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Coronavirus live news: death toll in Italy jumps by 475, highest number recorded anywhere in a day Coronavirus live news: Italy deaths up by 475, biggest jump anywhere in a single 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
Reuters is reporting that two World Bank Group employees in Washington DC have been diagnosed with Covid-19. It cited a memo to workers from the World Bank Group’s president, David Malpass.
According to the report, Malpass said the diagnoses marked the first cases at the World Bank and its sister organisations, but further cases could be diagnosed in the coming days and weeks.
Both the Bank and the International Monetary Fund have advised their headquarters staff and contractors to work from home after an employee of the latter was diagnosed with Covid-19.
Norway will spend all that’s needed to protect jobs and companies during the coronavirus outbreak, its prime minister Erna Solberg has said.
Pakistan has confirmed its first deaths from coronavirus as the total number of infected patients in the country climbed to 260. The first death was reported in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where so far 19 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.
The virus is spreading rapidly in France, Prof Jérôme Salomon, director of the French health authority, has said.
There are 9,134 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus in France, and there have been 264 deaths – an increase of 89 in the last 24 hours. Of those infected, 2,626 are in hospital; 931 of them in intensive care, half of whom are under 60 years old.
Salomon thanked the Chinese authorities who had given France one million masks.
France has carried out 4,000 tests today (42,000 since the beginning of the epidemic).
The fine for ignoring the order to stay at home was raised to €135 (£126.11) on Wednesday and those fined were told it would rise to €375 if not paid within seven days.
In and around Paris, the police and gendarmes reported they had stopped 10,000 people and verified if they had the necessary documents allowing them to be out.
The French health minister, Olivier Véran, said most people come into contact with around 50 people per day in normal circumstances. He called on everyone to reduce this to five people.
The prime minister, Edouard Philippe, said the government was to introduce a “health state of emergency”. The legal move would allow the government to “adapt our legal rules in a very temporary manner to take into account the particular situation caused by the epidemic”, Philippe said.
Angela Merkel has called the pandemic “the biggest challenge since World War Two” as she appealed to German citizens to help protect each other from the virus by restricting their social interactions.
In her first televised address to the nation in 14 years as chancellor – outside her annual New Year’s address – Merkel warned that all state-run attempts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus would prove futile unless individuals changed their personal behaviour.
“This is serious, so take it seriously,” the German chancellor said in pre-recorded remarks that will go out on German television just before tonight’s main news programmes.
Merkel said her government was focused on the main goal of “slowing down the spread of the virus, to stretch it out over months and thus win time”, which could be used to research a vaccine and avoid overwhelming the German health service.
Earlier in the day, state and federal leaders announced their intention to double the country’s number of intensive respiratory care beds. Germany currently has around 25,000 intensive care beds with respiratory capacity.
Greek health authorities have announced there are now 418 confirmed cases in the country; an increase of 31 over the last 24 hours. Of that number, 79 are hospitalised – with 13 in critical condition, Prof Sotiris Tsiodras, the health ministry’s Covid-19 spokesman told reporters.
Those afflicted had an average age of around 70 years, he said, adding that people should continue to stay in doors.
“All of us must consider ourselves as carriers of the virus.” But, sounding a note of optimism, the infectious disease expert said doctors, worldwide, 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 a blanket ban on groups of more than 10 people would be brought into effect tomorrow, in what has become the latest emergency measure to curb the spread of the novel virus in Greece.
A fine of €1,000 (£934.72) 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, post office or 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.
Israel’s government has announced it will deny entry to any person who is neither a citizen or living in the country, shutting off the state almost entirely.
Tourists and visitors were previously allowed to enter if they could prove they had a suitable place to self-isolate for 14 days, such as an apartment. As of Wednesday, according to the Population and Immigration Authority, that exception will no longer apply.
The country, where there are around 430 confirmed cases, has taken stringent measures to contain the spread, including shutting down all schools, cafes and malls. On Tuesday, the government approved a controversial measure to track people suspected or confirmed to have been infected by monitoring their phones.
Ireland’s banks are to grant a three-month payment pause to mortgage holders impacted by coronavirus.
The decision followed a week of pressure from the Irish government which told banks to show compassion and bail out the public just as taxpayers helped the country’s lenders during the financial crash in 2010.
People struggling to pay their mortgage – a likelihood given hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk – are being told to contact their bank to discuss options.
The finance minister, Paschal Donohue, made the announcement after meeting the five chief executives of retail banks and the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland.
He said the banks also agreed to defer loan repayments for business, extend credit guarantees and raise the maximum that can be spent on contactless cards to €50 (£46.78).
At least 8,248 people have died as a result of the pandemic, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The number of cases across the world reached 207,518, of which 82,104 have recovered.
Italy recorded the highest Covid-19 death toll in a single day anywhere since the outbreak began, with a further 475 deaths from the virus bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 2,978.
The UK education secretary, Gavin Williamson, told the Commons schools would not reopen after Friday for most pupils, but said the most vulnerable children and those of key workers would still be able to go in.
The announcement came after the death toll in UK surged to 104 as it was confirmed 32 more people had died in England. NHS England said all were over 59 and had underlying health conditions.
More countries went into lockdown to curb the spread of the virus, including Belgium, Greece, Portugal and Chile. Steps were also taken to limit travel in North America and in West Africa.
Donald Trump said he would invoke a federal provision allowing him to take control of the private sector. The US president signed the act giving himself authority to direct industrial production “in case we need it”.
The number of cases in New York City increased by 695 to 1,339 in 24 hours, according to the state governor, Andrew Cuomo. Across New York state, there had been 2,382 cases, he said.
Ryanair said “most if not all” flights would be cancelled after next Tuesday. The Irish airline expects to run a “very small number of flights for essential connectivity”, mainly between the UK and Ireland.
Iran reported its single biggest daily rise in deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday, saying that a further 147 had died in a nearly 15% increase that raises the death toll to 1,135 people nationwide.
Burkina Faso announced the first known Covid-19 death in sub-Saharan Africa. The country has confirmed 27 cases and it is suspected that at least 200 more people have the disease.
That’s it from me, Damien Gayle, for the day. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Kevin Rawlinson.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”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.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.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.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.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.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. He refused to say how long he thought closures would last.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.