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Coronavirus updates: New Zealand announces lockdown as Canada withdraws from Olympics Coronavirus updates: New Zealand announces lockdown as Canada withdraws from Olympics
(32 minutes later)
European treatment trial launched; almost one in three Americans told to stay home; first confirmed case in Syria. Follow the latest newsEuropean treatment trial launched; almost one in three Americans told to stay home; first confirmed case in Syria. Follow the latest news
Also in eastern Europe, Poland has said today that it cannot rule out imposing further constraints on citizens to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Poland has shuttered schools, cinemas and theatres, while limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people. It has also closed its borders to foreigners and introduced a “state of epidemic”, recommending its citizens to stay at home.
But government spokesman Piotr Muller told public radio in Poland today: “The government is considering various options regarding the epidemic situation, including launching other limitations than up to date.”
In developments to come this week in Europe, Hungary’s parliament will consider an emergency bill that would give prime minister Viktor Orbán sweeping powers to rule by decree, without a clear cut-off date.
The Guardian’s Shaun Walker reports that the bill seeks to extend the state of emergency declared earlier this month over coronavirus, and could also see people jailed for spreading information deemed to be fake news.
The government has portrayed the move as a necessary response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, but critics immediately labelled the legislation as dangerously open-ended and vulnerable to abuse.
Authorities in Hong Kong have said that they will ban all tourists to the city from Wednesday.
That’s breaking now on Reuters, which adds that people coming from Taiwan and Macau will also need to be quarantined.
A senior British doctor has warned that the rate of increase in Covid-19 patients who will need critical care is at the alarming end of the spectrum.
“The fear is that we are going to be working in very different ways than we have been. We are used to working in a controlled environment, with dedicated staff,” said Ganesh Suntharalingam, President of the Intensive Care Society, which is the largest multi-professional critical care membership organisation in the UK.
We will remain in control but we are going to have to expand to a very high degree. this is more than just putting intensive care beds in wards,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“This is about moving to a different order of magnitude where we will have to provide essential care for as many people as possible using every resources that we have.”
Britain was not yet in the position were decisions will have to be made about who will get particular care and who will not due to limited resources, he said, but a stage may come where a very broad discussion will have to be made, involving society.
UK hospitals are in urgent need of ventilators and are approaching full capacity because of the Covid-19 outbreak, which will increasingly force doctors to make tough decisions about which patients to treat, according to the trade union body for British doctors and medical students.
The comments by British Medical Association spokesman and consultant anaesthetist Tom Dolphin come as senior staff at a London hospital told the Guardian they expect beds in its intensive care unit to be full by 30 March, with one source describing its A&E unit as “like a war zone”.
Dolphin, who works at Imperial College London, said some hospitals in London, such as Northwick Park, which was forced to declare a “critical incident” last week after running out of critical care beds, are already struggling with the number of patients.
“Like any epidemic, there are hotspots. Some hospitals have had to transfer patients out to other intensive care units,” he told PA Media, adding: “We’re going to get to the point where we are running out of capacity and that transfer ability is going to be difficult to do anyway because nowhere else will have anywhere either.”
Good morning from London. This is Ben Quinn picking up the live blog
In the UK, MPs will be asked today to endorse new powers from the police and other authorities, including doctors. All 390 pages of the coronavirus bill are being rushed through.
The possibility of a much tougher lockdown in line with that of other European states will also be considered today by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, who will discuss this possible measures with ministers and senior officials.
It comes after a weekend of anger in some quarters at the large numbers of people who took to the streets and parks amid sunny weather, as well as concern that Britain is already behind the curve in terms of taking the action needed.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I will now be leaving you in the washed and capable hands of colleague Ben Quinn.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I will now be leaving you in the washed and capable hands of colleague Ben Quinn.
People are taking to social media to vent their frustration after airline Emirates announced it would suspend all flights for two weeks in response to the United Arab Emirates’ decision to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers. People are venting their frustration after airline Emirates announced it would suspend all flights for two weeks in response to the United Arab Emirates’ decision to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers.
Coronavirus-related deaths worldwide are approaching 15,000, Johns Hopkins University reports, with the current toll at 14,706. Confirmed cases of Covid-15 reached 339,259 on Monday, with the number of recoveries currently amounting to just under a third of these, at 98,834. Coronavirus-related deaths worldwide are approaching 15,000, Johns Hopkins University reports, with the toll at 14,706. Confirmed cases of Covid-15 reached 339,259 on Monday, with the number of recoveries amounting to just under a third of these, at 98,834.
Emirates has suspended all passenger flights for two weeks starting from 25 March 2020. Emirates has suspended all passenger flights for two weeks starting from 25 March.
Losing your sense of smell could be used as a key clinical indicator in otherwise symptom-free carriers of Covid-19, according to doctors and scientists.Losing your sense of smell could be used as a key clinical indicator in otherwise symptom-free carriers of Covid-19, according to doctors and scientists.
Harvey Weinstein tested positive for Coronavirus, Reuters reports. The head of the New York state corrections officers union confirmed late on Sunday that the former movie producer, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for the Covid-19. Harvey Weinstein tested positive for coronavirus, Reuters reports. The head of the New York state corrections officers union confirmed late on Sunday that the former movie producer, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for the Covid-19.
China saw a drop in its daily tally of new coronavirus cases,reversing four straight days of higher figures, as the capital Beijing ramped up measures to contain the number of infections arriving from abroad. China saw a drop in its daily tally of new coronavirus cases, reversing four straight days of higher figures, as the capital, Beijing, ramped up measures to contain the number of infections arriving from abroad.
Canada said it will not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting Tokyo 2020 and Australia told its olympic athletes to prepare for the games to be held next year, in 2021 – all in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option. Canada said it will not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting Tokyo 2020 and Australia told its Olympic athletes to prepare for the Games to be held next year – in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option.
Olympic Organising Committee chief executive of the Toshiro Muto said later that: “All options are open,” and that he cannot say at this point whether the olympics will be held this year or not, Reuters reports, and that it is frustrating to hear the organising committee does not care enough about athletes.Olympics president Yoshiro Mori says the biggest concern is the cost of cancelling the games. Olympic Organising Committee chief executive Toshiro Muto said later that “all options are open” and that he cannot say whether the Olympics will be held this year or not, Reuters reports, and that it is frustrating to hear the organising committee does not care enough about athletes. Olympics president Yoshiro Mori says the biggest concern is the cost of cancelling the games.
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the entire country should prepare for self isolation, as the country prepares to move to the highest alert level later this week. New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the entire country should prepare for self isolation, as it prepares to move to the highest alert level later this week.
Nearly one in three Americans was under orders on Sunday to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as Ohio, Louisiana and Delaware became the latest states to enact broad restrictions, Reuters reports.Nearly one in three Americans was under orders on Sunday to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as Ohio, Louisiana and Delaware became the latest states to enact broad restrictions, Reuters reports.
A European clinical trial involving some 3,200 people has been launched to test four possible experimental coronavirus treatments.A European clinical trial involving some 3,200 people has been launched to test four possible experimental coronavirus treatments.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tests positive for coronavirus. German chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tested positive for coronavirus.
Germany banned meetings of over two people, they are about work on slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Germany banned meetings of more than two people, in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Spain plans to extend its state of emergency for another 15 days until April 11. Spain plans to extend its state of emergency for a further 15 days until 11 April.
Coronavirus-related deaths worldwide are approaching 15,000, Johns Hopkins University reports, with the current toll at 14,706.Coronavirus-related deaths worldwide are approaching 15,000, Johns Hopkins University reports, with the current toll at 14,706.
Confirmed cases of Covid-15 reached 339,259 on Monday, with the number of recoveries currently amounting to just under a third of these, at 98,834. Confirmed cases of Covid-15 reached 339,259 on Monday, with the number of recoveries amounting to just under a third of these, at 98,834.
Here is the global top ten for confirmed cases (a reminder that this is in part dependent on testing rates): Here is the global top 10 for confirmed cases (a reminder that this is in part dependent on testing rates):
Emirates has again changed its decision on flights, temporarily suspending all passenger services for two weeks starting from 25 March 2020, the airline has just announced.Emirates has again changed its decision on flights, temporarily suspending all passenger services for two weeks starting from 25 March 2020, the airline has just announced.
“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers and travellers. These measures are in place to contain the spread of Covid-19, and we hope to resume services as soon as feasible,” it said in a statement.“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers and travellers. These measures are in place to contain the spread of Covid-19, and we hope to resume services as soon as feasible,” it said in a statement.
Earlier today the Dubai carrier reversed a previous announcement suspending all passenger flights, saying it is going to continue flying to 13 destinations, including the the U.S., the UK, Japan, Australia and Canada.Earlier today the Dubai carrier reversed a previous announcement suspending all passenger flights, saying it is going to continue flying to 13 destinations, including the the U.S., the UK, Japan, Australia and Canada.
More now on the Tokyo OlympicsMore now on the Tokyo Olympics
Earlier today, Canada said it would not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting the games and Australia told its olympic athletes to prepare for the games to be held next year, in 2021 – all in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option.Earlier today, Canada said it would not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting the games and Australia told its olympic athletes to prepare for the games to be held next year, in 2021 – all in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option.
Now, chief executive of the Olympic Organising Committee Toshiro Muto says, “All options are open,” and that he cannot say at this point whether the olympics will be held this year or not, Reuters reports, and that it is frustrating to hear the organising committee does not care enough about athletes.Now, chief executive of the Olympic Organising Committee Toshiro Muto says, “All options are open,” and that he cannot say at this point whether the olympics will be held this year or not, Reuters reports, and that it is frustrating to hear the organising committee does not care enough about athletes.
Olympics president Yoshiro Mori says the biggest concern is the cost of cancelling the games.Olympics president Yoshiro Mori says the biggest concern is the cost of cancelling the games.
This virus is ravaging rich countries. What happens when it hits the poor ones?This virus is ravaging rich countries. What happens when it hits the poor ones?
“If we are concerned about the failure to contain the virus in western Europe and the US, multiples of that horror await in the developing world. With few means of medical intervention, and several other risk factors such as malnutrition, high population densities, communal living and lack of access to water and washing facilities, the rates of mortality could dwarf what has been seen so far in the west. And economically, the virus risks ushering in an ice age. There are no war chests, no stimulus packages, no insurance payouts.”“If we are concerned about the failure to contain the virus in western Europe and the US, multiples of that horror await in the developing world. With few means of medical intervention, and several other risk factors such as malnutrition, high population densities, communal living and lack of access to water and washing facilities, the rates of mortality could dwarf what has been seen so far in the west. And economically, the virus risks ushering in an ice age. There are no war chests, no stimulus packages, no insurance payouts.”
Now for the UK front pages kicking off this almost-final week of March, 2020 – a very long month so far.Now for the UK front pages kicking off this almost-final week of March, 2020 – a very long month so far.
The Guardian leads with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s warning that the UK public must stop congregating in public or face new coronavirus enforcement measures within 24 hours.The Guardian leads with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s warning that the UK public must stop congregating in public or face new coronavirus enforcement measures within 24 hours.
Here is that full story:Here is that full story:
The Financial Times is focussed on Spain, which currently has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases worldwide:The Financial Times is focussed on Spain, which currently has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases worldwide:
Brits are “partying hard online” following the closure of pubs, the Daily Star reports:Brits are “partying hard online” following the closure of pubs, the Daily Star reports:
Papua New Guinea will enter into a two-week state of emergency on Tuesday after the country confirmed its first case of Covid-19, as the Pacific region recorded its first death from the virus.Papua New Guinea will enter into a two-week state of emergency on Tuesday after the country confirmed its first case of Covid-19, as the Pacific region recorded its first death from the virus.
The Papua New Guinea government confirmed late on Friday evening that its first case of coronavirus is a foreign mine worker who entered the country on 13 March and travelled to Lae.The Papua New Guinea government confirmed late on Friday evening that its first case of coronavirus is a foreign mine worker who entered the country on 13 March and travelled to Lae.
Prime minister, James Marape, said that though there was no evidence of community transmission so far, the country would declare a state of emergency for 14 days, beginning on Tuesday 24 March.Prime minister, James Marape, said that though there was no evidence of community transmission so far, the country would declare a state of emergency for 14 days, beginning on Tuesday 24 March.
The measures to be introduced include stopping all domestic flights, further to a previous ban on incoming international flights; no movement from one province to another for a 14-day period except for approved cargo, medicine and security personnel; the bringing froward of school holidays to start on Monday 23 March; all non-essential workers to stay at home; and for all people who arrived in Papua New Guinea from 7 March to report in to a government hotline.The measures to be introduced include stopping all domestic flights, further to a previous ban on incoming international flights; no movement from one province to another for a 14-day period except for approved cargo, medicine and security personnel; the bringing froward of school holidays to start on Monday 23 March; all non-essential workers to stay at home; and for all people who arrived in Papua New Guinea from 7 March to report in to a government hotline.
The state of emergency in Papua New Guinea – the largest Pacific Island nation – comes as cases have spread across some countries in the region over the weekend and the region recorded its first death from Covid-19 in Guam.The state of emergency in Papua New Guinea – the largest Pacific Island nation – comes as cases have spread across some countries in the region over the weekend and the region recorded its first death from Covid-19 in Guam.
The Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem will be entirely closed to the public starting today.The Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem will be entirely closed to the public starting today.
It is the first time since 1967 that Islam’s third holiest site would be closed to worshippers due to a directive from the Waqf, the Muslim foundation that runs the compound, Al-Aqsa mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kisswani told AFP.It is the first time since 1967 that Islam’s third holiest site would be closed to worshippers due to a directive from the Waqf, the Muslim foundation that runs the compound, Al-Aqsa mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kisswani told AFP.
Several hundred people attended the main weekly prayers at the compound on Friday after the mosque itself was closed by the Waqf in response to the virus outbreak - a stark drop from the 30,000 who usually attend, as coronavirus prevention measures kept most away.Several hundred people attended the main weekly prayers at the compound on Friday after the mosque itself was closed by the Waqf in response to the virus outbreak - a stark drop from the 30,000 who usually attend, as coronavirus prevention measures kept most away.
Only mosque employees will be able to continue to pray on the esplanade outside the mosque, Sunday’s statement added.Only mosque employees will be able to continue to pray on the esplanade outside the mosque, Sunday’s statement added.
Jordan is the custodian of the compound, known by Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, or Holy Sanctuary, and Temple Mount by Jews, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.Jordan is the custodian of the compound, known by Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, or Holy Sanctuary, and Temple Mount by Jews, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
In Jordan, meanwhile, more than 1,100 people have been arrested for violating a curfew imposed over the weekend:In Jordan, meanwhile, more than 1,100 people have been arrested for violating a curfew imposed over the weekend:
In Turkey, nine more people had died by Sunday night, bringing the country’s death toll to 30. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter that 289 people tested positive for Covid-19 Sunday. The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at least 1,236.In Turkey, nine more people had died by Sunday night, bringing the country’s death toll to 30. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter that 289 people tested positive for Covid-19 Sunday. The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at least 1,236.
Elsewhere in the middle east: Saudi Arabia will impose a nationwide curfew starting on Monday after reporting a jump of almost a quarter in coronavirus cases, while the United Arab Emirates will suspend all passenger and transit flights to and from the country.Elsewhere in the middle east: Saudi Arabia will impose a nationwide curfew starting on Monday after reporting a jump of almost a quarter in coronavirus cases, while the United Arab Emirates will suspend all passenger and transit flights to and from the country.
In case you missed this – Syria on Sunday confirmed its first case of the coronavirus after weeks of rejecting opposition allegations that the disease had already reached a country with a wrecked health system.In case you missed this – Syria on Sunday confirmed its first case of the coronavirus after weeks of rejecting opposition allegations that the disease had already reached a country with a wrecked health system.
Iraq’s government has extended a curfew on travel in and out of Baghdad until 28 March as part of strict measures to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.Iraq’s government has extended a curfew on travel in and out of Baghdad until 28 March as part of strict measures to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.
Iran’s death toll has reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry’s spokesman told state TV on Sunday, adding that the total number of infected people in Iran had reached 21,638.Iran’s death toll has reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry’s spokesman told state TV on Sunday, adding that the total number of infected people in Iran had reached 21,638.
Wuhan eases coronavirus lockdown as restrictions intensify outside ChinaWuhan eases coronavirus lockdown as restrictions intensify outside China
Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has begun to loosen its two-month lockdown on citizens as more countries issued new restrictions to contain the pandemic.Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has begun to loosen its two-month lockdown on citizens as more countries issued new restrictions to contain the pandemic.
On Monday, small groups of residents in the central Chinese city were leaving their residential compounds, going to grocery stores and walking along the streets for the first time in weeks. At the weekend, the first train arrived in the city ferrying more than 1,000 workers from elsewhere in the province back to the city for work.On Monday, small groups of residents in the central Chinese city were leaving their residential compounds, going to grocery stores and walking along the streets for the first time in weeks. At the weekend, the first train arrived in the city ferrying more than 1,000 workers from elsewhere in the province back to the city for work.
On Sunday, local authorities said residents could begin returning to work if they did not have a temperature and could provide a green health code, signifying their virus-free status as well as a certificate from their employer. Officials said the city would be “gradually” reopened and public transportation would resume.On Sunday, local authorities said residents could begin returning to work if they did not have a temperature and could provide a green health code, signifying their virus-free status as well as a certificate from their employer. Officials said the city would be “gradually” reopened and public transportation would resume.
Non-residents, those stranded in Wuhan since the stringent travel restrictions went into effect on 23 January, could also begin applying to leave the city, city authorities said.Non-residents, those stranded in Wuhan since the stringent travel restrictions went into effect on 23 January, could also begin applying to leave the city, city authorities said.
Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest coronavirus pandemic news:Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest coronavirus pandemic news: