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Coronavirus live news: global infections near 200,000 as WHO urges aggressive action in south-east Asia Coronavirus live news: global infections near 200,000 as WHO urges aggressive action in south-east Asia
(32 minutes later)
EU implements strictest travel ban in history; outbreak reaches every US state; Australian PM declares ‘human biosecurity emergency’. Follow the latest updates.EU implements strictest travel ban in history; outbreak reaches every US state; Australian PM declares ‘human biosecurity emergency’. Follow the latest updates.
South Africa has confirmed that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has risen by 23 to 85, the health ministry said late on Tuesday night. Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize said there have been eight cases of local transmission.
South Korea said on Wednesday it would inject more dollars into its banking system to ensure businesses have enough funding, amid concerns about the deepening global economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The finance ministry and the Bank of Korea announced moves that are expected to beef up dollar supply in the market by US$5bn to $10bn, as the coronavirus causes chaos in global financial markets and a scramble for US dollars, Reuters reports. Authorities will raise a cap on foreign currency forward positions for local banks to 50% of their equity capital from the current 40% starting on Thursday. For foreign banks, the ceiling will be relaxed to 250% from 200%. South Korean policymakers have unveiled a string of measures in recent days, including an emergency interest rate cut and an extra 11.7 trillion won ($9.43bn) budget, in a bid to reduce pressure on Asia’s fourth-largest economy and keep its financial system operating normally. Though the number of new virus cases is declining domestically, they continue to soar internationally, raising fears of a global recession.
Sanders pressured to exit in push for unity against twin threats: virus and Trump
For more than three years it seemed impossible to millions of Americans that anything could be more important than voting for an alternative to Donald Trump.
Yet right now the US president is no longer seen as the most pressing threat to national security. The coronavirus crisis has temporarily turned the US presidential election into a sideshow.
It was Senator Bernie Sanders who compared it in scale to “a major war” and suggested it may result in more casualties than the US military suffered against Germany and Japan in the second world war.
Now Sanders, who suffered another drubbing in Tuesday’s Democratic primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois, is facing calls to make a gesture worthy of wartime and call it quits for the national good. “#DropOutBernie”is trending on Twitter.
Katharine Murphy, Guardian Australia’s political editor here:
There needs to be an overt caveat placed on all political commentary at the moment. Given how rapidly events are changing, and given we are all enduring circumstances well outside any recent frame of reference, we can only snapshot particular moments in time.
Let me be clear. It is dumb, and counterproductive for people like me, the first draft of history people, to bloviate, or grandstand, or speculate, or have righteous feelings, or make wild predictions at a time when people are overwhelmed and deeply anxious. It’s best to report forensically, and share what can be known.
So from where I stand, at the appropriate social distancing ratio from Scott Morrison – this much can be known about the prime minister’s performance on the morning of 18 March.
The prime minister got the tone right. The prime minister accurately and soberly projected the fight Australia and the world is currently in.
The Australian market plunged more than 6.4% on Wednesday, wiping out gains it made on Tuesday.
After a rollercoaster ride this week the benchmark ASX200 index is now back where it was in early April 2016.
Since coronavirus selling gripped the market on 21 February it has shed 30% of its value.
Today it also dropped below the psychologically important 5,000 mark, closing the day at 4,953.2.
The former market darling Afterpay lost a third of its value on Wednesday, with stock that was changing hands for more than $40 just a few weeks ago worth just $13.07 at the close of trade today.
The fintech, Wednesday’s biggest loser, is heavily exposed to the coronavirus-ravaged retail sector and some analysts question its financial model.
Almost every sector lost ground today, with only utilities rising.
Tom Hanks says he feels the blahs but has no fever as he and wife Rita Wilson remain in isolation in an Australian residence after being discharged from a hospital following their coronavirus diagnosis.The actor posted a picture of a “Corona” typewriter on Instagram with the caption:
The couple arrived in Australia in late January on the Gold Coast, where an Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann was to be shot. Hanks plays Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film, slated for release in October 2021, has suspended production, Warner Brothers said.
In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which last year saw almost two million visitors, closed at day-end Tuesday and won’t reopen for at least a week.In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which last year saw almost two million visitors, closed at day-end Tuesday and won’t reopen for at least a week.
To contain the virus spread, Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that’s home to the Christ.To contain the virus spread, Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that’s home to the Christ.
It was the latest in a series of escalating measures being taken in response to the outbreak in the city.It was the latest in a series of escalating measures being taken in response to the outbreak in the city.
On Monday, firemen began blaring recordings that urge beachgoers to stay home. On Tuesday, Rio’s Governor Wilson Witzel decreed a state of emergency. They did the same Tuesday, though it was hardly a beach day.On Monday, firemen began blaring recordings that urge beachgoers to stay home. On Tuesday, Rio’s Governor Wilson Witzel decreed a state of emergency. They did the same Tuesday, though it was hardly a beach day.
Among other things, Witzel’s decree recommended that restaurants and bars limit themselves to 30% capacity for 15 days, that boats and buses halve their passenger loads, that shopping malls close and people avoid beaches and public pools.Among other things, Witzel’s decree recommended that restaurants and bars limit themselves to 30% capacity for 15 days, that boats and buses halve their passenger loads, that shopping malls close and people avoid beaches and public pools.
The decree also suspended classes and all other activities and events that entail gatherings.The decree also suspended classes and all other activities and events that entail gatherings.
This is just a reminder that you can send any tips, cheerier news, or stories you think I may have missed to me on Twitter @helenrsullivan.This is just a reminder that you can send any tips, cheerier news, or stories you think I may have missed to me on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
In Argentina, angry employees at a Buenos Aires shopping mall starting banging objects and chanting “Go home! Go home!” at shoppers who defied government self-isolation measures on Tuesday:In Argentina, angry employees at a Buenos Aires shopping mall starting banging objects and chanting “Go home! Go home!” at shoppers who defied government self-isolation measures on Tuesday:
Taiwan authorities have said non-residents will be banned from entering the country from midnight tonight.Taiwan authorities have said non-residents will be banned from entering the country from midnight tonight.
The restrictions exclude diplomats and holders of alien resident certificates.Anyone entering will still be put under a 14-day home quarantine.Taiwan, which has been lauded for its response to the virus so far with just 77 confirmed cases, has now begun to address concerns of a second wave of infections brought in by travellers. All new cases in the last two days were imported.Foreign Minister Joseph Wu also said Taiwan will increase cooperation efforts with the US, including research and production of vaccines.The US will provide Taiwan materials for 300,000 protective suits while Taiwan will supply weekly exports of 100,000 masks once it has enough for itself. The country has increased production of masks to 11m per week, after banning their export in January.“This symbolises the close relationship between Taiwan and the United States, and are for the joint efforts to combat the disease. We hope to join hands to contribute to international society,” Wu said.The restrictions exclude diplomats and holders of alien resident certificates.Anyone entering will still be put under a 14-day home quarantine.Taiwan, which has been lauded for its response to the virus so far with just 77 confirmed cases, has now begun to address concerns of a second wave of infections brought in by travellers. All new cases in the last two days were imported.Foreign Minister Joseph Wu also said Taiwan will increase cooperation efforts with the US, including research and production of vaccines.The US will provide Taiwan materials for 300,000 protective suits while Taiwan will supply weekly exports of 100,000 masks once it has enough for itself. The country has increased production of masks to 11m per week, after banning their export in January.“This symbolises the close relationship between Taiwan and the United States, and are for the joint efforts to combat the disease. We hope to join hands to contribute to international society,” Wu said.
In case you are just joining us:In case you are just joining us:
Earlier today, the World Health Organization has called for “aggressive” action in south-east Asia to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus, warning Tuesday that some countries were heading towards community transmission of the deadly disease. Infections soared across the region in recent weeks, forcing several countries to introduce drastic measures ranging from closing their borders to foreign arrivals and imposing nighttime curfews to closing schools and cancelling sports events.Earlier today, the World Health Organization has called for “aggressive” action in south-east Asia to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus, warning Tuesday that some countries were heading towards community transmission of the deadly disease. Infections soared across the region in recent weeks, forcing several countries to introduce drastic measures ranging from closing their borders to foreign arrivals and imposing nighttime curfews to closing schools and cancelling sports events.
Global infections are nearing 200,000. Currently, they stand at 198,006, according to Johns Hopkins University.Global infections are nearing 200,000. Currently, they stand at 198,006, according to Johns Hopkins University.
There have been 7,948 coronavirus-related deaths.There have been 7,948 coronavirus-related deaths.
Thailand has reported a spike in cases, with its total rising by 35 to 212.Thailand has reported a spike in cases, with its total rising by 35 to 212.
Most the cases had overseas connections, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the director-general of the disease control department, told a news conference in Bangkok on Wednesday. However, some had become infected at a crowded boxing match, he said, while 12 came into contact with recorded patients, Suwannachai said.Most the cases had overseas connections, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the director-general of the disease control department, told a news conference in Bangkok on Wednesday. However, some had become infected at a crowded boxing match, he said, while 12 came into contact with recorded patients, Suwannachai said.
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, the British-Australian academic jailed in Iran for 18 months, is not among the prisoners released to ease the threat posed by the virus in the country’s penal system.Kylie Moore-Gilbert, the British-Australian academic jailed in Iran for 18 months, is not among the prisoners released to ease the threat posed by the virus in the country’s penal system.
Hopes that she might be granted at least some temporary freedom rose when it emerged that 85,000 inmates were being allowed out. One of them is the Anglo-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.Hopes that she might be granted at least some temporary freedom rose when it emerged that 85,000 inmates were being allowed out. One of them is the Anglo-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
Our reporter, Ben Doherty, has the full story:Our reporter, Ben Doherty, has the full story:
Kyrgyzstan in central Asia has confirmed its first coronavirus cases with three citizens testing positive after arriving from Saudi Arabia, according to the health ministry, Reuters reports.Kyrgyzstan in central Asia has confirmed its first coronavirus cases with three citizens testing positive after arriving from Saudi Arabia, according to the health ministry, Reuters reports.
It comes a day after the mountainous country closed its borders to all foreigners.It comes a day after the mountainous country closed its borders to all foreigners.
Kyrgyzstan borders China, where the outbreak first began in December, and two of its neighbours, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, also confirmed their first cases this month. All three countries, along with Tajikistan, have moved to ban or limit public events and suspended Friday prayers at mosques.Kyrgyzstan borders China, where the outbreak first began in December, and two of its neighbours, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, also confirmed their first cases this month. All three countries, along with Tajikistan, have moved to ban or limit public events and suspended Friday prayers at mosques.
Staying with financial matters, we’re in for another extremely volatile day on world stock markets if the current situation in Asia Pacific is anything to go by.Staying with financial matters, we’re in for another extremely volatile day on world stock markets if the current situation in Asia Pacific is anything to go by.
The ASX200 in Sydney has taken yet another battering today, shedding nearly 5% with around an hour to go before the close. It’s a bit better in Japan (perhaps helped by Fujifilm) where the market is up 0.7%. Then we’re up in Shanghai but down in Hong Kong and Seoul.The ASX200 in Sydney has taken yet another battering today, shedding nearly 5% with around an hour to go before the close. It’s a bit better in Japan (perhaps helped by Fujifilm) where the market is up 0.7%. Then we’re up in Shanghai but down in Hong Kong and Seoul.
But more significantly, the US futures market is pointing to another bad day on Wall Street despite Tuesday’s mini rally on Wall Street and on Europe’s beleaguered bourses.But more significantly, the US futures market is pointing to another bad day on Wall Street despite Tuesday’s mini rally on Wall Street and on Europe’s beleaguered bourses.
The Dow Jones is set to open down 4% later on and the S&P is showing a drop of nearly 5%.The Dow Jones is set to open down 4% later on and the S&P is showing a drop of nearly 5%.
These are massive falls.These are massive falls.
The problem, as identified by most market professionals, is that the US Federal Reserve can splurge all the money it wants but it can’t make a vaccine and the only thing that is going to reverse the downward trend of the markets is a flattening of the global – but especially US – infection rates.The problem, as identified by most market professionals, is that the US Federal Reserve can splurge all the money it wants but it can’t make a vaccine and the only thing that is going to reverse the downward trend of the markets is a flattening of the global – but especially US – infection rates.
Trihn Nguyen, Asia economist at Naxitis bank in Hong Kong, puts it very pithily:Trihn Nguyen, Asia economist at Naxitis bank in Hong Kong, puts it very pithily:
I love that last comment. Winter’s coming and the woodpile has gone.I love that last comment. Winter’s coming and the woodpile has gone.
This is Martin Farrer taking over the blog for a short time while Helen has a much-deserved break.This is Martin Farrer taking over the blog for a short time while Helen has a much-deserved break.
We’re keen to inject a bit of optimism into the blog when possible and there is some in a Reuters story about how shares in Fujifilm have jumpped 15% after a Chinese official said the Japanese company’s Avigan anti-flu drug appeared to help coronavirus patients recover.We’re keen to inject a bit of optimism into the blog when possible and there is some in a Reuters story about how shares in Fujifilm have jumpped 15% after a Chinese official said the Japanese company’s Avigan anti-flu drug appeared to help coronavirus patients recover.
Fujifilm is obviously best known for its camera equipment but one of its subsidiaries makes a drug called Avigan, which is also known as Favipiravir. The drug was approved for use in Japan in 2014.Fujifilm is obviously best known for its camera equipment but one of its subsidiaries makes a drug called Avigan, which is also known as Favipiravir. The drug was approved for use in Japan in 2014.
Reuters says that Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s science and technology ministry, told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday that Favipiravir has been effective, with no obvious side-effects, in helping coronavirus patients recover,Reuters says that Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s science and technology ministry, told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday that Favipiravir has been effective, with no obvious side-effects, in helping coronavirus patients recover,
A Fujifilm spokeswoman said the company had no comment on the Chinese government’s announcement. Fujifilm manufactures Avigan only on receiving orders from the Japanese government and has no sales target for the drug, she said. Fujifilm shares closed the morning up 14.7% at 5,207 yen, having briefly hit their daily limit high of 5,238 yen.A Fujifilm spokeswoman said the company had no comment on the Chinese government’s announcement. Fujifilm manufactures Avigan only on receiving orders from the Japanese government and has no sales target for the drug, she said. Fujifilm shares closed the morning up 14.7% at 5,207 yen, having briefly hit their daily limit high of 5,238 yen.
The pet dog in Hong Kong which grabbed attention after it tested positive for Covid-19 has died after returning home to its owner.The pet dog in Hong Kong which grabbed attention after it tested positive for Covid-19 has died after returning home to its owner.
The dog was taken into quarantine in February when its owner was diagnosed with Covid-19.The dog was taken into quarantine in February when its owner was diagnosed with Covid-19.
It returned a “weak positive” result over the course of several tests. Hong Kong radio reported this morning that the dog had finally tested negative and was allowed to go home on Saturday. However the owner told officials on Monday that it had died.It returned a “weak positive” result over the course of several tests. Hong Kong radio reported this morning that the dog had finally tested negative and was allowed to go home on Saturday. However the owner told officials on Monday that it had died.
Authorities did not say how the dog had died and the owner refused permission for an autopsy.Authorities did not say how the dog had died and the owner refused permission for an autopsy.
The dog never showed symptoms or appeared ill, and a blood test showed it had no antibodies.The dog never showed symptoms or appeared ill, and a blood test showed it had no antibodies.
Health authorities repeatedly said there was no evidence the dog could pass the disease on to a human, and they urged people to continue to care for their pets. Because the dog showed weak positive results from swabs of its nasal cavity, the concern was that the cavity was likely a contaminated surface.Health authorities repeatedly said there was no evidence the dog could pass the disease on to a human, and they urged people to continue to care for their pets. Because the dog showed weak positive results from swabs of its nasal cavity, the concern was that the cavity was likely a contaminated surface.
The US death toll passed 100 as coronavirus reached every state. The global infection rate is approaching 200,000, with 197,830. There have been 7,944 deaths worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.The US death toll passed 100 as coronavirus reached every state. The global infection rate is approaching 200,000, with 197,830. There have been 7,944 deaths worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Trump’s treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin said unemployment could hit 20% if they didn’t push through a huge economic stimulus as soon as possible. Unemployment peaked at 10% after the financial collapse of 2008. It hit 24.9% in the Great Depression in 1933.Trump’s treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin said unemployment could hit 20% if they didn’t push through a huge economic stimulus as soon as possible. Unemployment peaked at 10% after the financial collapse of 2008. It hit 24.9% in the Great Depression in 1933.
Economists at ratings agency S&P say the much-feared worldwide recession has arrived and they now estimate global GDP will grow 1%-1.5% in 2020 with the risk that it could sink even lower.Economists at ratings agency S&P say the much-feared worldwide recession has arrived and they now estimate global GDP will grow 1%-1.5% in 2020 with the risk that it could sink even lower.
California governor Gavin Newsom warned Tuesday that most schools will likely remain closed for the rest of the school year – until the end of August – because of coronavirus.California governor Gavin Newsom warned Tuesday that most schools will likely remain closed for the rest of the school year – until the end of August – because of coronavirus.
The World Health Organization called for “aggressive” action in south-east Asia to combat the virus, warning Tuesday that some countries in the region were heading towards community transmission of the deadly disease.The World Health Organization called for “aggressive” action in south-east Asia to combat the virus, warning Tuesday that some countries in the region were heading towards community transmission of the deadly disease.
Mainland China reported just one new domestic case in the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday – and a dozen more infections imported from overseas. New cases in Hubei province have now been in the single digits for the past seven days.Mainland China reported just one new domestic case in the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday – and a dozen more infections imported from overseas. New cases in Hubei province have now been in the single digits for the past seven days.
Australia stepped up its response, announcing an indefinite new ban on indoor groups of 100 people or more, with exemptions for schools, public transport, universities, prisons, courts, supermarkets and worksites. The prime minister, Scott Morrison, said measures could be in place for six months.Australia stepped up its response, announcing an indefinite new ban on indoor groups of 100 people or more, with exemptions for schools, public transport, universities, prisons, courts, supermarkets and worksites. The prime minister, Scott Morrison, said measures could be in place for six months.
Australia’s Anglican church suspended all services indefinitely.Australia’s Anglican church suspended all services indefinitely.
Nevada governor Steve Sisolak has announced the closure of all non-essential services, including Las Vegas casinos, restaurants and bars.Nevada governor Steve Sisolak has announced the closure of all non-essential services, including Las Vegas casinos, restaurants and bars.
85,000 prisoners were temporarily released in Iran due to the coronavirus outbreak.85,000 prisoners were temporarily released in Iran due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The death toll in Italy rose by 16% in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 2,503. The number of confirmed cases also rose to 31,506.The death toll in Italy rose by 16% in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 2,503. The number of confirmed cases also rose to 31,506.
British cultural buildings closed their doors temporarily. These include the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Royal Academy.British cultural buildings closed their doors temporarily. These include the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Royal Academy.
The French Open was postponed, along with the European Championship which has been postponed until 2021, Uefa has decided.The French Open was postponed, along with the European Championship which has been postponed until 2021, Uefa has decided.
The EU is set to endorse the strictest travel ban in its history as France joined Italy and Spain in full lockdown and Donald Trump told Americans to change their behaviour, acknowledging for the first time that beating the coronavirus could take months.The EU is set to endorse the strictest travel ban in its history as France joined Italy and Spain in full lockdown and Donald Trump told Americans to change their behaviour, acknowledging for the first time that beating the coronavirus could take months.