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Coronavirus live news: Spain to close all hotels as tourists advised to leave; worldwide cases pass 200,000 Coronavirus live news: Spain to close all hotels as tourists advised to leave; worldwide cases pass 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
Hello, it’s Damien Gayle taking over on the world news live blog for the next couple of hours. Please send any tips and news from your part of the world to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
The daughters of loving father and grandfather Leonard Gibson, 78, who died yesterday after testing positive for Covi-19 have thanked the hospital staff who cared for their dad during his time at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
Gibson, who lived in sheltered accommodation in Oughtibridge, near Sheffield, had the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had finished a course of antibiotics after feeling unwell for a few days.
When his illness continued, he was admitted to the Northern General Hospital on Saturday where he was tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive. Despite staff doing all they could to care for ther 78-year-old, he passed away yesterday.
Lisa Broughton and Michelle Lenton, Leonard’s daughters, described their dad as “kind, loving, generous, crazy and fun loving - a jolly Irish man who made everyone smile”.
They said:
The pair also urged everyone to take the advice being given by Public Health England and the Government seriously and in particular to “take time to make sure those people who may be alone or more vulnerable are able to manage over the next few months.“
Lisa said:
Ryanair has announced it will ground “most if not all” flights after next Tuesday, write the Guardian’s UK transport correspondent Gwyn Topham.
The airline currently expects to run a “very small number of flights for essential connectivity”, mainly between the UK and Ireland. More than 80% of flights still scheduled until then will be grounded immediately. It said call centres were overloaded and asked customers not to call, and await email instructions. It may operate some “rescue flights” from the EU, it said, where possible.
A trade union representing gig economy workers has called on Deliveroo, the food delivery service, to reform its Covid-19 hardship fund, which they say only pays out to workers with a sick note, writes my colleague Damien Gayle in London.Even as food delivery services become increasingly crucial for households in self-isolation over suspected coronavirus infections, there are fears that the gig economy riders who staff them may be continuing to ride while themselves sick or face destitution.Deliveroo’s fund, announced last week, was supposed to offer riders a safety net in case they had to self-isolate over suspected infection with coronavirus.However, a spokesperson for the IWGB said that riders who were calling up to report that they were suffering from symptoms were having their delivery accounts deactivated, then told they could not access emergency funds unless they were able to provide a sick note.NHS guidelines state that people who display symptoms of the disease should not go to their GP, and the NHS 111 helpline cannot provide sick notes, making them impossible to obtain for suspected Covid-19 infections in most cases.It is understood that riders working for other gig economy services are being left in the same position. Alex Marshall, chair of the IWGB Couriers and Logistics branch, said:“Deliveroo and other so-called gig economy employers have to stop blocking their workers’ access to these funds and immediately introduce full contractual sick pay, without pre-conditions.“Increasingly, these workers are being expected to play a huge role in feeding people during this time of crisis, so it is time for their employers and the government to give them the basic rights we expect in any decent and just society.”The Guardian has contacted Deliveroo for comment.
False information on coronavirus has been circulating WhatsApp groups, targeting school and parent groups, writes my colleague Elena Morresi.
Originally circulating in Italy, it claimed to come from a nurse in Milan, in the US from Stanford University, in the UK from an “internal email for staff in St George’s Hospital.”
Here are a number of claims fact-checked:
Covid’19 “hates heat and dies if it is exposed to temperatures greater than 80°F (27°C) Therefore hot drinks such as infusions, broths or simply hot water should be consumed abundantly during the day (…) the Sun’s UV rays kill the virus.”
Soap and water or antibacterial gels used correctly are the only proven method to remove the virus from your hands and surfaces.
“The Coronavirus has a large size (diameter of 400-500 nanometres) so face masks can stop it, no special face masks are needed in daily life.”
Covid-19 is around 120 – 160 nanometres. No mask guarantees complete protection.
“If an infected person sneezes near us, stay 10 feet (3.3 metres) away to allow the virus fall to the ground.”
Social distancing will slow the spread, however a sneeze travels around 150 km/h and can stay in the air for some time – there is no precise 3-metre rule.
“When the virus is on hard surfaces, it survives about 12 hours.”
It is not yet known how long Covid-19 survives on surfaces. Some coronaviruses can remain active outside a host for days.
“You can gargle with disinfectant solutions (...) that eliminate or minimize the amount of virus that can enter the throat.”
Covid-19 is a respiratory virus, mouthwash cannot protect against infection.
Concerned Guardian reader Clare Finnigan has pointed out this sad and worrying news in the UK, where a food bank has taken the “difficult decision” to close.Concerned Guardian reader Clare Finnigan has pointed out this sad and worrying news in the UK, where a food bank has taken the “difficult decision” to close.
Trump has spoken about the key role played by Ireland in the pharmaceutical world as the world searches for coronavirus vaccines and treatments, adding that the US was “looking to bring a lot more back home,” writes my colleague Ben Quinn.Trump has spoken about the key role played by Ireland in the pharmaceutical world as the world searches for coronavirus vaccines and treatments, adding that the US was “looking to bring a lot more back home,” writes my colleague Ben Quinn.
British tourists stranded in the Egyptian resort town of Hurghada are complaining that airline operator Easyjet has cancelled flights, not allowing them to return before Egypt shuts down international and domestic flights on Thursday noon.British tourists stranded in the Egyptian resort town of Hurghada are complaining that airline operator Easyjet has cancelled flights, not allowing them to return before Egypt shuts down international and domestic flights on Thursday noon.
The British Ambassador to Egypt, Sir Geoffrey Adams, said the embassy is working to respond to the issue:The British Ambassador to Egypt, Sir Geoffrey Adams, said the embassy is working to respond to the issue:
Egypt now has 196 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including six deaths according to the country’s Ministry of Health.Egypt now has 196 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including six deaths according to the country’s Ministry of Health.
Jean Jabbour, director of the World Health Organization in Cairo announced that Egypt has tested 3015 people. He was speaking at a digital press conference earlier today to discuss the spread of COVID-19 in the Middle East.Jean Jabbour, director of the World Health Organization in Cairo announced that Egypt has tested 3015 people. He was speaking at a digital press conference earlier today to discuss the spread of COVID-19 in the Middle East.
Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, director of the WHO for the Eastern Meditarranean region said that 18,019 cases have been reported in 18 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including 1010 deaths from 7 countries.Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, director of the WHO for the Eastern Meditarranean region said that 18,019 cases have been reported in 18 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including 1010 deaths from 7 countries.
He added:He added:
Nigeria has announced that it is restricting entry into the country for travellers from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, U.S, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. On Wednesday the government confirmed the country had 8 confirmed cases of coronavirus.Nigeria has announced that it is restricting entry into the country for travellers from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, U.S, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. On Wednesday the government confirmed the country had 8 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
There are concerns in some of the remotest parts of the world about the lack of coronavirus testing facilities.There are concerns in some of the remotest parts of the world about the lack of coronavirus testing facilities.
In Greenland in the far north, and the Falklands in the far south, samples from patients suspected of contracting the virus, have to be flown thousands of miles away for confirmation.In Greenland in the far north, and the Falklands in the far south, samples from patients suspected of contracting the virus, have to be flown thousands of miles away for confirmation.
Anders Madsen, a nurse from Nook, the capital of Greenland, emailed the Guardian on Monday to confirm the island’s first case. But in his latest update he pointed out that Greenland is still waiting for the test results from nine other patients to be analysed in Denmark which controls the island. Meanwhile, all schools in Greenland have been closed in line with Danish policy, he said.Anders Madsen, a nurse from Nook, the capital of Greenland, emailed the Guardian on Monday to confirm the island’s first case. But in his latest update he pointed out that Greenland is still waiting for the test results from nine other patients to be analysed in Denmark which controls the island. Meanwhile, all schools in Greenland have been closed in line with Danish policy, he said.
Madsen added:Madsen added:
Madsen’s comments on Monday, prompted another reader from the Falkland Islands to report similar concerns.Madsen’s comments on Monday, prompted another reader from the Falkland Islands to report similar concerns.
The reader, who did not want to be named, said:The reader, who did not want to be named, said:
The reader said there was also alarm on the Falklands about the limited hospital capacity if coronavirus does hit. They said:The reader said there was also alarm on the Falklands about the limited hospital capacity if coronavirus does hit. They said:
Interesting story in the New Yorker with relevance to the current pandemic:Interesting story in the New Yorker with relevance to the current pandemic:
A major animal disease research centre is set to move from an island off the US East Coast to Kansas, the American breadbasket, where a lab accident could destroy the $68 billion-a-year beef industry, journalist Elizabeth Eaves writes.A major animal disease research centre is set to move from an island off the US East Coast to Kansas, the American breadbasket, where a lab accident could destroy the $68 billion-a-year beef industry, journalist Elizabeth Eaves writes.
A shutdown of the United States-Canada border, barring allnon-essential travel, is likely to be met with strong approval inCanada, as health officials grapple with a surge in coronavirus casesoriginating in the United States, writes my colleague Leyland Cecco in Toronto.A shutdown of the United States-Canada border, barring allnon-essential travel, is likely to be met with strong approval inCanada, as health officials grapple with a surge in coronavirus casesoriginating in the United States, writes my colleague Leyland Cecco in Toronto.
When prime minister Justin Trudeau previously announced the closure of Canada’s border to international travellers earlier this week, he made a large exception: American citizens could still travel north.When prime minister Justin Trudeau previously announced the closure of Canada’s border to international travellers earlier this week, he made a large exception: American citizens could still travel north.
But a growing number of coronavirus cases has likely shifted the government’s calculations in recent days.“We have 32 new [cases] in the last 24 hours,” Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Ontario’s associate chief medical officer of health, said Monday. “And a significant number of those were exposed [to the virus] in the United States.”British Columbia’s health minister has been the most vocal of critic of Americans still having permission to travel into Canada. The westernmost province has been hit hard in recent days by a surge in cases, many of which are suspected of have originated in northern Washington state, one of the deadliest locations in the country for the virus.“It’s our strong view and it’s our strong message that visitors from the United States not come to British Columbia,” said minister Adrian Dix at a press conference Tuesday night, as health officials announced a surge in cases- and three more deaths. “Don’t come. Because at this moment that is the wrong thing to do.”But a growing number of coronavirus cases has likely shifted the government’s calculations in recent days.“We have 32 new [cases] in the last 24 hours,” Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Ontario’s associate chief medical officer of health, said Monday. “And a significant number of those were exposed [to the virus] in the United States.”British Columbia’s health minister has been the most vocal of critic of Americans still having permission to travel into Canada. The westernmost province has been hit hard in recent days by a surge in cases, many of which are suspected of have originated in northern Washington state, one of the deadliest locations in the country for the virus.“It’s our strong view and it’s our strong message that visitors from the United States not come to British Columbia,” said minister Adrian Dix at a press conference Tuesday night, as health officials announced a surge in cases- and three more deaths. “Don’t come. Because at this moment that is the wrong thing to do.”
US president Donald Trump has just tweeted that the US-Canada border will be closed to “non-essential traffic”. Trump insists: “trade will not be affected”.US president Donald Trump has just tweeted that the US-Canada border will be closed to “non-essential traffic”. Trump insists: “trade will not be affected”.
More details in our US-focused liveblog:More details in our US-focused liveblog:
Annual advertising industry jamboree the Cannes Lions festival has been postponed until October. A statement on the festival’s website says:Annual advertising industry jamboree the Cannes Lions festival has been postponed until October. A statement on the festival’s website says:
Even the most ghastly events normally have some minor, beneficial upside and now, alongside improved global air quality and the abolition of the BBC Question Time audience, we can add PMQs to the list of things made better by coronavirus. The tone was always going to serious and sombre given the nature of the crisis facing the country. (Every single question was about coronavirus, by my count.) But the effect of holding it in a near-empty chamber also made a difference because there was no cheering or barracking. Boris Johnson had no noise cushion to help him through. It meant that what he said mattered more.Even the most ghastly events normally have some minor, beneficial upside and now, alongside improved global air quality and the abolition of the BBC Question Time audience, we can add PMQs to the list of things made better by coronavirus. The tone was always going to serious and sombre given the nature of the crisis facing the country. (Every single question was about coronavirus, by my count.) But the effect of holding it in a near-empty chamber also made a difference because there was no cheering or barracking. Boris Johnson had no noise cushion to help him through. It meant that what he said mattered more.
Johnson was pressed repeatedly, especially by Jeremy Corbyn, by Ian Blackford and most effectively of all by Chris Byrant, on what he was doing to help workers who will lose out from coronavirus and he was on slightly shaky ground. Ministers insist they will announce a package of employment support measures very soon, and Johnson repeatedly insisted that people should not lose out for doing the right thing (ie, for staying at home, even if they feel well) and he repeatedly said that he was willing to do whatever it took. To some extent, that still sounded more like a slogan than a strategy.Johnson was pressed repeatedly, especially by Jeremy Corbyn, by Ian Blackford and most effectively of all by Chris Byrant, on what he was doing to help workers who will lose out from coronavirus and he was on slightly shaky ground. Ministers insist they will announce a package of employment support measures very soon, and Johnson repeatedly insisted that people should not lose out for doing the right thing (ie, for staying at home, even if they feel well) and he repeatedly said that he was willing to do whatever it took. To some extent, that still sounded more like a slogan than a strategy.
But PMQs should also been an opportunity for the prime minister to listen, as well as to communicate, and one would imagine than Johnson would have left the chamber more persuaded than ever about the need for some mass government intervention to protect workers. If Felicity Buchan, a Kensington Tory with a background in banking, is saying that the government does not need to worry about borrowing any more (see 12.29pm), then it is hard to see what is restraining No 10.But PMQs should also been an opportunity for the prime minister to listen, as well as to communicate, and one would imagine than Johnson would have left the chamber more persuaded than ever about the need for some mass government intervention to protect workers. If Felicity Buchan, a Kensington Tory with a background in banking, is saying that the government does not need to worry about borrowing any more (see 12.29pm), then it is hard to see what is restraining No 10.
Johnson has a proper announcement to make during the session. In response to a question from Corbyn, he confirmed that the government would legislate to protect renters from eviction during the coronavirus crisis. He told MPs:Johnson has a proper announcement to make during the session. In response to a question from Corbyn, he confirmed that the government would legislate to protect renters from eviction during the coronavirus crisis. He told MPs:
Johnson also announced that coronavirus testing was being ramped up to 25,000 tests a day. And, although he did not reveal what the government’s employment support measures would involve, his answers on this were intriguing. He did not dismiss out of hand the temporary universal basis income idea floated by Blackford, or Bryant’s call for a handout in the form of a summer version of the winter fuel payment.Johnson also announced that coronavirus testing was being ramped up to 25,000 tests a day. And, although he did not reveal what the government’s employment support measures would involve, his answers on this were intriguing. He did not dismiss out of hand the temporary universal basis income idea floated by Blackford, or Bryant’s call for a handout in the form of a summer version of the winter fuel payment.
Johnson was also interesting on the subject of schools. He told MPs:Johnson was also interesting on the subject of schools. He told MPs:
That sounded very much like a hint that the government will announce a partial closure of schools, with some provision being kept open - perhaps for children of key workers, or perhaps with schools in childminding rather than education mode? - to minimise the impact on the NHS.That sounded very much like a hint that the government will announce a partial closure of schools, with some provision being kept open - perhaps for children of key workers, or perhaps with schools in childminding rather than education mode? - to minimise the impact on the NHS.
Keep with more detailed live news from the UK here.Keep with more detailed live news from the UK here.
British tourists in Spain who are looking to return to the UK should make travel arrangements as soon as possible, the British ambassador to Spain has said, as all hotels in the country have been ordered to close down within a week, writes my colleague Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.British tourists in Spain who are looking to return to the UK should make travel arrangements as soon as possible, the British ambassador to Spain has said, as all hotels in the country have been ordered to close down within a week, writes my colleague Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.
“Our advice is now that British tourists in Spain who wish to return home should make travel plans to do so as soon as possible,” Hugh Elliott said in a video posted online on Tuesday evening.“Our advice is now that British tourists in Spain who wish to return home should make travel plans to do so as soon as possible,” Hugh Elliott said in a video posted online on Tuesday evening.
He continued: “The government has ordered the closure of hotels over the next seven days in order to reduce risks to health.” As hotels begin shuttering, some tourists will be asked to move hotels, he noted.He continued: “The government has ordered the closure of hotels over the next seven days in order to reduce risks to health.” As hotels begin shuttering, some tourists will be asked to move hotels, he noted.
The embassy is in close contact with Spanish authorities, who have made it clear that “no one will be left without accommodation,” said Elliott. He urged tourists and residents in Spain to check the government’s site for up-to-date travel advice.The embassy is in close contact with Spanish authorities, who have made it clear that “no one will be left without accommodation,” said Elliott. He urged tourists and residents in Spain to check the government’s site for up-to-date travel advice.
The ambassador’s advice comes after the Spanish government said this week that it had not ruled out closing the country’s airspace.The ambassador’s advice comes after the Spanish government said this week that it had not ruled out closing the country’s airspace.
Nearly 600 people have died in Spain in recent weeks and cases of coronavirus have surged to 13,716, leaving the country battling an epidemic that ranks among the worst in Europe.Nearly 600 people have died in Spain in recent weeks and cases of coronavirus have surged to 13,716, leaving the country battling an epidemic that ranks among the worst in Europe.
As pressure builds on the country’s healthcare system, Spanish authorities said they were considering turning now-vacant hotels into makeshift hospitals. The first such transformation, described by local media as a “medicalised hotel,” is expected to begin operating this week, after a four-star hotel in central Madrid offered up its 361 rooms to authorities.As pressure builds on the country’s healthcare system, Spanish authorities said they were considering turning now-vacant hotels into makeshift hospitals. The first such transformation, described by local media as a “medicalised hotel,” is expected to begin operating this week, after a four-star hotel in central Madrid offered up its 361 rooms to authorities.
Elliott also reminded British tourists and residents to continue to comply with Spain’s near-total lockdown, amid videos making the rounds on social media that show some tourists flaunting the new rules. Earlier in the week, as the measures went into effect, Spanish media published a video showing holidaymakers wandering leisurely through Benidorm. “It’s a flu that we just all need to get over,” one tourist told news agency Atlas. “Have a beer,” he added, waving around the open beer can he was carrying.Elliott also reminded British tourists and residents to continue to comply with Spain’s near-total lockdown, amid videos making the rounds on social media that show some tourists flaunting the new rules. Earlier in the week, as the measures went into effect, Spanish media published a video showing holidaymakers wandering leisurely through Benidorm. “It’s a flu that we just all need to get over,” one tourist told news agency Atlas. “Have a beer,” he added, waving around the open beer can he was carrying.
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest has become the latest high profile cultural event to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with the annual songwriting competition delayed until 2021. Due to be held in Rotterdam on 16 May, the event will now take place 12 months later in the same venue.The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest has become the latest high profile cultural event to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with the annual songwriting competition delayed until 2021. Due to be held in Rotterdam on 16 May, the event will now take place 12 months later in the same venue.
Full story here:Full story here:
Also, if you need cheering up (and frankly, who doesn’t right now), give the Icelandic entry a watch. As our very own Jay Rayner states: “if this hadn’t won there would be no justice”.Also, if you need cheering up (and frankly, who doesn’t right now), give the Icelandic entry a watch. As our very own Jay Rayner states: “if this hadn’t won there would be no justice”.
There’s even a petition to give it to Iceland, by default.There’s even a petition to give it to Iceland, by default.
Breaking: Nicola Sturgeon announces schools and nurseries in Scotland will close to pupils at the end of the week.Breaking: Nicola Sturgeon announces schools and nurseries in Scotland will close to pupils at the end of the week.
The first minister said there will be further announcements to support low income students on free school meals as well as students who have exams.The first minister said there will be further announcements to support low income students on free school meals as well as students who have exams.
Sturgeon added that people should not assume schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break. She cannot promise it will reopen before summer holidays.Sturgeon added that people should not assume schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break. She cannot promise it will reopen before summer holidays.
She said: “It will not be easy, but together we will get through this.”She said: “It will not be easy, but together we will get through this.”