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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
The husband of a British woman who died while on holiday in Bali after contracting coronavirus said he was able to say goodbye to her.
Kimberley Finlayson was the first British victim of coronavirus to be named after she died on holiday on 11 March. She had underlying health conditions and underwent two emergency operations before her death.
Her husband Ken Finlayson said the couple had exchanged goodbyes “for a few minutes” before she died. “She said that she loved me and we exchanged that for a few minutes and looked into one another’s eyes,” he told the BBC.
The mother of four was the founder of a dental communication business based in Shenley, Hertfordshire. Her colleagues praised her “passion, creativity and determination”.
“Those fortunate enough to know her will remember a whirlwind of energy and ideas - and an ability to make things happen that few can match,” an online statement said.
All shopping centres in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, will be temporarily closed, it was announced on Saturday, as the country reported its biggest leap in cases yet.
Shopping centres, except for supermarkets, will be closed from Sunday until April 12 in an attempt to stop the outbreak from spreading further.
Despite advice against panic buying, shoppers rushed to supermarkets, it was reported, while others tried unsuccessfully to book online food deliveries.
Restaurants will be open only for takeaway orders, it was confirmed, while pharmacies will stay open. Boxing stadiums, beauty salons, arcades and other entertainment venues will remain shut.
The measures were announced as Thailand reported 89 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its tally to 411, with the majority of cases in Bangkok.
The capital will also extend the closure of schools and bars for another 22 days, while both Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air have both suspended international flights.
Hello, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said NHS staff treating coronavirus patients must have the protective equipment they need. He shared his concerns that not all NHS staff were receiving the correct personal protection equipment (PPE) on BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
“We must sort this out. We are asking people to put their own lives at risk on the NHS frontline. We have all seen the terrible scenes as to what is happening in Italy,” he said. “It is absolutely heartbreaking when NHS frontline professionals don’t have the equipment that they need.”
He added: “I think the Government has done a lot in the last week. I think they have unblocked the supply chains, but there is this question about whether it is the right equipment.”
Lisa Anderson, a consultant cardiologist at St George’s Hospital in London, echoed Hunt’s concerns. She said the Government had changed the rules so they where no longer compliant with World Health Organisation recommendations, which required medics to wear a full gown and visor.
She said that since Monday, staff in the NHS only had to wear a simple face mask, short gloves and a pinafore apron. “This is not just about the risk to ourselves and our families. We are travelling home on the Tube, on buses,” she told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
“Sainsbury’s this morning has announced that they are opening up the early hours to the frail, elderly and NHS workers. We are cross-infecting everybody at the moment,” she added.
The tally of global cases has risen to 275,452 on Saturday, as 70 million people across New York, Illinois and California face being largely confined to their homes, and Britain closes its pubs, cafes, gyms and restaurants.The tally of global cases has risen to 275,452 on Saturday, as 70 million people across New York, Illinois and California face being largely confined to their homes, and Britain closes its pubs, cafes, gyms and restaurants.
More than 1,000 infections have now been recorded in each of Japan, Australia and Canada.More than 1,000 infections have now been recorded in each of Japan, Australia and Canada.
In Sydney, officials have temporarily closed Bondi Beach after thousands flocked there on Friday, defying guidance on social distancing.In Sydney, officials have temporarily closed Bondi Beach after thousands flocked there on Friday, defying guidance on social distancing.
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.
South Korea’s prime minister Chung Sye-kyun strongly recommended religious, sports and entertainment facilities suspend operations, and advised people to avoid socialisingSouth Korea’s prime minister Chung Sye-kyun strongly recommended religious, sports and entertainment facilities suspend operations, and advised people to avoid socialising
Mainland China reported no new locally transmitted cases, but infections involving travellers arriving from other countries continued to rise.Mainland China reported no new locally transmitted cases, but infections involving travellers arriving from other countries continued to rise.
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.
East Timor confirmed its first infection, a citizen who had returned from traveling abroad.East Timor confirmed its first infection, a citizen who had returned from traveling abroad.
You can find a further breakdown of recent developments on our at-a-glance guide.You can find a further breakdown of recent developments on our at-a-glance guide.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, has given some advice on staying healthy and looking after yourself at this time. You can see his comments in full, posted on Twitter, here.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, has given some advice on staying healthy and looking after yourself at this time. You can see his comments in full, posted on Twitter, here.
“Life is changing dramatically for many of us, but it’s important to continue looking after your physical and mental health,” he writes, adding that you can do so by adopting a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.“Life is changing dramatically for many of us, but it’s important to continue looking after your physical and mental health,” he writes, adding that you can do so by adopting a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.
The Guardian has published this video explainer on coping with anxiety and self-isolation.The Guardian has published this video explainer on coping with anxiety and self-isolation.
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.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.“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.“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.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.