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Coronavirus news: Italy closes down all non-essential businesses Coronavirus news: Italy closes down all non-essential businesses
(32 minutes later)
Italy records almost 800 new deaths in a single day; more US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 pointsItaly records almost 800 new deaths in a single day; more US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points
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Scott Morrison, the Australian PM, has struck a stern tone in saying that the turnout of huge crowds at Bondi beach on Friday in contravention of social distancing rules was “not ok”. He said people had to be more responsible and said the government was considering localised suburban lockdowns.
The Australian government is banning all non-essential domestic travel as it unveils a A$66bn stimulus program to deal with the virus impact.
It has warned of more draconian measures to come.
More in a minute on this but for all the details follow our Australia-focused live blog here:
SummarySummary
UK military planners drafted in to help feed vulnerable. Key military officials are to help ensure food and medicines reach vulnerable people isolated at home during the coronavirus crisis, as part of a nationwide campaign to protect more than a million people most at risk of being hospitalised.UK military planners drafted in to help feed vulnerable. Key military officials are to help ensure food and medicines reach vulnerable people isolated at home during the coronavirus crisis, as part of a nationwide campaign to protect more than a million people most at risk of being hospitalised.
Italian PM orders businesses to close all operations. Italy’s government announced the closure of all “non-essential production activities” across the country, after the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose by 793 to 4,825 on Saturday. “Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open,” said the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. “But all the rest of the non-essential production activities, including plants and offices, will close down.”Italian PM orders businesses to close all operations. Italy’s government announced the closure of all “non-essential production activities” across the country, after the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose by 793 to 4,825 on Saturday. “Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open,” said the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. “But all the rest of the non-essential production activities, including plants and offices, will close down.”
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies of Covid-19. The former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, La Liga announced on Saturday. Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies of Covid-19. The former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, La Liga announced on Saturday. Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.
Rihanna pledges $5m to curb coronavirus. Rihanna has become the latest celebrity to join the effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The singer’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it has donated $5million to a number of organisations responding to the outbreak.Rihanna pledges $5m to curb coronavirus. Rihanna has become the latest celebrity to join the effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The singer’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it has donated $5million to a number of organisations responding to the outbreak.
Bolivian presidential elections postponed amid coronavirus outbreak. Bolivia’s interim government announced on Saturday it would postpone presidential elections originally slated for May 3 and institute a mandatory countrywide quarantine for 14 days as coronavirus spread across the Andean nation. The country’s electoral authority said in a statement it would “suspend the elections calendar” for 14 days to match the quarantine, but did not set a new date for the vote.Bolivian presidential elections postponed amid coronavirus outbreak. Bolivia’s interim government announced on Saturday it would postpone presidential elections originally slated for May 3 and institute a mandatory countrywide quarantine for 14 days as coronavirus spread across the Andean nation. The country’s electoral authority said in a statement it would “suspend the elections calendar” for 14 days to match the quarantine, but did not set a new date for the vote.
Britons stranded in Peru could be flown home early next week. Hundreds of Britons stranded in Peru due to the coronavirus pandemic could be flown home early next week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said. More than 400 British and Irish citizens are believed to be in the Andean nation and have been unable to leave following a 15-day government lockdown imposed since Monday.Britons stranded in Peru could be flown home early next week. Hundreds of Britons stranded in Peru due to the coronavirus pandemic could be flown home early next week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said. More than 400 British and Irish citizens are believed to be in the Andean nation and have been unable to leave following a 15-day government lockdown imposed since Monday.
First coronavirus cases in Gaza Strip. The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the densely-populated Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials said.First coronavirus cases in Gaza Strip. The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the densely-populated Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials said.
That’s it from me (Aaron Walawalkar), in London, this evening.That’s it from me (Aaron Walawalkar), in London, this evening.
My colleague Helen Davidson, in Hong Kong, will be taking over.My colleague Helen Davidson, in Hong Kong, will be taking over.
‘Disaster waiting to happen’: visitors flock to UK seaside towns‘Disaster waiting to happen’: visitors flock to UK seaside towns
A dentist has warned of a “disaster waiting to happen” as thousands of people flocked to his seaside town in spite of official guidance to stay at home to curb the spread of coronavirus.A dentist has warned of a “disaster waiting to happen” as thousands of people flocked to his seaside town in spite of official guidance to stay at home to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Hundreds of thousands of people were reported to have visited Skegness, in Lincolnshire, on Saturday, flouting the advice to maintain “social distancing”.Hundreds of thousands of people were reported to have visited Skegness, in Lincolnshire, on Saturday, flouting the advice to maintain “social distancing”.
Marc Jones, Lincolnshire’s police and crime commissioner, has called for the town’s caravan sites and arcades to be closed, “and quickly”.Marc Jones, Lincolnshire’s police and crime commissioner, has called for the town’s caravan sites and arcades to be closed, “and quickly”.
In a video that has been viewed almost 25,000 times, Skegness dentist Dr Mitchell Clark also urged local businesses to shutter their shops and called for caravan parks to be closed.In a video that has been viewed almost 25,000 times, Skegness dentist Dr Mitchell Clark also urged local businesses to shutter their shops and called for caravan parks to be closed.
“I view these actions as massively, massively socially irresponsible. I personally think that those involved should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “Now is the time for us all to come together, to stay at home bar essential trips, to look after people and to do the right thing.”“I view these actions as massively, massively socially irresponsible. I personally think that those involved should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “Now is the time for us all to come together, to stay at home bar essential trips, to look after people and to do the right thing.”
Here’s the full story:Here’s the full story:
UK military planners drafted in to help feed vulnerableUK military planners drafted in to help feed vulnerable
Key military officials are to help ensure food and medicines reach vulnerable people isolated at home during the coronavirus crisis, as part of a nationwide campaign to protect more than a million people most at risk of being hospitalised.Key military officials are to help ensure food and medicines reach vulnerable people isolated at home during the coronavirus crisis, as part of a nationwide campaign to protect more than a million people most at risk of being hospitalised.
My colleagues Michael Savage and Lisa Bachelor have the full report:My colleagues Michael Savage and Lisa Bachelor have the full report:
Panama’s government has said that two more people have died from coronavirus, bringing the nation’s death toll to three.Panama’s government has said that two more people have died from coronavirus, bringing the nation’s death toll to three.
The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the densely populated Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials have said.The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the densely populated Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials have said.
Two Palestinians who had travelled from Pakistan and entered Gaza through Egypt had tested positive for the virus late on Saturday and have been in quarantine in Rafah, a town near the Egyptian border, since their arrival on Thursday, the Gaza health ministry said.Two Palestinians who had travelled from Pakistan and entered Gaza through Egypt had tested positive for the virus late on Saturday and have been in quarantine in Rafah, a town near the Egyptian border, since their arrival on Thursday, the Gaza health ministry said.
Schools, public markets and event halls in Gaza have all been shut over the past two weeks to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.Schools, public markets and event halls in Gaza have all been shut over the past two weeks to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.
The coastal enclave, measuring 375 square kilometres (145 square miles), is home to around two million Palestinians, and poverty and unemployment rates are high.The coastal enclave, measuring 375 square kilometres (145 square miles), is home to around two million Palestinians, and poverty and unemployment rates are high.
An Israeli-led blockade has put restrictions on the movement of people and goods for years, amid security concerns following the 2007 takeover of Gaza by the Islamist militant group Hamas, three subsequent wars and frequent rounds of violence.An Israeli-led blockade has put restrictions on the movement of people and goods for years, amid security concerns following the 2007 takeover of Gaza by the Islamist militant group Hamas, three subsequent wars and frequent rounds of violence.
Last week Hamas said it would allow only patients requiring urgent medical treatment outside Gaza to cross into Egypt or Israel.Last week Hamas said it would allow only patients requiring urgent medical treatment outside Gaza to cross into Egypt or Israel.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, 53 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the occupied West Bank.According to the Palestinian health ministry, 53 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the occupied West Bank.
‘The worst is yet to come’ – Spanish PM‘The worst is yet to come’ – Spanish PM
The Spanish government said on Saturday it would do whatever was needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic and warned that “the worst is yet to come” after the national toll surpassed 1,300 deaths and reached close to 25,000 cases.The Spanish government said on Saturday it would do whatever was needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic and warned that “the worst is yet to come” after the national toll surpassed 1,300 deaths and reached close to 25,000 cases.
The second-worst outbreak in Europe showed no sign of slowing as the death toll jumped by more than 300 from the previous day.The second-worst outbreak in Europe showed no sign of slowing as the death toll jumped by more than 300 from the previous day.
“We have yet to receive the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a news briefing.“We have yet to receive the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a news briefing.
Sanchez said Spain had not lived through such a dramatic situation since its 1936-39 civil war, in which around half a million people died.Sanchez said Spain had not lived through such a dramatic situation since its 1936-39 civil war, in which around half a million people died.
Drawing parallels to a war economy, he said his government was working on plans to produce in Spain the equipment needed to battle coronavirus, such as masks.Drawing parallels to a war economy, he said his government was working on plans to produce in Spain the equipment needed to battle coronavirus, such as masks.
His leftist government a week ago declared a 15-day state of emergency nationwide barring people from all but essential outings. Sanchez praised the “exemplary” response and said he had no plans to strengthen the restrictions, which he called the toughest in Europe.His leftist government a week ago declared a 15-day state of emergency nationwide barring people from all but essential outings. Sanchez praised the “exemplary” response and said he had no plans to strengthen the restrictions, which he called the toughest in Europe.
The prime minister also made no mention of extending the state of emergency, though he warned of tough weeks ahead.The prime minister also made no mention of extending the state of emergency, though he warned of tough weeks ahead.
My colleague Lorenzo Tondo has more on the latest in Italy:My colleague Lorenzo Tondo has more on the latest in Italy:
Italy’s government has just announced the closure of all “non-essential production activities” across the country, after the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose by 793 to 4,825 on Saturday.Italy’s government has just announced the closure of all “non-essential production activities” across the country, after the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose by 793 to 4,825 on Saturday.
“Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open,” said the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. “But all the rest of the non-essential production activities, including plants and offices, will close down. This is Italy’s most difficult challenge after WWII. If we stick together, we’ll get through this.”“Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open,” said the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. “But all the rest of the non-essential production activities, including plants and offices, will close down. This is Italy’s most difficult challenge after WWII. If we stick together, we’ll get through this.”
Rumours of closures of all non-essential commercial activities, including plants and offices, have circulated in the last few days, following complaints by workers who were still having to leave their houses. Several regional governors have already ordered the closure of supermarkets at the weekend.Rumours of closures of all non-essential commercial activities, including plants and offices, have circulated in the last few days, following complaints by workers who were still having to leave their houses. Several regional governors have already ordered the closure of supermarkets at the weekend.
Authorities in northern Italy ordered the deployment of hundreds of soldiers to oversee containment measures in the coronavirus crisis.Authorities in northern Italy ordered the deployment of hundreds of soldiers to oversee containment measures in the coronavirus crisis.
Italian police have so far pressed charges against more than 60,000 people for violating the lockdown, according to figures from the interior ministry.Italian police have so far pressed charges against more than 60,000 people for violating the lockdown, according to figures from the interior ministry.
Prime minister Conte has said that supermarkets, pharmacies, postal and banking services will continue to remain open. Essential public services and transport will also remain in place, he added.
Italian prime minister Guiseppe Conte has said businesses should close all operations apart from essential supply chains, according to Reuters.
In Argentina’s nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, one magical being has been handed a presidential exemption: the tooth fairy.
President Alberto Fernandez earlier this week ordered all but essential workers to stay home and off the streets. But he was forced to amend the list of exceptions after receiving a message from the mother of a seven-year old boy who had recently lost his first tooth.
“Dear @alferdez, I need to ask if the tooth fairy is among those exempted from quarantine? Joaquin has lost his first tooth and we don’t know if we should leave him a letter (we can’t find the tooth). We don’t want to cause the tooth fairy problems or for the police to detain him.”
Fernandez reassured the boy an hour later that the tooth fairy was indeed on the official list of exceptions.
“@littlekbz Cecilita! The tooth fairy can leave rewards for fallen teeth because he is not under quarantine. But the rest of us are... Joaquin should leave the tooth beneath his pillow and enjoy the prize,” Fernandez wrote on Twitter.
Aside from the tooth fairy, Argentina has also exempted key agricultural and export industry workers from the lockdown, and allows people on the streets to buy groceries and medicine, and for urgent medical needs.
The country thus far has confirmed 158 cases of coronavirus and four deaths from the disease.
Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) suspended its domestic flights until further notice to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the state news agency said on Saturday.
The Kingdom has reported 96 cases of the flu-like disease.
Boris Johnson has warned the coronavirus outbreak is “accelerating”, as he urged people not to visit their parents on Mothers’ Day.
In stark message to the country, he said the NHS was in danger of being “overwhelmed” in the same way as the Italian healthcare system unless people heeded government advice on “social distancing”.
It came as ministers urged the 1.5 million people in England considered to be most at risk from the disease due to their health conditions to begin “shielding” themselves by staying at home.
Letters will go out this week to those concerned, “strongly advising” them not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.
At the same time, the government announced a new local support system to ensure people self-isolating at home without the support of family or friends can get basic groceries delivered.
Military planners, already helping councils and local resilience forums in their responses to the outbreak, have been centrally involved in setting up the new network.
It follows the dramatic announcement on Friday that all pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres are to shut in the latest move to combat the disease.
Mr Johnson said that while “everyone’s strongest instinct” was to visit their mother on Mother’s Day, the best single present they could give her was to stay away and spare her the risk of becoming infected.
He added:
The Scottish government has issued a travel warning and criticised the “irresponsible behaviour” of those travelling to the Highlands in a bid to isolate themselves from coronavirus.
People with second homes and camper vans have reportedly been travelling to the area in recent days despite warnings to stay at home.
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, posted on social media saying he had been contacted by the Nevis Range Centre in Fort William who “had to turn away around 30 camper vans”.
He added: “I urge everyone to do the right thing; follow the government advice and please do not travel here.
“If these warnings are not heeded and people need to be stopped from travelling, then I am afraid that is what will have to happen. Those in camper vans, please go home.”
It comes a day after Scottish finance secretary, Kate Forbes – MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – said the continuing flow of traffic which appears to be “escaping the cities is not helping”.
Rural economy and tourism secretary Fergus Ewing is now urging people to stop travelling to the area, and indeed at all, in a bid to avoid the outbreak.
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies of coronavirus
The former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, La Liga has announced.
Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.
Here is the full report:
Rihanna pledges $5m to curb coronavirus
Rihanna has become the latest celebrity to join the effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The singer’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it has donated $5million to a number of organisations responding to the outbreak.
The organisations include Direct Relief, Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the International Rescue Committee.
According to a statement, the funds will support:
Local food banks serving at-risk communities and the elderly in the United States;
Acceleration of testing and care in countries like Haiti and Malawi, as well as the mobilisation of resources and additional capacity and support for Native communities;
Protective equipment for frontline health workers and diagnostic labs, the establishment and maintenance of intensive care units, and acceleration of the development of vaccines and other therapies across the globe;
Healthcare worker training, virus prevention and containment in countries that will be on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response; and,
Distribution of critical respiratory supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he was nearing a power-sharing deal with his centrist political rivals, but they swiftly denied it.
The goal, according to the veteran conservative leader, was a government empowered to confront the coronavirus crisis and end an unprecedented political deadlock that has seen Israel hold three inconclusive elections in less than a year.
He would head the government for 18 months, Netanyahu said, after which former general Benny Gantz would take over.
“The details have all been agreed,” Netanyahu said in an interview to Israel’s Channel 12 News. “I will evacuate (office) on the date we decide, there will be no tricks, no shticks. Millions of citizens are waiting for us to save Israel.”“This is the last call for unity,” Netanyahu added.
Gantz’s Blue and White Party immediately cast doubt on the sincerity of Netanyahu’s offer.
“Netanyahu, anyone who wants unity doesn’t impose ultimatums, use partial leaks and most certainly does not hurt democracy or the citizens and does not paralyse parliament,” Gantz said on Twitter.
Netanyahu’s critics have accused him of compromising democracy while spearheading the country’s fight against the coronavirus.
Last week Netanyahu bypassed parliament and enacted emergency regulations to allow Israel’s security forces to use anti-terrorist cyber-tracking of coronavirus patients in an effort to fight the epidemic’s spread.
Netanyahu’s Likud and Blue and White have also been at loggerheads over the formation of legislative committees, including one that would address the phone-tracking issue.
At least 883 coronavirus cases and one fatality have so far been confirmed in Israel. Netanyahu tightened a national stay-at-home policy this week which also limits any gatherings to 10 people.
Netanyahu floated a proposal on Saturday to have mass blood tests to check people for antibodies of the virus, so that they can go back to work.
Coronavirus: how Asian countries acted while the west dithered
The first coronavirus cases in Taiwan and Italy came only 10 days apart. On Sunday Taiwan, which has deep cultural and economic ties to China, has recorded just 153 cases and two deaths. Italy has more than 47,000 cases and 4,032 people have died.
My colleague Emma Graham-Harrison has the full report: