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Coronavirus live news: number of confirmed global cases passes 200,000 Coronavirus live news: number of confirmed global cases passes 200,000
(32 minutes later)
Belgium goes into lockdown; EU implements strictest travel ban in history; outbreak reaches every US state. Follow the latest updatesBelgium goes into lockdown; EU implements strictest travel ban in history; outbreak reaches every US state. Follow the latest updates
Dutch plans to press ahead with a controversial ‘herd immunity’ strategy against the coronavirus outbreak continued to face criticism today as parliamentarians debated an approach which the Netherlands appears to be alone in pursuing.
In a speech to the nation on Monday, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands would aim to develop immunity to coronavirus among its population by allowing large numbers to contract the illness at a controlled pace
“Those who have had the virus are usually immune afterwards. Just like in the old days with measles. The larger the group that is immune, the less chance that the virus will jump to vulnerable elderly people and people with poor health. With group immunity you build, as it were, a protective wall around them,” said Rutte.
The debate by members of the Dutch House of Representatives can be viewed live here on the Netherlands public broadcaster, NOS.
But while Rutte insisted on Tuesday that his country’s strategy differed little from that of other states, the Dutch approach comes after the UK backed away from the course of action, leaving some Duth people to wonder if had become “the guineapigs of Europe.”
The British government announced last week that it would be banning mass gatherings after prime minister Boris Johnson’s cautious approach to the coronavirus outbreak was overtaken by care homes, sporting bodies and others. The UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, had last week defended its initial approach to coronavirus, saying it was aimed at creating a “herd immunity.”
Amid a continued debate in the Netherlands, some insisted that the strategy of ‘herd immunity’ was a side effect rather than the main goal, which was to mirror that of other states in attempting to use social distancing and other measures to ‘flatten the curve’ of the likely peak of the outbreak.
A Dutch microbiologist, Marc Bonten of UMC Utrecht, told De Telegraaf newspaper that even countries opting for a total lockdown would have to work on building group immunity.
But critics including the London-based economist Jerome Roos pointed to what they estimated the resulting death rate would be, as well as arguing that countries going for ‘herd immunity’ would make it impossible for the countries trying to completely stamp out the virus through collective quarantines
This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog now from Lexy Topping as she takes a break.
The number of coronavirus cases around the world has tipped over the 200,000 mark, according to the John Hopkins University global dashboard.
Belgium is the latest country to go into lockdown, with citizens asked to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family.
Coronavirus cases in France increase by 1,097 in 24 hours
Iran reported its single biggest jump in deaths from the new coronavirus on Wednesday, saying that a further 147 had died in a nearly 15% spike that raises the death toll to 1,135 people nationwide.
Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary celebrations will not go ahead this year in the UK, after organisers announced they would be cancelling because of coronavirus fears.
Two UN agencies have announced that refugees will no longer be resettled to homes in safe countries, as the world battles the Covid-19 crisis.
The Qantas Group has announced it is slashing international capacity by 90% and domestic capacity by 60% until the end of May.
Ireland’s taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has won praise for a national address on Tuesday night that made grim predictions and called for sacrifice, responsibility and solidarity.
Burkina Faso has announced its first death from coronavirus, which is also the first known fatality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Bangladesh has reported its first death from coronavirus.
Iran reported its single biggest jump in deaths from the new coronavirus on Wednesday, saying that another 147 had died in a nearly 15% spike that raises the death toll to 1,135 people nationwide, the Associated Press reports:Iran reported its single biggest jump in deaths from the new coronavirus on Wednesday, saying that another 147 had died in a nearly 15% spike that raises the death toll to 1,135 people nationwide, the Associated Press reports:
The number of coronavirus cases around the world has tipped over the 200,000 mark, according to the John Hopkins University global dashboard.The number of coronavirus cases around the world has tipped over the 200,000 mark, according to the John Hopkins University global dashboard.
Vietnam’s prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has asked the country’s agriculture ministry to draft a directive to stop illegal trading and consumption of wildlife over fears it spreads disease.Vietnam’s prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has asked the country’s agriculture ministry to draft a directive to stop illegal trading and consumption of wildlife over fears it spreads disease.
Here is an extract:Here is an extract:
Read the full report here:Read the full report here:
EasyJet has put all its flights for autumn and next winter on sale early – for a flat fare of £29.99 – even during Christmas and school holiday peaks, writes the Guardian’s transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham.EasyJet has put all its flights for autumn and next winter on sale early – for a flat fare of £29.99 – even during Christmas and school holiday peaks, writes the Guardian’s transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham.
The airline said the move will give more scope to passengers who had booked flights for the next couple of months to find alternatives, without any charges to change existing bookings (or to rebook should the crisis persist).The airline said the move will give more scope to passengers who had booked flights for the next couple of months to find alternatives, without any charges to change existing bookings (or to rebook should the crisis persist).
The extraordinary step could provide particularly good deals for people booking in the next week for peak season – and perhaps a glimmer of optimism for some normality ahead.The extraordinary step could provide particularly good deals for people booking in the next week for peak season – and perhaps a glimmer of optimism for some normality ahead.
EasyJet will hope it generates some revenues and forward bookings at a time when demand has vanished and airlines await details of the chancellor’s promised package of help, with the industry warning that most airlines worldwide could go bankrupt by the end of May.EasyJet will hope it generates some revenues and forward bookings at a time when demand has vanished and airlines await details of the chancellor’s promised package of help, with the industry warning that most airlines worldwide could go bankrupt by the end of May.
Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary celebrations will not go ahead this year in the UK, after organisers announced they would be cancelling because of coronavirus fears.Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary celebrations will not go ahead this year in the UK, after organisers announced they would be cancelling because of coronavirus fears.
Tickets bought for this year’s festival will be valid for next year, organisers said.Tickets bought for this year’s festival will be valid for next year, organisers said.
Earlier this month despite coronavirus worries, the festival announced a wave of more than 90 artists including headliner Kendrick Lamar.Earlier this month despite coronavirus worries, the festival announced a wave of more than 90 artists including headliner Kendrick Lamar.
The festival was scheduled to take place 24-28 June at Worthy Farm, Somerset. It was due to take place during the likely peak of the outbreak in the UK, according to information announced by Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific advised.The festival was scheduled to take place 24-28 June at Worthy Farm, Somerset. It was due to take place during the likely peak of the outbreak in the UK, according to information announced by Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific advised.
Burkina Faso has announced its first death from coronavirus, which is also the first known fatality in sub-Saharan Africa, according to AFP Africa.Burkina Faso has announced its first death from coronavirus, which is also the first known fatality in sub-Saharan Africa, according to AFP Africa.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has defended his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Associated Press reports.Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has defended his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Associated Press reports.
The Iranian government has faced widespread criticism that officials acted too slowly and may have even covered up initial cases before infections rapidly spread across the country.The Iranian government has faced widespread criticism that officials acted too slowly and may have even covered up initial cases before infections rapidly spread across the country.
AP reports:AP reports:
Bangladesh has reported its first death from the novel coronavirus while 14 patients are infected with the disease across the country, according to officials. Bangladesh has reported its first death from coronavirus while 14 patients are infected with the disease across the country, according to officials.
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Director Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora told reporters at a press briefing in Dhaka today, tbs news reported.The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Director Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora told reporters at a press briefing in Dhaka today, tbs news reported.
“The elderly victim was suffering from many old age complications and came into contact with a returnee from abroad,” she added.“The elderly victim was suffering from many old age complications and came into contact with a returnee from abroad,” she added.
Flora also said four new coronavirus patients, including one female and three male, were indentified in the country in the last 24 hours.Flora also said four new coronavirus patients, including one female and three male, were indentified in the country in the last 24 hours.
Estonia and Latvia have pledged to send ships to bring home hundreds of their citizens stranded on the German-Polish border, after Poland closed its borders last week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, writes my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.Estonia and Latvia have pledged to send ships to bring home hundreds of their citizens stranded on the German-Polish border, after Poland closed its borders last week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, writes my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.
Citing official sources, Reuters said the countries were organising cruise ships and ferries to bring their citizens home via Baltic ports later on Wednesday and next week. The Lithuanian government estimates that 420 vehicles with Lithuanian number plates were stuck at the German-Polish border on Monday.Citing official sources, Reuters said the countries were organising cruise ships and ferries to bring their citizens home via Baltic ports later on Wednesday and next week. The Lithuanian government estimates that 420 vehicles with Lithuanian number plates were stuck at the German-Polish border on Monday.
Under EU law, countries are allowed to introduce border controls during emergency situations, but are obliged to allow their own citizens to enter and citizens of other EU countries to pass through on their way home.Under EU law, countries are allowed to introduce border controls during emergency situations, but are obliged to allow their own citizens to enter and citizens of other EU countries to pass through on their way home.
Following talks with 27 EU leaders via video link on Tuesday, the head of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen said it was “absolutely crucial that we unblock the situation, because we know that too many people are stranded within the European Union”.Following talks with 27 EU leaders via video link on Tuesday, the head of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen said it was “absolutely crucial that we unblock the situation, because we know that too many people are stranded within the European Union”.
As lorries queue at the EU’s internal borders, prompting concern about the supply of food and medical goods, von der Leyen also urged states to follow new guidelines to ensure the swift flow of supplies.As lorries queue at the EU’s internal borders, prompting concern about the supply of food and medical goods, von der Leyen also urged states to follow new guidelines to ensure the swift flow of supplies.
The flow of goods has to be swift. We need these goods for the functioning of the internal market.The flow of goods has to be swift. We need these goods for the functioning of the internal market.
She was speaking after EU leaders approved a ban on non-EU citizens coming into the union. EU member states will now have to enforce the 30-day ban, which includes exemptions for British nationals, EU citizens and family members returning home, healthcare workers and researchers, diplomats and people transporting goods.She was speaking after EU leaders approved a ban on non-EU citizens coming into the union. EU member states will now have to enforce the 30-day ban, which includes exemptions for British nationals, EU citizens and family members returning home, healthcare workers and researchers, diplomats and people transporting goods.
Two UN agencies have announced that refugees will no longer be resettled to homes in safe countries, as the world battles the Covid-19 crisis, writes my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.Two UN agencies have announced that refugees will no longer be resettled to homes in safe countries, as the world battles the Covid-19 crisis, writes my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.
In a joint statement, the UN refugee agency (the UNHCR) and the UN migration agency (the IOM), said refugee resettlement would be suspended as “a temporary measure that will be in place only for as long as it remains essential”.In a joint statement, the UN refugee agency (the UNHCR) and the UN migration agency (the IOM), said refugee resettlement would be suspended as “a temporary measure that will be in place only for as long as it remains essential”.
As more countries have introduced travel restrictions and frozen refugee resettlement programmes, the two agencies had little choice. They also raised concern that international travel could increase the exposure of refugees to the virus.As more countries have introduced travel restrictions and frozen refugee resettlement programmes, the two agencies had little choice. They also raised concern that international travel could increase the exposure of refugees to the virus.
In 2019, the UNHCR helped more than 63,600 refugees find a life in a new country, including people who had fled Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Somalia. In the previous year, the IOM helped nearly 95,000 people find a new home, whether through a resettlement programme to a safe country, or some other humanitarian scheme.In 2019, the UNHCR helped more than 63,600 refugees find a life in a new country, including people who had fled Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Somalia. In the previous year, the IOM helped nearly 95,000 people find a new home, whether through a resettlement programme to a safe country, or some other humanitarian scheme.
The decision comes after rights groups warned that refugees and migrants - especially unaccompanied minors - need urgent help. The charities are deeply concerned about the fate of 36,000 asylum seekers on five Greek islands, who are sheltering in squalid, overcrowded camps, often lacking electricity, heating and hot water.The decision comes after rights groups warned that refugees and migrants - especially unaccompanied minors - need urgent help. The charities are deeply concerned about the fate of 36,000 asylum seekers on five Greek islands, who are sheltering in squalid, overcrowded camps, often lacking electricity, heating and hot water.
Belgium is the latest country to go into lockdown, with citizens asked to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family, writes Jennifer Rankin.Belgium is the latest country to go into lockdown, with citizens asked to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family, writes Jennifer Rankin.
From noon local time (CET), all non-essential shops and open-air markets will close and people will be expected to work at home.From noon local time (CET), all non-essential shops and open-air markets will close and people will be expected to work at home.
Employers who require staff to be on site but cannot ensure social distancing face fines and even closure.Employers who require staff to be on site but cannot ensure social distancing face fines and even closure.
The measures are similar to those adopted by France24 hours earlier, but looser. People will be able to visit supermarkets, pharmacies, medical professionals, banks, post offices and bookshops.The measures are similar to those adopted by France24 hours earlier, but looser. People will be able to visit supermarkets, pharmacies, medical professionals, banks, post offices and bookshops.
Supermarkets must limit the number of customers to one per 10 square metres, meaning people are likely to have to queue outside, where they must also observe social distancing by standing well apart.Supermarkets must limit the number of customers to one per 10 square metres, meaning people are likely to have to queue outside, where they must also observe social distancing by standing well apart.
Going out for a walk or a run, or riding a bike is allowed, “even encouraged”, the authorities say, as long as people observe a distance of one and a half metres from anyone who is not a member of their household.Going out for a walk or a run, or riding a bike is allowed, “even encouraged”, the authorities say, as long as people observe a distance of one and a half metres from anyone who is not a member of their household.
The restrictions, which are unprecedented in peacetime, were agreed on Tuesday night by Belgium’s national security council, which includes the prime minister, Sophie Wilmès, deputy prime ministers, other senior politicians and the security services.The restrictions, which are unprecedented in peacetime, were agreed on Tuesday night by Belgium’s national security council, which includes the prime minister, Sophie Wilmès, deputy prime ministers, other senior politicians and the security services.
Wilmès, appointed by the king on Monday to form a permanent government, after 15 months of caretaker administrations, said social distancing did not have to mean no social contact, stressing the role technology could play to keep people together.Wilmès, appointed by the king on Monday to form a permanent government, after 15 months of caretaker administrations, said social distancing did not have to mean no social contact, stressing the role technology could play to keep people together.
She said:She said:
Belgium has had 1,085 cases of Covid-19 and 10 people have died, according to the latest figures in Belgian media.Belgium has had 1,085 cases of Covid-19 and 10 people have died, according to the latest figures in Belgian media.