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Coronavirus live news: death toll in Italy approaches 3,000; WHO tells Africa to 'prepare for worst' Coronavirus live news: death toll in Italy jumps by 475, highest number recorded anywhere in a day
(32 minutes later)
Spain closes hotels; Portugal declares state of emergency; worldwide cases pass 200,000. Follow the latest updatesSpain closes hotels; Portugal declares state of emergency; worldwide cases pass 200,000. Follow the latest updates
The coronavirus death toll in Italy has increased by 475, the highest number so far in a single day, according to the latest figures from the Civil Protection Agency. Singapore reported 47 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, of which 33 were imported from overseas, taking the total in the country 313, Channel News Asia reports.
Thirty of the new cases were found in returning Singapore residents, who included citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.
Singapore authorities have been starkly critical of the approach taken by other countries, particularly the UK, Switzerland and Japan, in tackling the virus. Soon after it was first detected in China, the city state took strenuous measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Nineteen of the new cases had a travel history to Europe, while six had bee in north America.
So far the country has had 117 recoveries from the virus, while 196 remain in hospital - 15 in a critical condition in intensive care.
Greek health authorities have announced there are now 418 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, an increase of 31 over the last 24 hours. Of that number 79 are hospitalised with 13 in critical condition, professor Sotiris Tsiodras, the health ministry’s Covid-19 spokesman told reporters.
Those afflicted had an an average age of around 70 years he said, adding that people should continue to stay in doors.
But sounding a note of optimism, the infectious disease expert said doctors, world-wide, were now focused on finding a cure and the results of research and clinical tests in China, where a new drug had been tried out on 340 patients from Wuhan and Shenzhen, were “encouraging.”
The deputy minister of civil protection Nikos Hardalias, who is coordinating government efforts to combat the disease and was also attending the briefing, said as of tomorrow a blanket ban on groups of more than ten people would be brought into effect, in what has become the latest emergency measure to curb the spread of the novel virus in Greece.
A fine of 1,000 euro will be meted out to anyone caught violating the new law, he said. While the centre right government has resisted imposing a curfew, Hardalias insisted that movement should be strictly limited.
People could leave their homes to go to work, see a doctor, get provisions wherever delivery wasn’t possible or go to a bank and petrol station. They could also go out for exercise in small groups but only if they kept a strict kept a distance from one another.
Pets could also be taken out.
The coronavirus death toll in Italy has increased by 475, the highest number so far recorded any country in a single day, according to the latest figures from the Civil Protection Agency.
In total the death toll from the virus in the country, the worst affected in Europe by the outbreak, has now reached 2,978 - an increase of 19%, Reuters reported.In total the death toll from the virus in the country, the worst affected in Europe by the outbreak, has now reached 2,978 - an increase of 19%, Reuters reported.
The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 35,713 from a previous 31,506, up 13.35%The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 35,713 from a previous 31,506, up 13.35%
Of those originally infected, 4,025 had fully recovered compared to 2,941 the day before. Some 2,257 people were in intensive care against a previous 2,060.Of those originally infected, 4,025 had fully recovered compared to 2,941 the day before. Some 2,257 people were in intensive care against a previous 2,060.
Up to 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned.Up to 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned.
The ILO said that in the worst case scenario, Covid-19 could cause more unemployment than the global economic crisis of 2008.The ILO said that in the worst case scenario, Covid-19 could cause more unemployment than the global economic crisis of 2008.
Its most optimistic assessment of the impact of the outbreak was that 5.3m jobs would be lost. In the bleakest scenario that would rise to 24.7m job losses.Its most optimistic assessment of the impact of the outbreak was that 5.3m jobs would be lost. In the bleakest scenario that would rise to 24.7m job losses.
The crisis would also increase the number of working people in poverty by between 8.8 million and 35 million, in the best and worst scenarios respectively.The crisis would also increase the number of working people in poverty by between 8.8 million and 35 million, in the best and worst scenarios respectively.
The ILO called for urgent measures at a national and global level to minimise the level of unemployment caused by the virus. It said this must be based on protecting workers’ rights, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes.The ILO called for urgent measures at a national and global level to minimise the level of unemployment caused by the virus. It said this must be based on protecting workers’ rights, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes.
Boris Johnson has announced that UK schools will close, after days of pressure and the announcement of the closure of schools in Wales and Scotland earlier today.Boris Johnson has announced that UK schools will close, after days of pressure and the announcement of the closure of schools in Wales and Scotland earlier today.
The prime minister said there is a need to apply further pressure on the upward curve of the disease. The prime minister said there is a need to apply further pressure on the upward curve of the disease. He refused to say how long he thought closures would last.
Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, is about to begin his daily address to the nation on the latest developments in his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, is about to begin his daily address to the nation on the latest developments in his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Our UK live blog will be covering the briefing in detail.Our UK live blog will be covering the briefing in detail.
Donald Trump, the United States president, has announced that he will invoke a federal provision that allows the government to marshal the private sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reports.Donald Trump, the United States president, has announced that he will invoke a federal provision that allows the government to marshal the private sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reports.
Trump, now describing himself as a wartime president, said he would sign the Defense Production Act “in case we need it” as the government bolsters resources for an expected surge in cases of the virus.Trump, now describing himself as a wartime president, said he would sign the Defense Production Act “in case we need it” as the government bolsters resources for an expected surge in cases of the virus.
The Defense Production Act gives the president powers to direct domestic industrial production to provide essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.The Defense Production Act gives the president powers to direct domestic industrial production to provide essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.
It allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritise and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.It allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritise and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.
Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming the centre of a pandemic that has rattled the U.S. economy and rewritten the rules of American society.Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming the centre of a pandemic that has rattled the U.S. economy and rewritten the rules of American society.
A second ship will be deployed to the West Coast.A second ship will be deployed to the West Coast.
Cuba has come to the rescue of a British cruise ship rejected by port officials across the Caribbean for weeks, allowing more than 1,000 people on board ashore, including five confirmed to be infected with coronavirus.Cuba has come to the rescue of a British cruise ship rejected by port officials across the Caribbean for weeks, allowing more than 1,000 people on board ashore, including five confirmed to be infected with coronavirus.
The Associated Press reports that the Braemar arrived in the port of Mariel early on Wednesday morning, with medical workers in protective gear taking passengers from the ship to Jose Marti international airport.The Associated Press reports that the Braemar arrived in the port of Mariel early on Wednesday morning, with medical workers in protective gear taking passengers from the ship to Jose Marti international airport.
Sailing the Caribbean since late February, the Braemar had already been turned away by the Dominican Republic, Barbados and the Bahamas. Cuba said it is allowing the passengers to transit as an act of humanitarian solidarity.Sailing the Caribbean since late February, the Braemar had already been turned away by the Dominican Republic, Barbados and the Bahamas. Cuba said it is allowing the passengers to transit as an act of humanitarian solidarity.
Ramón Castillo, head of the company of pilots of ports of the Republic of Cuba, told a press conference:Ramón Castillo, head of the company of pilots of ports of the Republic of Cuba, told a press conference:
Most of the 682 passengers were expected to arrive in London on Thursday morning on planes chartered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, while those with the coronavirus or flu-like symptoms were being flown to a British military base on a separate plane.Most of the 682 passengers were expected to arrive in London on Thursday morning on planes chartered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, while those with the coronavirus or flu-like symptoms were being flown to a British military base on a separate plane.
It comes as Cuba announced its first death from the coronavirus, a 61-year-old Italian tourist who was one of 10 confirmed cases on the island.It comes as Cuba announced its first death from the coronavirus, a 61-year-old Italian tourist who was one of 10 confirmed cases on the island.
If you are following the latest coronavirus updates and you want to watch the World Health Organisation press conference hit ‘play’ on the player at the top of the blog to see the live feed.If you are following the latest coronavirus updates and you want to watch the World Health Organisation press conference hit ‘play’ on the player at the top of the blog to see the live feed.
The World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is telling Africa “to prepare for the worst and prepare today” as he holds a press conference on the latest developments on the global coronavirus pandemic.The World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is telling Africa “to prepare for the worst and prepare today” as he holds a press conference on the latest developments on the global coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus death toll in the UK has reached 104 after NHS England said a further 32 people had died in England after testing positive.
This brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 99. The patients were aged between 59 and 94 years old and had underlying health conditions.
Follow the UK coronavirus liveblog for more details:
The president of Portugal has declared a state of emergency over the spread of Covid-19, subject to approval by the country’s parliament.
The country has 642 confirmed cases of Covid-19 so far, and two patients have died, according to a Reuters tally. The number of cases has risen by 194 since Monday.
The Portuguese victims of the virus include the president of the board of directors of Santander Portugal, António Vieira Monteiro, who was hospitalised after returning from a holiday in Italy.
Two of his children have also been diagnosed with Covid-19.
The first victim, Mário Veríssimo, an 80-year-old former masseur, died on Monday.
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.
Uruguay has reported 50 cases of coronavirus, a disproportionately large amount for this small South American nation of under 3.5 million inhabitants. (Argentina, next door, with a population of 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 20,000 test kits to deal with the situation, say press reports. Although some private clinics have kits, the government clinic that centralizes results is reportedly working with a five-day delay before confirming cases.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.