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Coronavirus live news: Russian military medics to help Italy; thousands queue in Japan to see Olympic flame Coronavirus live news: Russian military medics to help Italy; thousands queue in Japan to see Olympic flame
(32 minutes later)
Italy warns of worst crisis since WWII; Romania records first death, India launches curfew. Follow all the developments liveItaly warns of worst crisis since WWII; Romania records first death, India launches curfew. Follow all the developments live
Covid-19 could pose a threat to Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla, conservationists have warned. From AP:
Congo’s Virunga National Park, home to about a third of the world’s mountain gorillas, is barring visitors until 1 June, citing advice from scientific experts indicating that primates, including mountain gorillas, are likely susceptible to complications arising from the Covid-19 virus.
Neighboring Rwanda also is temporarily shutting down tourism and research activities in three national parks that are home to primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees.
Mountain gorillas are prone to some respiratory illnesses that afflict humans. A common cold can kill a gorilla, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature, one reason why tourists tracking gorillas are not normally permitted to get too close.Paula Kahumbu, chief executive of the Kenya-based conservation group WildlifeDirect, told The Associated Press that every possible effort must be made to protect mountain gorillas because so few are left in the wild. She said:
A UK pet shop chain, Pets At Home, has been criticised for claiming key worker status for its staff. Schools in the UK have closed but children of those classified as key workers are still allowed to attend. A letter from Pets At Home tells schools to contact their legal department in case of questions.
The general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers has responded:
The UK communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has reiterated government warnings for people to maintain social distancing, refusing to dismiss the idea of an Italian-style lockdown if needed to curb the further spread of the virus. He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday:The UK communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has reiterated government warnings for people to maintain social distancing, refusing to dismiss the idea of an Italian-style lockdown if needed to curb the further spread of the virus. He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday:
Discussing a plan announced overnight to write to 1.5m people perceived as vulnerable due to underlying health conditions, urging them to stay indoors for 12 weeks, with provision for care packages to be sent to them, Jenrick said these people could remain with other household members, saying he is “not expecting families to be broken up”.Discussing a plan announced overnight to write to 1.5m people perceived as vulnerable due to underlying health conditions, urging them to stay indoors for 12 weeks, with provision for care packages to be sent to them, Jenrick said these people could remain with other household members, saying he is “not expecting families to be broken up”.
Jenrick said that while people should stay healthy and go out for exercise, he said they should not pack together in parks, and stay physically apart from peopleJenrick said that while people should stay healthy and go out for exercise, he said they should not pack together in parks, and stay physically apart from people
Failure to follow the advice could see the NHS overwhelmed, he warned, even with measures to increase critical care capacity:Failure to follow the advice could see the NHS overwhelmed, he warned, even with measures to increase critical care capacity:
Indonesia has confirmed 10 new deaths from Covid-19 and 64 new cases, taking the respective totals to 48 and 514.Indonesia has confirmed 10 new deaths from Covid-19 and 64 new cases, taking the respective totals to 48 and 514.
On Saturday, Indonesia reported six deaths and 81 new cases.On Saturday, Indonesia reported six deaths and 81 new cases.
The south-east Asian country has turned its athletes village built for the 2018 Asian Games into an emergency hospital with a capacity to hold more than 4,000 patients, it announced earlier today.The south-east Asian country has turned its athletes village built for the 2018 Asian Games into an emergency hospital with a capacity to hold more than 4,000 patients, it announced earlier today.
A group of almost 4,000 NHS workers in the UK have pleaded with the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to ensure they have adequate protective equipment to deal with the coronavirus crisis.A group of almost 4,000 NHS workers in the UK have pleaded with the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to ensure they have adequate protective equipment to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
In an open letter to The Sunday Times, the medics have called on Johnson to “protect the lives of the life-savers” and resolve the “unacceptable” shortage of protective equipment.In an open letter to The Sunday Times, the medics have called on Johnson to “protect the lives of the life-savers” and resolve the “unacceptable” shortage of protective equipment.
The group said many medical workers are “putting their lives on the line every day” by treating coronavirus patients without appropriate protection, and they called on the prime minister to ensure an adequate supply of masks, safety glasses, gloves, aprons and protective suits.The group said many medical workers are “putting their lives on the line every day” by treating coronavirus patients without appropriate protection, and they called on the prime minister to ensure an adequate supply of masks, safety glasses, gloves, aprons and protective suits.
The letter, signed by 3,963 front-line NHS staff, reads:The letter, signed by 3,963 front-line NHS staff, reads:
The letter adds that paediatricians have warned their stocks of protective glasses would run out in 48 hours, including in special-care baby units.The letter adds that paediatricians have warned their stocks of protective glasses would run out in 48 hours, including in special-care baby units.
One acute care worker reported one NHS trust had run out of its stock of masks last weekend, the letter said. It continued:One acute care worker reported one NHS trust had run out of its stock of masks last weekend, the letter said. It continued:
The group also said ambulance workers had been arriving for shifts to find no hand sanitiser, masks or wipes were available.The group also said ambulance workers had been arriving for shifts to find no hand sanitiser, masks or wipes were available.
Iran’s supreme leader has today refused US humanitarian assistance to fight the new coronavirus, citing an unfounded conspiracy theory that the virus could be man-made by America.Iran’s supreme leader has today refused US humanitarian assistance to fight the new coronavirus, citing an unfounded conspiracy theory that the virus could be man-made by America.
Washington has offered to help Iran while refusing to lift crushing sanctions blocking the country from selling its crude oil and accessing international financial markets.Washington has offered to help Iran while refusing to lift crushing sanctions blocking the country from selling its crude oil and accessing international financial markets.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said:Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said:
Khamenei made the comments in a speech in Tehran broadcast live across Iran marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year.Khamenei made the comments in a speech in Tehran broadcast live across Iran marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
Iran has over 20,600 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus amid 1,556 reported deaths.Iran has over 20,600 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus amid 1,556 reported deaths.
Romania has today confirmed its first death in the due to coronavirus, Reuters reports.Romania has today confirmed its first death in the due to coronavirus, Reuters reports.
The deceased was a 67-year-old man who had been suffering from terminal cancer, the government said. He was confirmed to be infected with coronavirus on 18 March and was being treated in a hospital in the southern Romanian city of Craiova.The deceased was a 67-year-old man who had been suffering from terminal cancer, the government said. He was confirmed to be infected with coronavirus on 18 March and was being treated in a hospital in the southern Romanian city of Craiova.
Romania, which has recorded 367 cases of coronavirus to date, declared a state of emergency on 16 March.Romania, which has recorded 367 cases of coronavirus to date, declared a state of emergency on 16 March.
This video is of Piccadilly in London’s West End, one of the capital’s busiest districts, which would usually be packed full of revellers and tourists on a Saturday night.This video is of Piccadilly in London’s West End, one of the capital’s busiest districts, which would usually be packed full of revellers and tourists on a Saturday night.
Hello, this is Haroon taking over from Helen. If you want to get in touch you can contact me via the following channels:Hello, this is Haroon taking over from Helen. If you want to get in touch you can contact me via the following channels:
Twitter: @Haroon_SiddiqueTwitter: @Haroon_Siddique
Email: haroon[dot]siddique[at]theguardian[dot]comEmail: haroon[dot]siddique[at]theguardian[dot]com
Due to the volume of messages we receive I may not be able to reply to or acknowledge each one but thank you in advance.Due to the volume of messages we receive I may not be able to reply to or acknowledge each one but thank you in advance.
That’s all from me for now. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of my colleague Haroon Siddique. Take care.That’s all from me for now. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of my colleague Haroon Siddique. Take care.
The Russian military will send medical help to Italy from today, including mobile disinfection vehicles and medical specialists.The Russian military will send medical help to Italy from today, including mobile disinfection vehicles and medical specialists.
Malaysia has sent the army to the streets to enforce restrictions which people appear to be defying. The country has one of the highest rates of infection in Southeast Asia.Malaysia has sent the army to the streets to enforce restrictions which people appear to be defying. The country has one of the highest rates of infection in Southeast Asia.
China is diverting all Beijing-bound international flights to other airports for checks before allowing them to continue.China is diverting all Beijing-bound international flights to other airports for checks before allowing them to continue.
Singapore has banned the entry and transit of all foreigners, except those with work permits in essential services.Singapore has banned the entry and transit of all foreigners, except those with work permits in essential services.
Hawaii became the first US state to require 14 days quarantine for all arrivals.Hawaii became the first US state to require 14 days quarantine for all arrivals.
Multiple Australian states will effectively close borders, requiring 14 days quarantine for all arrivals from Tuesday.Multiple Australian states will effectively close borders, requiring 14 days quarantine for all arrivals from Tuesday.
NSW, the ACT and Victoria have ordered the shutdown of non-essential services from tomorrow.NSW, the ACT and Victoria have ordered the shutdown of non-essential services from tomorrow.
India has announced a curfew from 7am to 9pm Delhi time.India has announced a curfew from 7am to 9pm Delhi time.
The Italian PM ordered businesses to close all operations.The Italian PM ordered businesses to close all operations.
More than 50,000 people queued to see the Olympic flame in northeast Japan. Meanwhile Olympic officials are reportedly workshopping delaying the games despite the Japanese government’s insistence it go ahead.More than 50,000 people queued to see the Olympic flame in northeast Japan. Meanwhile Olympic officials are reportedly workshopping delaying the games despite the Japanese government’s insistence it go ahead.
UK military planners have been drafted in to help feed vulnerable people.UK military planners have been drafted in to help feed vulnerable people.
Italy reported 793 deaths in a single day, and 6557 new casesItaly reported 793 deaths in a single day, and 6557 new cases
Thailand has reported 188 new cases on Saturday.Thailand has reported 188 new cases on Saturday.
Australia - 276Australia - 276
South Korea - 98South Korea - 98
Indonesia - 81Indonesia - 81
Mexico - 48Mexico - 48
Philippines - 73Philippines - 73
Afghanistan - 10Afghanistan - 10
Mainland China - 46, including the first domestic case in four days.Mainland China - 46, including the first domestic case in four days.
Argentina - 67, with the security minister not ruling out declaring a state of siege.Argentina - 67, with the security minister not ruling out declaring a state of siege.
Palestinian health officials have reported the first two cases in the Gaza Strip.Palestinian health officials have reported the first two cases in the Gaza Strip.
The Caribbean region has surpassed 400 cases.The Caribbean region has surpassed 400 cases.
Colombia recorded its first death.Colombia recorded its first death.
Guam reported the first death in the Pacific region.Guam reported the first death in the Pacific region.
Bolivia has postponed its presidential elections.Bolivia has postponed its presidential elections.
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of Covid-19.Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of Covid-19.
Indonesia has turned its “Athlete’s Village” built for the 2018 Asian Games into an emergency hospital with a capacity to hold more than 4,000 patients, authorities said on Sunday, as coronavirus cases and deaths in the country rose.Indonesia has turned its “Athlete’s Village” built for the 2018 Asian Games into an emergency hospital with a capacity to hold more than 4,000 patients, authorities said on Sunday, as coronavirus cases and deaths in the country rose.
Four out of 10 towers in the Athlete’s Village, located in the country’s capital city, have been converted into a medical facility that would house more than 7,000 people, including a coronavirus task force, medical staff and up to 4,208 patients.Four out of 10 towers in the Athlete’s Village, located in the country’s capital city, have been converted into a medical facility that would house more than 7,000 people, including a coronavirus task force, medical staff and up to 4,208 patients.
“The ministry of state-owned enterprises will provide supplies for the emergency hospital to handle COVID-19, be it healthcare equipment, medicine, personal protection gear and masks,” the minister of state-owned enterprises, Erick Thohir, said in a statement.“The ministry of state-owned enterprises will provide supplies for the emergency hospital to handle COVID-19, be it healthcare equipment, medicine, personal protection gear and masks,” the minister of state-owned enterprises, Erick Thohir, said in a statement.
On Saturday, Indonesia confirmed 81 new cases and 6 more deaths due to the virus, bringing the total number of cases to 450 and deaths to 38. Indonesia has the highest coronavirus death toll in Southeast Asia.On Saturday, Indonesia confirmed 81 new cases and 6 more deaths due to the virus, bringing the total number of cases to 450 and deaths to 38. Indonesia has the highest coronavirus death toll in Southeast Asia.
From Reuters: Malaysia has deployed the army to enforce a two-week curb on travel in a country that has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia, most of them linked to a mass religious gathering.
The country has so far reported nine deaths and 1,183 infections. Southeast Asia has recorded a total of more than 3,200 positive cases, with the other big centres being Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Malaysia called in the army after some people continued to defy the restrictions that came into force on Wednesday, the defence minister said in a briefing after the deployment started at noon.
“Even though police have said 90% compliance now, 10% is not a small number,” Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
“Among the things that will be done jointly by the police and army include road blocks. Likewise for patrols in urban and rural areas, maintaining security at hospitals, managing areas that are congested and may not abide by the order such as markets.”
A four-day Islamic gathering held at a mosque near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is connected to 60% of all the cases in the country, whose tally is only behind those of China and South Korea in Asia.
Worshippers who attended the event are cooperating with authorities, an organiser said in a statement, after the government said on Thursday that it had yet to trace 4,000 of the 14,500 Malaysian residents who attended.
The health ministry said on Saturday it expected the number of cases to spike next week as it tried to track down unscreened participants of the Feb. 27-March 1 congregation.
“After hearing reports of thousands or participants yet to be screened, many had returned to their district health departments or hospitals repeatedly until their names and details were recorded,” Abdullah Cheong, a leader of the event’s organising team, said on Saturday.
“We are prepared and have given our full commitment to help the authorities deal with the pandemic.”
He also said 12,500 people attended the gathering, including foreigners and 200 Rohingya refugees. The government has put the number at 16,000.
From my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has reported 10 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours raising the total cases to 34.
Two foreign diplomats are included. The health ministry said in a press conference in Kabul that the diplomats were infected by the coronavirus while abroad. They were not identified publicly.
He also asked authorities to quarantine the western city of Herat, which neighbours Iran and is the most affected city in the country. 18 of the 34 cases were found in Herat, and concerns are high, with thousands of Afghans crossing the border each day from Iran.
The Russian military will start sending medical help to Italy from Sunday in order to help it battle the new coronavirus after receiving an order from President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Putin spoke to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday, the Kremlin said, saying the Russian leader had offered his support and help in the form of mobile disinfection vehicles and specialists to help the worst hit Italian regions.
Italy recorded a jump in deaths from coronavirus of almost 800 on Saturday, taking the toll in the world’s hardest-hit country to almost 5,000.
The Russian Defence Ministry said military transport planes would deliver eight mobile brigades of military medics, special disinfection vehicles, and other medical equipment to Italy starting from Sunday.
Russia itself has reported 306 cases of the virus, most of them in Moscow, and one coronavirus-related death.
China’s aviation regulator said on Sunday that all international flights due to arrive in Beijing would be diverted to other airports as their first port of entry beginning on Monday, as the country steps up measures to battle the coronavirus.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said incoming international flights to Beijing would land at one of 12 other designated airports, where passengers would be screened. Passengers who were cleared would then be permitted to reboard the plane, which would take them on to Beijing, it said.
More than 50,000 people queued to see the Olympic flame in northeastern Japan on Saturday.
Honestly.
Some people stood in the 500m queue for hours, according to local media.
The flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony on Friday as doubts grew over whether the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will go ahead on schedule as the deadly virus causes chaos around the world.
It was displayed at Sendai station in Miyagi, chosen as part of the “Recovery Olympics” to showcase the region’s revival after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.
The pandemic has already shredded the global sports calendar, with top sports leagues suspended and major tournaments postponed.
A brilliant visualisation of how and why isolation and distancing is so important to stop people dying.
Another Australian state is effectively closing its borders by requiring all entrants to undergo 14 days quarantine.
The Western Australian border will close at 1.30pm Tuesday, at the same time as South Australia and the Northern Territory. The WA police commissioner Chis Dawson indicated that self-isolation would occur at the point of arrival.
Exemptions will be made for freight, essential services, and 2,500 “critical” staff in the mining and oil and gas industries, who are based interstate but will be allowed to fly in.
The WA government is looking to acquire hotels in order to house people who have nowhere appropriate to undergo self-isolation, or who don’t want to self-isolate. Rottnest Island, a former prison turned into a tourist destination, could be appropriated for this purpose.
More details on our Australia-focused live blog here.
Two people are dead and six wounded in a protest at a Sri Lankan prison where guards fired on inmates to prevent them from fleeing.
Prisoners at the Anuradhapura prison, about 200km from Colombo, were complaining about the decision by the authorities not to allow visitors as a move to contain the virus.
Senaka Perera, president of the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners, said the inmates were protesting congested conditions and the poor quality of meals after the government banned visitors for two weeks to prevent the spread of the virus. Visitors often bring home-cooked food.
Sri Lanka’s prisons are overcrowded, sometimes housing 5,000 inmates in a facility capable of holding 800, according to the pressure group.
Tensions erupted Saturday at the prison when guards tried to control the riot, police said. In the commotion, guards opened fire to prevent inmates from fleeing, police said.
Sri Lanka has imposed a three-day countrywide curfew since Friday as the number of cases has risen to 77.
Netflix Inc said it will cut traffic by 25% on networks across Europe in a relief measure for internet service providers (ISPs) experiencing a surge in usage due to government “shelter in place” orders aimed at slowing the coronavirus outbreak.
The streaming giant, which has already deployed a way to reduce its traffic on networks in Italy and Spain by a quarter, on Saturday said it would do the same for the rest of Europe in the next two days.
Netflix said it will remove the highest bandwidth streams within each resolution category for the next 30 days in Europe wherein users might notice a slight decrease in video quality within each category.
Amazon’s Prime Video and YouTube have also committed to slowing their speeds, as has Disney+ which launches in a couple of days.