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Coronavirus live news: outbreak like a nuclear explosion, says archbishop of Canterbury Covid-19 outbreak like a nuclear explosion, says archbishop of Canterbury – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Spain closes hotels; Portugal declares state of emergency; worldwide cases pass 200,000. Follow the latest updates Spain closes hotels; Portugal declares state of emergency; worldwide cases pass 200,000. This blog is now closed.
That’s it from this blog for today. We’ve started a new liveblog where you can keep up to date with the very latest coronavirus pandemic news here:
Reuters is reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners including political ones in honour of the Iranian new year on Friday, state TV reported.Reuters is reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners including political ones in honour of the Iranian new year on Friday, state TV reported.
“Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail ... almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well,” judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told state TV on Wednesday.“Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail ... almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well,” judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told state TV on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Esmaili said Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 people from jail, including political prisoners, in response to the coronavirus epidemic.On Tuesday, Esmaili said Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 people from jail, including political prisoners, in response to the coronavirus epidemic.
“A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leader’s pardon,” Esmaili said.“A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leader’s pardon,” Esmaili said.
“The unprecedented point is that the pardon also includes the security-related prisoners with less than five-year jail sentences,” Esmaili said.“The unprecedented point is that the pardon also includes the security-related prisoners with less than five-year jail sentences,” Esmaili said.
Esmaili did not say whether it would include British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was released on Tuesday for two weeks.Esmaili did not say whether it would include British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was released on Tuesday for two weeks.
It’s also not clear if British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert would be pardoned. On Wednesday it was reported that she was not among the 85,000 prisoners temporarily released from Iranian jails.It’s also not clear if British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert would be pardoned. On Wednesday it was reported that she was not among the 85,000 prisoners temporarily released from Iranian jails.
Here’s a summary of the latest news:Here’s a summary of the latest news:
The pandemic is like a nuclear explosion, a senior British clergyman said. The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the initial impact would be huge, but that the fallout would be long-lasting and transformative. Welby also said the UK government must not make the mistake of focusing its efforts to mitigate the outbreak’s economic effects on the UK’s big cities at the expense of smaller communities.The pandemic is like a nuclear explosion, a senior British clergyman said. The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the initial impact would be huge, but that the fallout would be long-lasting and transformative. Welby also said the UK government must not make the mistake of focusing its efforts to mitigate the outbreak’s economic effects on the UK’s big cities at the expense of smaller communities.
The UK announced plans to double the military force available to help deal with the outbreak. The Ministry of Defence said an extra 10,000 personnel would be added to the 10,000 already available to form a support force.The UK announced plans to double the military force available to help deal with the outbreak. The Ministry of Defence said an extra 10,000 personnel would be added to the 10,000 already available to form a support force.
Pakistan and Costa Rica announced their first deaths. Two announcements in quick succession came from Pakistan, where official figures count 260 infections. Later, the Central American nation announced an 87-year-old man had died.Pakistan and Costa Rica announced their first deaths. Two announcements in quick succession came from Pakistan, where official figures count 260 infections. Later, the Central American nation announced an 87-year-old man had died.
The total number of US cases passed 7,000 as a congressman confirmed he had tested positive. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, besides the 7,038 cases, 97 people had died. At about the same time, Mario Diaz-Balart – a Republican of Florida – revealed his diagnosis. “I’m feeling much better. However, it’s important that everyone take this seriously,” he said.The total number of US cases passed 7,000 as a congressman confirmed he had tested positive. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, besides the 7,038 cases, 97 people had died. At about the same time, Mario Diaz-Balart – a Republican of Florida – revealed his diagnosis. “I’m feeling much better. However, it’s important that everyone take this seriously,” he said.
Tasmania cut itself off from the rest of Australia. The Australian island state decided to shut its border with the rest of the country in a bid to stop the spread of the virus within its community.Tasmania cut itself off from the rest of Australia. The Australian island state decided to shut its border with the rest of the country in a bid to stop the spread of the virus within its community.
You can see a summary of the day’s earlier events here.You can see a summary of the day’s earlier events here.
The Sushi fast food chain, YO! Sushi, has revealed that 54 of its restaurants will permanently close at the end of service on Wednesday.The Sushi fast food chain, YO! Sushi, has revealed that 54 of its restaurants will permanently close at the end of service on Wednesday.
In an email sent to employees seen by the Guardian, the company said that the decision had come “in light of the escalating uncertainty of Covid-19” and followed “some very difficult decisions”.In an email sent to employees seen by the Guardian, the company said that the decision had come “in light of the escalating uncertainty of Covid-19” and followed “some very difficult decisions”.
“Regrettably, we have had to take this action as it is clearly in the interests of public health to do so and there is nothing more important than that, in particular our responsibilities to the elderly and vulnerable,” the email said.“Regrettably, we have had to take this action as it is clearly in the interests of public health to do so and there is nothing more important than that, in particular our responsibilities to the elderly and vulnerable,” the email said.
It currently unclear which restaurants will be included, but at least one branch in London is set to shut.It currently unclear which restaurants will be included, but at least one branch in London is set to shut.
One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This is a lot to come to terms with. A week ago we were all talking about the future and what we can do with the restaurant, now we’re shut. It’s so much to process in such a short space of time.”One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This is a lot to come to terms with. A week ago we were all talking about the future and what we can do with the restaurant, now we’re shut. It’s so much to process in such a short space of time.”
YO! Sushi has almost 100 restaurants operating across 8 countries, 70 of which are located in the UK.YO! Sushi has almost 100 restaurants operating across 8 countries, 70 of which are located in the UK.
The Australian stock market has risen slightly in opening trade even though US markets again tumbled by between 5% and 6% overnight.The Australian stock market has risen slightly in opening trade even though US markets again tumbled by between 5% and 6% overnight.
At about 10.15am the benchmark ASX200 index was up about 1.45%.At about 10.15am the benchmark ASX200 index was up about 1.45%.
Before trade opened, Australian flagship carrier Qantas announced it was suspending all international flights from the end of the month and would be standing down two thirds of its 30,000-strong workforce without pay.Before trade opened, Australian flagship carrier Qantas announced it was suspending all international flights from the end of the month and would be standing down two thirds of its 30,000-strong workforce without pay.
Qantas stock fell 4.35% in early trade.Qantas stock fell 4.35% in early trade.
Other companies also flooded the market with coronavirus-related bad news, with at least half a dozen withdrawing previous profit forecasts and others reporting slower sales.Other companies also flooded the market with coronavirus-related bad news, with at least half a dozen withdrawing previous profit forecasts and others reporting slower sales.
Still in the US and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its figures for Thursday 18 March. They are as follows:Still in the US and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its figures for Thursday 18 March. They are as follows:
Total cases: 7,038Total cases: 7,038
Total deaths: 97Total deaths: 97
Jurisdictions reporting cases: 54 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands)Jurisdictions reporting cases: 54 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands)
A US congressman, Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican of Florida, has tested positive for coronavirus, he said in a statement. “I’m feeling much better,” he said. “However, it’s important that everyone take this seriously.”A US congressman, Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican of Florida, has tested positive for coronavirus, he said in a statement. “I’m feeling much better,” he said. “However, it’s important that everyone take this seriously.”
Tasmania is going into quarantine to prevent mainland Australians from spreading the virus.Tasmania is going into quarantine to prevent mainland Australians from spreading the virus.
It is the first time border controls have been introduced between Australian states, and a particularly extreme measure in a state whose economy relies heavily on tourism.It is the first time border controls have been introduced between Australian states, and a particularly extreme measure in a state whose economy relies heavily on tourism.
The Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, told reporters in Hobart on Thursday that from midnight on Friday (AEDT), all arrivals to Tasmania — including Tasmanians returning home — will have to go into a 14-day mandatory self-isolation.The Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, told reporters in Hobart on Thursday that from midnight on Friday (AEDT), all arrivals to Tasmania — including Tasmanians returning home — will have to go into a 14-day mandatory self-isolation.
The only exception is for essential services, like health workers. The penalty for breaching this mandatory self-isolation is a fine of up to AUD$16,800 (£8,366) or six months jail. Gutwein said:The only exception is for essential services, like health workers. The penalty for breaching this mandatory self-isolation is a fine of up to AUD$16,800 (£8,366) or six months jail. Gutwein said:
This is an extension of the rules on quarantine for people returning to Australia from overseas, which have applied nationally since Monday.This is an extension of the rules on quarantine for people returning to Australia from overseas, which have applied nationally since Monday.
The Costa Rican health ministry has announced the country’s first death from Covid-19.The Costa Rican health ministry has announced the country’s first death from Covid-19.
An 87-year-old man who was in intensive care in Alajuela, Costa Rica’s second largest city, died at 4:15pm (CST) on Wednesday.An 87-year-old man who was in intensive care in Alajuela, Costa Rica’s second largest city, died at 4:15pm (CST) on Wednesday.
The country’s president, Carlos Alvarado, expressed solidarity with the man’s family and urged Costa Ricans to react to the government’s social distancing advice.The country’s president, Carlos Alvarado, expressed solidarity with the man’s family and urged Costa Ricans to react to the government’s social distancing advice.
The death comes as the Central American country announced its largest day-to-day rise in cases: up 19 to 69 on Wednesday.The death comes as the Central American country announced its largest day-to-day rise in cases: up 19 to 69 on Wednesday.
Mauritius has confirmed its first three cases of coronavirus, the island nation’s government has said.Mauritius has confirmed its first three cases of coronavirus, the island nation’s government has said.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence is to double the size of the military’s civil contingency unit to create a 20,000-strong Covid support force, my colleagues Haroon Siddique and Robert Booth write.
The country’s defence secretary, Ben Wallace, announced that an additional 10,000 troops are to be added to the 10,000 routinely held at higher readiness in case of a civil emergency – and reservists could also be called up.
We reported earlier that the United Arab Emirates was suspending issuing all types of work permits. Now the state news agency, WAM, reports it is suspend entry of valid residence visa holders who are still abroad.
The measure is reportedly due to come into effect at noon on Thursday (GST) and will be in place for two weeks.
Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred Murano restaurant in Mayfair, in central London, is the latest ‘fine-dining’ casualty of the coronavirus outbreak.
Chef and owner Hartnett has announced its closure in an email to customers:
The upmarket department store Harrods has announced reduced opening hours and closed all its restaurants to protect its customers and its 5,000 staff. Restaurants that are staying open – with few customers – are offering takeaway services.
Jace Tyrrell, the chief executive of New West End Company that represents 600-plus retailers and businesses across London’s West End, said:
The pandemic is like a nuclear explosion – bringing a huge initial impact and a fallout that will last for years and shape the nation’s future in unforeseeable ways, the archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
Speaking at Westminster, Justin Welby welcomed the “war budget commitment” made by the government to shore up the struggling economy.
But the top Anglican cleric stressed the need for the “enormous and unprecedented” financial support to benefit the entire country and not just the big cities.
Employees of Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, have said the company is not doing enough to inform customers and staff of their exposure to passengers infected with Covid-19.
And, as more flight attendants test positive for the coronavirus, there are growing fears in the company ranks that the risk to flight attendants is higher than previously acknowledged.
Why are UK schools closing now and what does it mean for parents? My colleague Sally Weale has the answers to those and other questions:
Air Canada is gradually suspending the majority of its international and US trans-border flights by 31 March in response to the pandemic, Reuters reports.
The company says it intends to continue serving all provinces and territories of Canada, but will reduce its domestic network to 40 airports from 62 in April.
Most UK freelancers working in the creative industries are afraid they will not be able to pay their bills because of the work they have lost due to coronavirus, a study suggests.
A survey of 5,600 people by the broadcasting union Bectu found almost half had already lost money because of the outbreak.
Almost 500 said they had lost more than £5,000 each, while estimates for future loss of earnings were difficult because of the uncertainty about the length of potential disruption. More than 100 of those surveyed feared they were facing losing more than £40,000.
The union’s head, Philippa Childs, said:
Having announced that UK schools will remain open to supervise children of “key workers,” questions remain over who will qualify.
Some obvious candidates have been mentioned by the government, principally NHS workers, but the potential list is very long. Paul Tarn, the chief executive of the Delta Academies Trust that runs 50 schools, says the government needs to make clear who will be included:
Dave Prentis, Unison’s general secretary, has similar concerns:
In Ireland, the chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has praised the “extraordinary” observance of social distancing steps.
The senior medic said it was too early to tell what impact it was having on the number of cases diagnosed, but he said a clearer picture should emerge in the coming weeks.
He acknowledged that potential public fatigue with the measures could become a challenge if they continue for an extended period.
Dr Holohan particularly urged young people to think of their older relatives and the impact the virus could have on them when observing the restrictions on their daily lives. He said the projection of 15,000 diagnoses in Ireland by the end of the month was in an “unmitigated” situation.