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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: Lombardy death toll reportedly jumps by 319 in a day; Spain to close all hotels
(30 minutes later)
Belgium goes into lockdown; EU implements strictest travel ban in history; outbreak reaches every US state. Follow the latest updates Tourists told to leave Spain; worldwide cases pass 200,000; infections in New York up 695. Follow the latest updates
Here’s the latest public service announcement from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who says he will now start to publish daily videos on exercises that older people can do at home to stay fit.
The South American nation of Uruguay has reported 50 cases of coronavirus, a disproportionately large amount for this small nation of under 3.5 million inhabitants. (Argentina, next door, population 45 million, has only 79 reported cases).
Doctors are talking of an “explosive growth” in numbers, say local press reports, after the first four cases were reported only last Friday.
About 20 of the cases have been traced back to a single socialite from the capital city of Montevideo who went to a 500-guest wedding the same night after she returned from Spain on 7 March.
The woman in question, Carmela Hontou, who has been diagnosed with the virus, has been giving interviews defending her assistance and adding that she also had lunch with her 84-year-old mother upon arrival and went to a lunch the next day “where there were also a lot of people.”
Asked by a reporter if she didn’t consider it unwise to mingle in large crowds, given her situation, Hontou answered: “That’s ridiculous, plus, do you know how many people came in that plane?”
Audio WhatsApp messages by friends of the woman and other wedding guests have circulated widely in Uruguay, expressing disbelief and anger at her attitude. The authorities have also intervened in the case of Hontou’s two sons, after security guards at her building reported to the authorities Tuesday that they have been allegedly visiting their mother and then going about their business as usual in Montevideo.
Uruguay is awaiting the delivery of 20 thousand test kits to deal with the situation, say press reports. Although some private clinics havekits, the government clinic that centralizes results is reportedly working with a five-day delay before confirming cases.
Progressive Uruguay, the only nation with legal marijuana in Latin America, and with legal abortion, apart from Cuba, has not yet imposed a nationwide quarantine, although the SMU Uruguayan doctor’s union has asked the government for this and other drastic measures to contain the spread.
Uruguay has meanwhile suspended classes for two weeks, closed shopping malls and ordered the suspension of flights from the US starting Wednesday and from Europe starting Friday.
In Lombardy 319 people coronavirus patients have died in a single day, two sources with access to the data have told Reuters.
The sources said the number of new cases in the region, which includes Italy’s financial capital Milan, had increased by almost 1,500, with the tally of confirmed cases rising above 17,700.
The latest national death toll figures are due to be released later in the day. On Tuesday, the country-wide tally stood at 2,503.
Jesse McKinley, Albany bureau chief for the NY Times, is live tweeting New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus address to the state.
Nepal is to close its borders completely to anyone - even its own nationals - arriving in the country from Europe, west Asia, the gulf states and other countries badly hit by the Covid-19 outbreak.Nepal is to close its borders completely to anyone - even its own nationals - arriving in the country from Europe, west Asia, the gulf states and other countries badly hit by the Covid-19 outbreak.
The ban will come into effect from midnight on Friday and remain in place until 15 April, according to the Kathmandu Post. Movement to and from China, however, remains open.The ban will come into effect from midnight on Friday and remain in place until 15 April, according to the Kathmandu Post. Movement to and from China, however, remains open.
Rajan Pokhrel, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, said:Rajan Pokhrel, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, said:
Sri Lanka is closing all international airports to arriving passenger flights, the US state department has reported on Twitter.Sri Lanka is closing all international airports to arriving passenger flights, the US state department has reported on Twitter.
Sebastian Piñera, the president of Chile, has declared a 90-day state of emergency to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country.Sebastian Piñera, the president of Chile, has declared a 90-day state of emergency to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country.
While specific details are yet to be announced, these measures could see the restriction of transport and the prohibition of public gatherings. The military is authorised to uphold these regulations when required.While specific details are yet to be announced, these measures could see the restriction of transport and the prohibition of public gatherings. The military is authorised to uphold these regulations when required.
This is the second state of emergency that Piñera has applied in under 6 months. In October, the President called for an 8-day state of emergency to repress protests over rising costs of living. The unrest has continued for over five months — over a hundred were seen marching in Santiago’s Plaza Italia as recently as Monday. Such demonstrations are now expected to come to an abrupt halt over Covid-19 concerns.This is the second state of emergency that Piñera has applied in under 6 months. In October, the President called for an 8-day state of emergency to repress protests over rising costs of living. The unrest has continued for over five months — over a hundred were seen marching in Santiago’s Plaza Italia as recently as Monday. Such demonstrations are now expected to come to an abrupt halt over Covid-19 concerns.
While many in the country understand the necessity to ensure public wellbeing, there is great distrust in Piñera, who has a 12% approval rating. Over 30 have been killed and thousands have suffered injuries caused by the state’s harsh repression on protesters — it is a troubling time to see the government assume greater power.While many in the country understand the necessity to ensure public wellbeing, there is great distrust in Piñera, who has a 12% approval rating. Over 30 have been killed and thousands have suffered injuries caused by the state’s harsh repression on protesters — it is a troubling time to see the government assume greater power.
Responding to protesters’ demands, Piñera established a vote to change the country’s referendum last November. Originally set for the end of April, it is likely the referendum will be postponed.Responding to protesters’ demands, Piñera established a vote to change the country’s referendum last November. Originally set for the end of April, it is likely the referendum will be postponed.
There are currently 238 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Chile, with 0 deaths.There are currently 238 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Chile, with 0 deaths.
The wedding of Princess Beatrice, the Queen’s granddaughter, has been postponed until next year because of the Covid-19 outbreak, Sun executive editor Dan Wootton reports on Twitter.The wedding of Princess Beatrice, the Queen’s granddaughter, has been postponed until next year because of the Covid-19 outbreak, Sun executive editor Dan Wootton reports on Twitter.
Parisians who fled the French capital before the national lockdown are finding the welcome to second or family homes in the countryside less than warm after locals accused them of spreading the coronavirus.Parisians who fled the French capital before the national lockdown are finding the welcome to second or family homes in the countryside less than warm after locals accused them of spreading the coronavirus.
Trains leaving Paris for the countryside were packed on Tuesday morning, hours before the government’s order to stay at home unless absolutely necessary or face €135 fines came into effect at midday.Trains leaving Paris for the countryside were packed on Tuesday morning, hours before the government’s order to stay at home unless absolutely necessary or face €135 fines came into effect at midday.
In places, however, the Parisian arrivals were met with a frosty reception.In places, however, the Parisian arrivals were met with a frosty reception.
Graffiti on a fence at Cap Ferret near Arcachon in south-west France set the tone with “Parigo home virus?”. Parigo is French slang for Parisians.Graffiti on a fence at Cap Ferret near Arcachon in south-west France set the tone with “Parigo home virus?”. Parigo is French slang for Parisians.
Nigeria has issued a travel ban on citizens from 13 countries, as authorities confirmed five new cases bringing the total in the west Africa country to eight.Nigeria has issued a travel ban on citizens from 13 countries, as authorities confirmed five new cases bringing the total in the west Africa country to eight.
The government said on Twitter it “is restricting entry into the country for travellers from... China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, US, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland.The government said on Twitter it “is restricting entry into the country for travellers from... China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, US, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland.
“These are all countries with over 1,000 cases domestically.”“These are all countries with over 1,000 cases domestically.”
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.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.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.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.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”.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: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.“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: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.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.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.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.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.”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: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.”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.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.”“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.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.”“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.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.”“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.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.”“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.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: