths due to Covid-19 are the most in Southeast Asia. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he had tested positive for the virus, becoming the highest Philippine official to be infected.Most office work and mass transit on Luzon Island, including Manila, will be suspended for a month. Public movement will be restricted and large gatherings banned except for medical and other emergencies. Banks, hospitals, drugstores and supermarkets will remain open but only one family member can make such trips and should observe “social distancing.” The Philippines has 142 cases of infection. The 12 deaths due to Covid-19 are the most in Southeast Asia. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he had tested positive for the virus, becoming the highest Philippine official to be infected.
Still in Australia, in what appears to be a severe escalation of the supermarket wars, a man has been airlifted to hospital from the Victorian town of Rosebud after he was reportedly stabbed at a Woolworths.Still in Australia, in what appears to be a severe escalation of the supermarket wars, a man has been airlifted to hospital from the Victorian town of Rosebud after he was reportedly stabbed at a Woolworths.
Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to an incident in Rosebud, which is 88km from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, at 12.55pm and treated a man for “an injury to the lower body.”Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to an incident in Rosebud, which is 88km from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, at 12.55pm and treated a man for “an injury to the lower body.”
Neither paramedics nor Victoria Police — who asked Guardian Australia if we calling about the Rosebud incident almost before we’d stated our name — have provided any more information at this stage.Neither paramedics nor Victoria Police — who asked Guardian Australia if we calling about the Rosebud incident almost before we’d stated our name — have provided any more information at this stage.
Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt, says the country now has 375 confirmed cases of coronavirus.Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt, says the country now has 375 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
He also says the country is looking at developing a mass testing process.He also says the country is looking at developing a mass testing process.
“We have actually one of the most advanced testing regimes in the world. We have had over 30,000 tests conducted in Australia, and I expect new figures in the next 24 hours which will be significantly in advance of that,” he says.“We have actually one of the most advanced testing regimes in the world. We have had over 30,000 tests conducted in Australia, and I expect new figures in the next 24 hours which will be significantly in advance of that,” he says.
Testing is one of his “absolute highest priorities” and he is working with the Doherty Institute to look at how to “expand beyond the individual tests,” he says.Testing is one of his “absolute highest priorities” and he is working with the Doherty Institute to look at how to “expand beyond the individual tests,” he says.
“They are looking at ways of expediting the testing process, and, indeed, some significant new mass testing processes over and above what we’re doing.”“They are looking at ways of expediting the testing process, and, indeed, some significant new mass testing processes over and above what we’re doing.”
China’s economy will return to normal in the second quarter as government support measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus epidemic take effect, the state planner said on Tuesday.China’s economy will return to normal in the second quarter as government support measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus epidemic take effect, the state planner said on Tuesday.
Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission also told reporters during a briefing that China has ample policy tools and will roll out relevant measures at an appropriate time.Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission also told reporters during a briefing that China has ample policy tools and will roll out relevant measures at an appropriate time.
Wuhan, the central Chinese city that was at one time the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, where the viral illness was first detected in December, was down to just one new case on Tuesday.Wuhan, the central Chinese city that was at one time the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, where the viral illness was first detected in December, was down to just one new case on Tuesday.
New Zealand has recorded three more confirmed cases of coronavirus, all from New Zealanders recently returned from overseas. Two are in Wellington, having returned from the US, and one is in Dunedin, recently returned from Germany. The total of infected persons is now 11.New Zealand has recorded three more confirmed cases of coronavirus, all from New Zealanders recently returned from overseas. Two are in Wellington, having returned from the US, and one is in Dunedin, recently returned from Germany. The total of infected persons is now 11.
The Dunedin man only began showing symptoms five days after arriving home. The man and two family members are in self-isolation, including a student from Logan Park High School.The Dunedin man only began showing symptoms five days after arriving home. The man and two family members are in self-isolation, including a student from Logan Park High School.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield, director-general of health, said all cases of the virus in New Zealand have been recorded from overseas travellers arriving in the country, and at this stage there was no community outbreak.Dr Ashley Bloomfield, director-general of health, said all cases of the virus in New Zealand have been recorded from overseas travellers arriving in the country, and at this stage there was no community outbreak.
“New Zealand has no barrier from cost to testing, nor is there a constraint on capacity.” Bloomfield said.“New Zealand has no barrier from cost to testing, nor is there a constraint on capacity.” Bloomfield said.
The health-line helpline answered more than 7,000 calls on Monday, although 24,000 people had tried to get through. The 7,000 was seven times the normal volume.Five hundred tests for the virus are being undertaken in New Zealand today, with those returning from overseas travel prioritised.The health-line helpline answered more than 7,000 calls on Monday, although 24,000 people had tried to get through. The 7,000 was seven times the normal volume.Five hundred tests for the virus are being undertaken in New Zealand today, with those returning from overseas travel prioritised.
The UN Security Council called off its remaining two remaining meetings for the week, Agence France-Presse reports.The UN Security Council called off its remaining two remaining meetings for the week, Agence France-Presse reports.
“Council members will maintain communication and consultation on issues on the agenda with a view to taking necessary actions as needed to fulfil the Council’s mandate,” a spokesperson for the mission said in a statement.“Council members will maintain communication and consultation on issues on the agenda with a view to taking necessary actions as needed to fulfil the Council’s mandate,” a spokesperson for the mission said in a statement.
A Philippines delegate at the UN tested positive to Covid-19 last week.A Philippines delegate at the UN tested positive to Covid-19 last week.
Hong Kong has issued a red travel alert covering all foreign, requiring anyone entering the country to self-quarantine for 14 days.
The chief executive, Carrie Lam, said in the previous two weeks, Hong Kong had recorded 57 new infections, 50 of them imported.
The new restrictions would not apply to arrivals from mainland China, Macau or Taiwan.
In her press conference, Lam also said it was unlikely schools would resume on 20 April.
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has said that other Group of Seven leaders had agreed to support a “complete” Olympics in Tokyo, as speculation mounts that the coronavirus pandemic could force the Games to be postponed.Abe said he had told other G7 leaders during their video conference on Monday night: “We are doing everything in our power to prepare, and we want to aim for a complete event as proof that mankind can defeat the new coronavirus.”He said other leaders had backed his plan, but he would not be drawn on whether their discussions had touched on a possible postponement.Abe was speaking after the head of the French Olympic committee, Denis Masseglia, said the Olympics would not be able to open as scheduled on 24 July unless the coronavirus outbreak had peaked by the end of May.“My feeling is that if we’re still in the crisis by the end of May, I can’t see how the Games can happen (on time),” Masseglia told Reuters in Paris. “If we are beyond the peak and the situation is getting better questions will arise about who qualifies, but we will find the least worst solution.”The International Olympic Committee, which has publicly supported Japan’s insistence that the Games will go ahead as planned, is due to talk to international sports federations on Tuesday, and national Olympic committees the following day.Tokyo 2020 preparations suffered more disruption this week after organisers said spectators would be asked not to turn out to watch the first part of the Japan leg of the Olympic torch relay, which is due to begin on 26 March. Organisers are expected to ask people not to line the route as the torch passes through the first three of the country’s 47 prefectures, the Kyodo news agency said.The flame was lit last week in Olympia in a low-key ceremony that was closed to members of the public. The Greek leg of the relay was called off the following day over coronavirus fears, and restrictions will be in place when the flame arrives in Japan at the end of this week.While Japan has reported comparatively few cases of the virus, some Tokyo residents said they were worried by the prospect of people arriving from overseas to watch the Games.“To be honest, even if Japan overcomes this crisis, we wouldn’t (want to) receive visitors from the world. I think we’d better not hold it,” Koki Miura, an employee at an internet company, told Agence France-Presse. “We cannot sacrifice people’s lives” for the sake of the Olympics, Miura added.Public opinion in Japan appears to be hardening against holding the Olympics in the capital in less than four months’ time. In a poll by public broadcaster NHK conducted March 6-9, 45% were opposed to going ahead as planned, with 40% in favour. In a Kyodo survey released on Monday, 69.9% of respondents said they did not believe the Games would be held on schedule.
We are just hearing that the Ohio primary has been postponed, according to Reuters.
The state’s governor, Mike DeWine, had recommended on Monday that in-person voting during Tuesday’s primary elections be postponed.
But a Franklin county court of common pleas judge declined to order the postponement on Monday evening.
But a tweet from DeWine said the polls will be ordered to close by the state’s director of health, Amy Acton.
China has begun using Xiaotangshan Hospital in Beijing to screen and test people arriving from overseas for Covid-19 . It was originally built to combat Sars in 2003 and has more than 1,000 beds.
Researchers at the University of Queensland could begin clinical trials on coronavirus sufferers - using HIV and malaria tablets - in Australian hospitals by the end of March.
The trials would be based on test tube results that showed the drugs had effectively treated infections of the COVID-19 virus.
Professor David Paterson from the University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research told Sky News the drugs were already licensed for use in Australila and had “a good safety record”
“This is not a new vaccine that has to be developed from scratch,” he said.
“So we’re finalising the protocol of how we’re going to do it right now, it will go to hospital ethics committees hopefully by Friday and hopefully by the end of next week we will have our first patients enrolled.
“How quickly the study gets finished will depend on how many patients we see but it could be as soon as three months that we know which of these treatments - the HIV drug, the malaria drug or the two put together - is actually the best.
“What we want to do is we want to get in early, as soon as a person is diagnosed in hospital with a case of COVID-19, and we want to stop them going down that path that leads them to an intensive care unit admission ... and unfortunately death.”
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.
There’s a new social media challenge in town, the #stayhomechallenge, in which members of society reflect soberly on the difficulties of social distancing and self-isolation:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has updated its advice for pregnant women.
The College says there is a lack of detailed information about the impact of Covid-19 infection on pregnant women and their babies, given the recent and novel nature of the virus.The pregnancy advice is therefore also based on learnings from influenza infection, and also the medical response to the SARS epidemic in 2003.“Some babies born to women with symptoms of coronavirus in China have been born prematurely,” the College states. “It is unclear whether coronavirus was the causative factor, or the doctors made the decision for the baby to be born early because the woman was unwell. Newborn babies and infants do not appear to be at increased risk of complications from the infection.“At the moment there is no evidence that the virus is carried in breastmilk and, therefore, the well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of COVID-19 through breastmilk.“Pregnant women are advised to avoid all non-essential overseas travel.”
In Australia, only 90 MPs will come to the capital, Canberra, next week for parliamentary sittings.
Ahead of an expected further crack-down on large group gatherings aimed at slowing the spread of the disease, the Coalition and Labor have agreed to limit the number of MPs coming to Canberra.
Under the arrangement, which was thrashed out between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese in a phone discussion on Tuesday morning, 30 pairs will be agreed between the two parties, meaning 60 of Parliament’s 151 MPs will stay in their electorates.
It is unclear how each side will decide which MPs come to Canberra and which will stay in their electorates.
The move comes after the presiding officers of Parliament announced a range of measures to limit the number of visitors to capital hill, including restrictions on sponsored pass holders, and the closure of public galleries.
“Game of Thrones” actor Kristofer Hivju, who played the beloved character Tormund Giantsbane on the HBO series, announced on his Instagram page that he has tested positive for coronavirus and will be isolating himself at his home in his native Norway.
This, for those who might need their GoT memories jogged (we know a fair bit has happened in the world since), is Tormund: