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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 as French told to stay inside
(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 updates Ohio governor says voting won’t happen due to ‘health emergency’; NZ launches historic spending package; WHO urges widespread testing. Follow the latest updates
The Australian sharemarket has surged back to close up 5.8% for the day, bouncing back after its worst fall since 1987 on Monday.Futures markets are pointing to a strong day ahead for US markets, but they have become a less reliable indicator than usual amid intense volatility on global bourses.The Australian market’s extraordinary rebound on Tuesday was led by mining stocks that have been battered by the Covid-19 outbreak, but banks, other financial stocks, and supermarkets also soared.Grocery wholesaler Metcash was the biggest gainer, skyrocketing by 27%.Airline stocks were smashed as flag carrier Qantas slashed its flights. Qantas dropped 5.3% while rival Virgin Australia plummeted 8.7%.Tuesday’s gains aren’t enough to claw back many of the extraordinary losses experienced by the market over the past three weeks, including Monday’s extraordinary 9.7% tumble. The coronavirus rout means gains since October 2016 have been wiped out.
Stuck at home this week? Streamed everything there is to stream? “The planets and our moon are providing some early morning entertainment,” AP reports. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and a crescent moon will be clustered together in the southeastern sky just before daybreak. Mercury will peek above the horizon.All this is happening amid the earliest March equinox in 124 years.The vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere will occur late Thursday night in the US. That’s the earliest since 1896.
Singaporeans rushed to stock up on food on Tuesday amid fears of a disruption in supplies after Malaysia announced the closure of its borders to combat the coronavirus spread, though Singapore’s government said there would be no shortages.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday that Malaysia would shut its borders, restrict internal movement, close schools, universities and most businesses after its tally of coronavirus cases climbed to 553, the highest in Southeast Asia. Muhyiddin said the order would take effect on Wednesday and last for two weeks. Malaysia is a key source of staples for Singapore, which imports more than 90% of its food. Tens of thousands of Malaysians commute every day into the wealthy city-state to work in businesses from restaurants to semiconductor manufacturing. Long queues started forming at some Singapore shops on Tuesday morning, reminiscent of panic-buying a month ago when Singapore raised its alert response level on the coronavirus, although this time around store shelves were well-stocked. Singapore has had 243 cases of the coronavirus, with no deaths.
India has closed the Taj Mahal, its top tourist site. The financial hub of Mumbai has also ordered offices providing non-essential services to function at 50% staffing levels as efforts to control the spread of coronavirus in South Asia ramped up.
Mumbai, a densely populated metropolis of 18 million, also authorised hospital and airport authorities to stamp the wrists of those who have been ordered to self-isolate with indelible ink reading “Home Quarantined” and displaying the date until which the person has been ordered to self-quarantine, Reuters reports.
The moves, announced late on Monday, come just days after authorities in the city shut down schools, cinemas, malls, gyms and banned mass gatherings.
India’s western state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, has been the hardest hit in India with 39 confirmed coronavirus cases, or about a quarter of the 120 plus confirmed cases in the country. Along with the Taj Mahal, dozens of other protected monuments and museums across in the country including the Ajanta and Ellora caves and religious sites such as the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai, were ordered closed.
India expanded its travel and visa restrictions on Monday, banning passengers travelling from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
‘This is like a war’: the view from Italy’s coronavirus frontline‘This is like a war’: the view from Italy’s coronavirus frontline
There are the elderly couples who died hours apart and without their families around them. There is the 47-year-old woman who died at home, and who remained there for almost two days because funeral companies refused to collect her body. There are the doctors who lost their lives after assisting their infected patients.There are the elderly couples who died hours apart and without their families around them. There is the 47-year-old woman who died at home, and who remained there for almost two days because funeral companies refused to collect her body. There are the doctors who lost their lives after assisting their infected patients.
Among the 2,158 people to have been killed by the coronavirus pandemic in Italy as of Monday, the oldest was 95 and the two youngest were 39.Among the 2,158 people to have been killed by the coronavirus pandemic in Italy as of Monday, the oldest was 95 and the two youngest were 39.
Brazil’s largest favela, Rocinha, has asked that foreigners to be banned from entering the area, AP reports. Rocinha was home to about 70,000 people as of the latest census.Brazil’s largest favela, Rocinha, has asked that foreigners to be banned from entering the area, AP reports. Rocinha was home to about 70,000 people as of the latest census.
Wallace Pereira da Silva, president of Rocinhas residents’ association, says he delivered the official request to the state tourism secretariat on 13 March.Wallace Pereira da Silva, president of Rocinhas residents’ association, says he delivered the official request to the state tourism secretariat on 13 March.
“What we have most news of is that the disease comes from foreigners, and that worries us,” Pereira da Silva said in an interview. “Obviously we’re taking precautions washing our hands, using hand sanitiser, etc. but the big worry for me personally is foreigners visiting.”“What we have most news of is that the disease comes from foreigners, and that worries us,” Pereira da Silva said in an interview. “Obviously we’re taking precautions washing our hands, using hand sanitiser, etc. but the big worry for me personally is foreigners visiting.”
The tourism secretariats press office wasn’t immediately able to confirm receipt of the document, which was reviewed by the AP. Vacationers often include a favela visit on their checklist, be it independently, on a walking tour with a local guide, or riding in the bed of safari-like trucks, the latter of which have been widely criticised as dehumanising. Rocinha, located near the hotels of Ipanema and Copacabana, is a common destination.The tourism secretariats press office wasn’t immediately able to confirm receipt of the document, which was reviewed by the AP. Vacationers often include a favela visit on their checklist, be it independently, on a walking tour with a local guide, or riding in the bed of safari-like trucks, the latter of which have been widely criticised as dehumanising. Rocinha, located near the hotels of Ipanema and Copacabana, is a common destination.
Ukraine late on Monday announced shutdowns of public transport, bars, restaurants and shopping malls to stem the spread of the coronavirus after President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to act “harshly, urgently, perhaps unpopularly”, AFP reports.Ukraine late on Monday announced shutdowns of public transport, bars, restaurants and shopping malls to stem the spread of the coronavirus after President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to act “harshly, urgently, perhaps unpopularly”, AFP reports.
The government supported Zelensky’s proposals and introduced restrictions on domestic movement, including full closure of the country’s three metro systems - in Kiev, Kharkiv and Dnipro - until April 3.The government supported Zelensky’s proposals and introduced restrictions on domestic movement, including full closure of the country’s three metro systems - in Kiev, Kharkiv and Dnipro - until April 3.
The government also banned mass events with more than ten people participating.The government also banned mass events with more than ten people participating.
Ukraine has officially confirmed seven cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and one death. Two new cases were confirmed in Kiev late Monday.Ukraine has officially confirmed seven cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and one death. Two new cases were confirmed in Kiev late Monday.
Ukraine has already implemented drastic preventative measures including banning entry to foreigners, and it will stop all flights to and from the country from Tuesday.Ukraine has already implemented drastic preventative measures including banning entry to foreigners, and it will stop all flights to and from the country from Tuesday.
It has also closed schools and universities and banned major public events.It has also closed schools and universities and banned major public events.
“We need to buy time. We must reduce the chances of the virus spreading through the capital,” Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said in a statement earlier the day.“We need to buy time. We must reduce the chances of the virus spreading through the capital,” Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said in a statement earlier the day.
Ukraine’s other major cities, from Lviv in the west to the southern port of Odessa, have closed museums and swimming pools.Ukraine’s other major cities, from Lviv in the west to the southern port of Odessa, have closed museums and swimming pools.
The country’s parliament is to hold an extraordinary session on Tuesday to consider further steps.The country’s parliament is to hold an extraordinary session on Tuesday to consider further steps.
Meanwhile in Australia:Meanwhile in Australia:
Asian markets sank Tuesday as investors struggled to pick themselves off the floor following the previous day’s global bloodbath, the AFP writes, which saw Wall Street suffer its worst day in more than three decades as coronavirus sweeps the planet.Asian markets sank Tuesday as investors struggled to pick themselves off the floor following the previous day’s global bloodbath, the AFP writes, which saw Wall Street suffer its worst day in more than three decades as coronavirus sweeps the planet.
Despite government and central bank attempts to soothe markets with massive stimulus pledges and interest rate cuts, more countries are going into lockdown to prevent the outbreak’s spread - bringing the world economy juddering to a halt.Despite government and central bank attempts to soothe markets with massive stimulus pledges and interest rate cuts, more countries are going into lockdown to prevent the outbreak’s spread - bringing the world economy juddering to a halt.
There is a broad consensus that the disease, which has wiped trillions off market valuations, will cause a global recession, with the airline industry first in the firing line leading company heads to plead for billions of dollars in state help to prevent them going under.There is a broad consensus that the disease, which has wiped trillions off market valuations, will cause a global recession, with the airline industry first in the firing line leading company heads to plead for billions of dollars in state help to prevent them going under.
The Philippines became the first country to shut down its stock market as the country goes into lockdown.The Philippines became the first country to shut down its stock market as the country goes into lockdown.
Elsewhere, Sydney rose more than 4%, a day after crashing 9.7% in its worst day on record.Elsewhere, Sydney rose more than 4%, a day after crashing 9.7% in its worst day on record.
But after an early advance, the rest of Asia resumed its downward trend.But after an early advance, the rest of Asia resumed its downward trend.
Hong Kong and Shanghai lost more than 1%, while Seoul, Jakarta and Taipei dropped more than 3%. Tokyo ended the morning down 0.5%.Hong Kong and Shanghai lost more than 1%, while Seoul, Jakarta and Taipei dropped more than 3%. Tokyo ended the morning down 0.5%.
Singapore was slightly lower and Wellington was flat after New Zealand became the latest country to announce monetary support.Singapore was slightly lower and Wellington was flat after New Zealand became the latest country to announce monetary support.
The losses came after Wall Street indices collapsed in their worst day since 1987, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping about 12% and the Dow sinking nearly 13%.The losses came after Wall Street indices collapsed in their worst day since 1987, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping about 12% and the Dow sinking nearly 13%.
Thousands of Australian doctors have called on the government to ramp up its coronavirus response.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.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”.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.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.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?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.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.Santa Cruz county issued a similar order later on Monday.
They can’t ever go outside?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”.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”.The key word here is “essential”.
More on this below: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.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.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.”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.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.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.”“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.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?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.Both laughed. “Yeah, at the golf course!” one said.
The New Zealand Herald reported on Tuesday evening that two people from South East Asia would be deported after “irresponsible” behaviour that had put New Zealanders at risk when they failed to self-isolate, according to the immigration agency.The New Zealand Herald reported on Tuesday evening that two people from South East Asia would be deported after “irresponsible” behaviour that had put New Zealanders at risk when they failed to self-isolate, according to the immigration agency.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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 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.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.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.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 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.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.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.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.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.