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Coronavirus live updates: Singapore reports first two fatalities, deaths jump in Spain and Italy Coronavirus live updates: Singapore reports first two fatalities, deaths jump in Spain and Italy
(32 minutes later)
Spain death pass 1,000, Italy deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latestSpain death pass 1,000, Italy deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latest
A longtime employee of NBC News died on Thursday after testing positive for the coronavirus, NBC News chairman Andy Lack said in an email to staff members. Larry Edgeworth, 61, worked in an equipment room at NBC News’ headquarters in New York. He had previously spent 25 years at NBC News working as an audio technician, and had traveled the world with many of the network’s correspondents.
“Many of you were fortunate enough to work with Larry over the years, so you know that he was the guy you wanted by your side no matter where you were,” Lack wrote.
“We lost a dear colleague today. I wish you could have known him he brightened our lives and lifted our spirits with his love and kindness,” Andrea Mitchell, NBC News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, wrote on Twitter.
A citizen who had returned from abroad is the first person in East Timor to test positive for the coronavirus, Reuters reports“He isolated himself immediately after contacting doctors,” the ministry said in an official Facebook post, without giving details of where the patient travelled from.The Southeast Asian nation with a population less than 1.3 million was formally part of Indonesia until 2002, and is located east of the Indonesian archipelago.The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency in the Indonesian capital for the next two weeks over the coronavirus outbreak as the death toll in the country climbed to the highest in Southeast Asia.
South Korea’s prime minister Chung Sye-kyun has strongly recommended religious, sports and entertainment facilities suspend operations, and advised people to avoid socialising for the next 15 days. He added that the government will order any gatherings to disperse.His comments follow confirmation of 147 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, up from the previous day’s 87.The country was praised for its quick action and mass testing which helped contain its coronavirus outbreak, but experts have warned that a long battle is ahead.South Korea has now recorded 8,799 cases. The deathtoll is 104.South Korea’s prime minister Chung Sye-kyun has strongly recommended religious, sports and entertainment facilities suspend operations, and advised people to avoid socialising for the next 15 days. He added that the government will order any gatherings to disperse.His comments follow confirmation of 147 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, up from the previous day’s 87.The country was praised for its quick action and mass testing which helped contain its coronavirus outbreak, but experts have warned that a long battle is ahead.South Korea has now recorded 8,799 cases. The deathtoll is 104.
Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, said at a briefing:Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, said at a briefing:
Starbucks will close most of its company operated cafes across north America for two weeks, limiting its services to drive-throughs, reports Reuters.“Let’s be real. Lattes aren’t ‘essential’,” Rossann Williams, president of U.S. company-operated and Canada businesses, said in a letter. “But in times of crisis, the government asks convenient food and beverage outlets to remain open when possible for pickup, Drive Thru, or delivery.”Exceptions to the closure would be made for cafes serving in or around hospitals and health care centers, she said.Starbucks will close most of its company operated cafes across north America for two weeks, limiting its services to drive-throughs, reports Reuters.“Let’s be real. Lattes aren’t ‘essential’,” Rossann Williams, president of U.S. company-operated and Canada businesses, said in a letter. “But in times of crisis, the government asks convenient food and beverage outlets to remain open when possible for pickup, Drive Thru, or delivery.”Exceptions to the closure would be made for cafes serving in or around hospitals and health care centers, she said.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:
The tally of infections has surpassed 1,000 in Japan, Australia and Canada.The tally of infections has surpassed 1,000 in Japan, Australia and Canada.
Across New York, Illinois and California, 70 million people will be largely restricted to their homes, starting this weekend.Across New York, Illinois and California, 70 million people will be largely restricted to their homes, starting this weekend.
In Britain, pubs, cafes, gyms and restaurants closed for business on Friday night after the government announced an unprecedented wage-support scheme to try to prevent a wave of job losses.In Britain, pubs, cafes, gyms and restaurants closed for business on Friday night after the government announced an unprecedented wage-support scheme to try to prevent a wave of job losses.
In Sydney, officials have temporarily closed Bondi Beach after thousands flocked there on Friday. Once it reopens, if more than 500 people are on the beach at any one time, it will be closed.In Sydney, officials have temporarily closed Bondi Beach after thousands flocked there on Friday. Once it reopens, if more than 500 people are on the beach at any one time, it will be closed.
A nationwide curfew has begun in Jordan, limiting the mobility of its 10 million citizens indefinitely.A nationwide curfew has begun in Jordan, limiting the mobility of its 10 million citizens indefinitely.
Colombia also announced that it will begin a country-wide quarantine from Tuesday night.Colombia also announced that it will begin a country-wide quarantine from Tuesday night.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern asked citizens to restrict their movements around the country, and cancel all non-essential domestic travel. Those who could work from home should now do so, she said.New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern asked citizens to restrict their movements around the country, and cancel all non-essential domestic travel. Those who could work from home should now do so, she said.
Mainland China reported no new locally transmitted cases, but infections involving travellers arriving from other countries continued to rise. Imported cases are also proving a growing concern in South Korea.Mainland China reported no new locally transmitted cases, but infections involving travellers arriving from other countries continued to rise. Imported cases are also proving a growing concern in South Korea.
Singapore reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, marking the city-state’s first fatalities from the infection.Singapore reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, marking the city-state’s first fatalities from the infection.
Fatalities rose to 19 in the Philippines, while Thailand recorded 89 new cases on Saturday, the largest daily increase in infections since the outbreak began.Fatalities rose to 19 in the Philippines, while Thailand recorded 89 new cases on Saturday, the largest daily increase in infections since the outbreak began.
The Philippines now has 262 coronavirus cases, after 32 new infections were confirmed, the country’s health ministry said on Saturday. The deathtoll has also risen to 19. More than 57 million people in the island of Luzon, which includes the capital of Manila, were placed under lockdown this week to try to stop the spread of the virus.The Philippines now has 262 coronavirus cases, after 32 new infections were confirmed, the country’s health ministry said on Saturday. The deathtoll has also risen to 19. More than 57 million people in the island of Luzon, which includes the capital of Manila, were placed under lockdown this week to try to stop the spread of the virus.
Jordan blew sirens on Saturday to mark the start of a curfew that will limit the mobility of its 10 million citizens indefinitely.The new restrictions prevent movement beyond emergencies and essential services. Anyone who flouts the rules can be jailed up to a year, the army has warned.Thousands of soldiers have been deployed inside cities and on main highways across the country to enforce the restrictions. Jordan has also closed land and sea border crossings with Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Israel, and suspended all incoming and outgoing flights since Tuesday.Jordan blew sirens on Saturday to mark the start of a curfew that will limit the mobility of its 10 million citizens indefinitely.The new restrictions prevent movement beyond emergencies and essential services. Anyone who flouts the rules can be jailed up to a year, the army has warned.Thousands of soldiers have been deployed inside cities and on main highways across the country to enforce the restrictions. Jordan has also closed land and sea border crossings with Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Israel, and suspended all incoming and outgoing flights since Tuesday.
In Italy, balcony singing has spread across the country as people show solidarity with their neighbours. Here is a scene from Lebanon, where residents have been urged to stay at home.In Italy, balcony singing has spread across the country as people show solidarity with their neighbours. Here is a scene from Lebanon, where residents have been urged to stay at home.
Lebanon temporarily shut its airports, borders and ports on Wednesday in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading. It has also closed non-essential government institutions, and asked private companies to suspend their work. The country has so far recorded 149 cases and four fatalities.Lebanon temporarily shut its airports, borders and ports on Wednesday in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading. It has also closed non-essential government institutions, and asked private companies to suspend their work. The country has so far recorded 149 cases and four fatalities.
Colombia will enter a nationwide quarantine from Tuesday night, President Ivan Duque said late on Friday. The quarantine in the country, which has 158 confirmed cases of the virus, will last for 19 days, reports Reuters.Duque said the action, which will include strict restrictions on citizens’ movements outside the home, was necessary to fight the disease.“In the coming weeks we have the opportunity to collectively take away the virus’ speed,” Duque said. A government spokesman said more details would be released about the quarantine before Monday.Government sources said they will include movement exceptions for medical personnel, security forces and workers at pharmacies and supermarkets.Colombia’s government has already said it will block incoming international flights from Monday and ordered people aged 70 and over to stay inside until the end of May. It has also closed land and water borders along with schools and bars.Colombia will enter a nationwide quarantine from Tuesday night, President Ivan Duque said late on Friday. The quarantine in the country, which has 158 confirmed cases of the virus, will last for 19 days, reports Reuters.Duque said the action, which will include strict restrictions on citizens’ movements outside the home, was necessary to fight the disease.“In the coming weeks we have the opportunity to collectively take away the virus’ speed,” Duque said. A government spokesman said more details would be released about the quarantine before Monday.Government sources said they will include movement exceptions for medical personnel, security forces and workers at pharmacies and supermarkets.Colombia’s government has already said it will block incoming international flights from Monday and ordered people aged 70 and over to stay inside until the end of May. It has also closed land and water borders along with schools and bars.
Thailand reported 89 new cases on Saturday, the largest daily increase in infections since the outbreak began, bringing the national tally to 411.The Thai government has asked people to avoid going out, but so far rejected calls for a lockdown, saying that the needs of workers who are unable to stay at home must be considered.Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman, said the new cases were linked to earlier infections from a boxing match, an entertainment complex and a religious gathering in neighbouring Malaysia. Cases have risen over the past week as health officials trace the contacts of confirmed patients.Of those infected, 366 are currently being treated, while 44 have recovered. One death has been recorded in the country.Thailand reported 89 new cases on Saturday, the largest daily increase in infections since the outbreak began, bringing the national tally to 411.The Thai government has asked people to avoid going out, but so far rejected calls for a lockdown, saying that the needs of workers who are unable to stay at home must be considered.Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman, said the new cases were linked to earlier infections from a boxing match, an entertainment complex and a religious gathering in neighbouring Malaysia. Cases have risen over the past week as health officials trace the contacts of confirmed patients.Of those infected, 366 are currently being treated, while 44 have recovered. One death has been recorded in the country.
Japan has recorded 1,016 cases of domestically transmitted cases of coronavirus as of Saturday, according to public broadcaster NHK, hitting a new milestone as the nation grapples with pressure to avoid a health crisis ahead of Tokyo Olympics.The tally rises to 1,728 if 712 cases of infections from a cruise ship moored near Tokyo last month are included, according to NHK.Although the number of cases is still on the rise, Japan has started scaling back some measures to fight the spread of the virus.On Friday, Japan said it would not extend its request to close schools, setting the stage for classes to resume at the start of the academic year in April.The Tokyo Olympics, set to start from July 24, have been cast into doubt by the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of sporting events and qualifiers around the world.Olympics organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go on as scheduled.Japan has recorded 1,016 cases of domestically transmitted cases of coronavirus as of Saturday, according to public broadcaster NHK, hitting a new milestone as the nation grapples with pressure to avoid a health crisis ahead of Tokyo Olympics.The tally rises to 1,728 if 712 cases of infections from a cruise ship moored near Tokyo last month are included, according to NHK.Although the number of cases is still on the rise, Japan has started scaling back some measures to fight the spread of the virus.On Friday, Japan said it would not extend its request to close schools, setting the stage for classes to resume at the start of the academic year in April.The Tokyo Olympics, set to start from July 24, have been cast into doubt by the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of sporting events and qualifiers around the world.Olympics organizers have repeatedly said the Games will go on as scheduled.
Singapore reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, marking the city-state’s first fatalities from the infection, Reuters reports.The patients who died were a 75-year-old Singaporean woman and a 64-year-old Indonesian man, the health minstry said in a statement.Singapore, widely praised for its fastidious onslaught against the virus, has confirmed 385 cases of the infection and had so far managed to avoid any fatalities since the outbreak began in the city-state in late January.
Here’s some more on the closure of Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, from Australian Associated Press.
The New South Wales government has temporarily closed Bondi Beach as authorities handed lifesavers unprecedented move-on powers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
NSW Police David Elliott announced the drastic measure on Saturday afternoon after photos of throngs of beachgoers flocking to the iconic Sydney strip drew swift condemnation.
Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, ignoring social distancing measures.
Pictures of big crowds were criticised by foreign media and on social media.
The decision comes as the number of coronavirus cases in NSW ballooned to 436 after 83 new cases were identified in the state.
“It’s a significant level of disappointment that we have to move today to not only remove people from Bondi Beach and it’s a significant opportunity to remind people that the Health Act must be complied with,” Mr Elliott said.
“What we saw this morning at Bondi Beach was the most irresponsible behaviour of individuals that we’ve seen so far.
“We cannot have an area where more than 500 people are gathered.”
Under regulations introduced to control the spread of the deadly virus, outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more have been banned.
As part of that, lifesavers will have the power to close beaches and ask people to move on if a crowd of 500 or more is gathered at the same spot.
The minister said that if the crowd does not comply, NSW Police will have the powers to make people leave.
“This is not something we’re doing because we’re the fun police, this is not something that the government is doing because we want to make life easy, this is about saving lives,” Mr Elliott said.
“Tomorrow in NSW we will probably crack 500 cases of coronavirus.
“If the community does not comply with the regulations and the health warnings, this is going to become the new norm.
“We are going to close down the type of activities we’ve grown to love.”
It came as Waverley mayor Paula Masselos on Saturday issued a public plea for people to stay away from Bondi amid the coronavirus pandemic and away from beaches.
“The public must at all times keep a minimum safe distance from each other in public places and if you don’t need to be out in public, please consider staying at home,” Mr Masselos said.
“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I am frustrated that people continue to ignore health advice about social distancing as observed yesterday at Bondi Beach.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt also hit out at people who flouted social distancing advice and risked spreading the virus.
“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” Mr Hunt said.
“Each of us as individuals, as families, as groups, as councils, as state governments, as a national government has responsibility.
“Where something like this is occurring the local council must step in and that message is absolutely clear.”
Guardian correspondent Justin McCurry has some more detail about the new cases reported in South Korea today:
The 147 new coronavirus cases reported in South Korea on Friday - bringing the country’s total to 8,799 - was the second-highest number of daily positive diagnoses this week, following 152 identified on Wednesday, according to the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).The pace of daily new infections had shown signs of slowing since the second week of this month after health authorities finished testing 210,000 followers of a secretive church that was at the centre of the country’s outbreak.Just over 100 of the new daily cases were from Daegu, the southeastern city where the church is located, and nearby North Gyeongsang province. The two locations account for about 60% of all of South Korea’s Covid-19 infections. There is concern, however, over a rise in infections in Seoul and among people arriving from overseas, Yonhap news agency said.Seoul reported 15 additional cases and nearby Gyeonggi Province 12, while the number among people arriving in the country rose by six to 23.In response, South Korea will require all arrivals from European countries to get tested for the virus and self-isolate for two weeks starting Sunday, Yonhap said, adding that temporary shelters had been set up to accommodate up to 1,000 European travelers while they wait for their test results.South Korean health authorities have won praise for their mass testing regime, which has enabled them to quickly identify infection clusters. The number of people being checked for the virus and under quarantine came to 15,704 as of Friday, the KCDC said. The country has tested a total of 327,509 suspected cases, with 303,006 coming back negative.
People living in poorer areas of the Philippine capital, Manila, have begun building makeshift barricades to halt movement along the tight alleyways of their neighbourhoods, as this image, taken by Ezra Acayan for Getty Images shows.
The Philippine island of Luzon, which includes Manila, has been on lockdown since Monday. The government has urged the island’s 55 million residents to quarantine themselves at home, an impossible task for many of its poorer residents who need to leave their houses daily for work.
The number of cases in the Philippines rose to 230 on Friday after an additional 13 cases were recorded. There have 18 fatalities in the country.
The latest case numbers announced from the states and territories throughout the day means 1,049 cases of Covid-19 have now been confirmed in Australia, including seven deaths.
It was also announced that Bondi Beach will close if more than 500 people gather.
Elliot said surf lifesavers would conduct head counts and, if they find more than 500 people, would close the beach and order people to move on. If people do not comply, police would be called.
The announcements comes after photos emerged of people defying social-distancing rules and gathering in thousands at the beach on Friday, when temperatures were unusually hot, reaching 35C.
United Airlines has announced that it will cut its international schedule by 95% for April, after governments worldwide imposed unprecedented travel restrictions to to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
United will suspend all flights to Canada from April 1, and will draw down its remaining trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Mexico operations, the airline said in a statement, Reuters reported.
The airline this week had announced a 60% reduction in domestic and international schedules for April, citing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on travel demand.
Malaysia’s health minister has been criticised for suggesting that drinking warm water can prevent coronavirus, with experts pointing out that his comments are not evidence-based and that people should follow World Health Organisation advice.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba had told Malaysia’s public broadcaster, RTM, that people should drink warm water because the virus cannot cope with heat. The water would flush the virus into the stomach, he said.
Dr Amalina Bakri, a doctor based in the UK, said the comments were not backed up by science and that people should be wary of such myths.
If you would like some fact-based information about the simple precautions you can take to reduce exposure and transmission from coronavirus, our science correspondent Hannah Devlin has written a very helpful guide.
Following the news that Sydney’s Bondi beach is set to close, here’s a roundup of the latest developments in Australia, from the Guardian’s Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey.
There are now 969 Covid-19 cases and seven deaths in Australia, and the health minister Greg Hunt says about 115,000 tests have been carried out.
New South Wales is expected to announce at 2pm Sydney time the closure of Bondi Beach, after photos emerged of people defying social-distancing rules and gathering in thousands at the beach.
A ban on non-citizens and non-residents entering Australia has taken effect.
Questions are being asked about why passengers were allowed to disembark the Ruby Princess cruise ship in Sydney. The ship’s 2,700 passengers have been told to self-isolate. Four people on the ship have now tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced $1.7bn “economic survival and jobs package”, which will provide full payroll tax refunds for the 2019-20 financial year to small and medium-sized businesses with payroll of less than $3m. Payments will start being made next week.
Syria will not allow visitors arriving from countries that are dealing with outbreaks to enter the country, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
No cases have been recorded by the government, or in the large parts of the country that fall outside of government control.
The World Health Organization has expressed deep concern about a possible epidemic in the country, which is already shattered by nine years of civil war, and where vast numbers of people are living in cramped camps and slum areas.
The UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned on Friday of the potentially devastating impact of coronavirus in Syria.
Damascus has also closed schools, parks, restaurants and various public institutions.
The New South Wales government is set to announce it will close Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the Guardian’s Ben Smee reports.
The announcement - to be made by NSW and emergency services police minister David Elliot at 2pm AEDT - comes after concerns were raised that large numbers of beachgoers were not abiding by public health advice. Images from Australia’s most iconic beach in recent days have shown large crowds of people.
Guardian Australia understands the closure will affect Bondi Beach alone at this stage, though the NSW government could extend the restriction to other beaches if they find more than 500 people gathered at any time.