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Coronavirus live news: Iran and Germany cases jump overnight; Russian military medics to help Italy Coronavirus live news: Iran and Germany cases jump overnight; Russian military medics to help Italy
(32 minutes later)
Both countries see increase of over 1,000; Italy warns of worst crisis since WWII; Romania records first death, India launches curfew Australia shuts pubs and cinemas but schools stay open; Italy warns of worst crisis since WWII; Romania records first death, India launches curfew
We have had lots of people get in touch about lack of social distancing in the UK, with people going out in the sunny weather.
A reader from the Lake District - a popular holiday destination in north-west England - sent in the picture, below, taken yesterday. They did not want to be named but said:
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has announced restrictions on businesses but has said schools will remain open. In a press conference, which is ongoing - you can follow it on our dedicated Australia live blog - he said that Australians had been disregarding advice on social distancing. In response, he announced that from tomorrow at midday, the following businesses will be closed or restricted in their trade:
Registered and licensed clubs
Licensed premises in hotels and pubs.
Entertainment venues and cinemas, casinos and nightclubs.
Restaurants and cafes will be restrict to takeaway only.
Indoor sporting venues.
Places of worship.
Enclosed spaces for funerals and things of that nature will have to follow the strict four square metre rule which will be enforced.
Hong Kong has reported 44 more cases confirmed over the past 24 hours, the city’s second highest daily increase to date, RTHK reports.
The highest daily toll to date was the 48 confirmed on Friday. The total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong now stands at 317.
Out of the 44 new cases, 29 had recently come back to Hong Kong from abroad, including nine students who had just returned to Hong Kong, RTHK says.
NHS nurses are being made to use various items they can find – including bin bags – in the hospital to help protect themselves, with many using plastic aprons over their head, buying wellies or wrapping clinical waste bags around their feet.One nurse, who did not wish to be named, said:NHS nurses are being made to use various items they can find – including bin bags – in the hospital to help protect themselves, with many using plastic aprons over their head, buying wellies or wrapping clinical waste bags around their feet.One nurse, who did not wish to be named, said:
She added:She added:
Nurses in the Royal Free hospital in north London have been tying clinical waste bags around their legs, the Guardian has been told. In North Middlesex hospital they have been tying plastic aprons around their heads.Nurses in the Royal Free hospital in north London have been tying clinical waste bags around their legs, the Guardian has been told. In North Middlesex hospital they have been tying plastic aprons around their heads.
A further seven patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total to 12, the chief medical officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, has said.A further seven patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total to 12, the chief medical officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, has said.
Iran has also issued its latest figures, which show the death toll has risen to 1,685, an increase of 129 in 24 hours, and the number of cases has risen by 1,028 to 21,638.Iran has also issued its latest figures, which show the death toll has risen to 1,685, an increase of 129 in 24 hours, and the number of cases has risen by 1,028 to 21,638.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen by 1,948 to 18,610, and the number of deaths has increased by nine to 55, the country’s public health institute has said.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen by 1,948 to 18,610, and the number of deaths has increased by nine to 55, the country’s public health institute has said.
Covid-19 could pose a threat to Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla, conservationists have warned. From AP: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.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.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: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.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 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.