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Coronavirus news: Germany reports first sign of new infections levelling off - live updates Coronavirus news: Germany reports first sign of new infections levelling off - live updates
(32 minutes later)
France likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief pushes back on call for postponement France likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being considered
After weeks of denials from officials in Damascus, Syria has confirmed its first case of Covid-19, as fears mount of an outbreak that will have catastrophic consequences on the war-torn country.
The patient is a 20-year-old woman who recently returned to Syria from an unspecified country and appropriate measures have been taken, health minister Nizar Yaziji said.
The announcement comes after weeks of regime denials of allegations by the Syrian opposition that Iran-backed fighters and Shia pilgrims have already brought the coronavirus to Syria, and reports from healthcare workers in the capital that patients have presented symptoms consistent with Covid-19.
Tens of thousands of German hackers have gathered for a mass hackathon to develop software ideas for solving coronavirus related problems.
For 48 hours 42,000 hackers, 27,000 of whom were active, brainstormed over 1500 projects, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
Gathered from seven organisations, such as Prototypefund, and Code4Germany the group has formed the initiative #wirvsvirus (us against the virus).
They have earned the patronage of the German government, which has said it will offer financial support to the most promising ideas.
The challenges include finding solutions for everything from virus tracking, to increasing communication between hospitals, how to distribute food to the homeless and helping farmers find people to bring in the harvest.
Stefanie Weise, one of the hackers, whose parents are among those in the risk category, and says she has witnessed first hand the grave inefficiencies in the German health system, told Der Spiegel: “I`m trying to turn my anger into energy”.
The hackathon concluded in a party on YouTube and Slack. A jury will decide which of the projects will be supported.
Japanese Olympic authorities have come to the stage where they “cannot help” but consider measures including a postponement, according to Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita. That’s just breaking on Reuters now.
The Guardian’s Rome correspondent Angela Giuffrida has filed this detailed piece on what other countries may learn from the experience in Italy, where many people struggled with the lockdown on daily life.
A national lockdown came on 10 March but the measures only really started to hit home a couple of days later, when bars, restaurants and other non-essential shops were closed across the country.
The tone of the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, became clearer and more direct but also more humbling as time went on and he thanked Italians for the “great sacrifices” they were making for the common good, while repeating his call for people to stay at home.
Sara Raginelli, a psychologist in Ancona, in the Marche region, said: “The moment the politics changed and started to speak in a more clear and direct way, people’s behaviour also changed and people developed more of an attitude of awareness. “The moment Italians were told to stay at home and rigid containment measures were introduced, the majority of the population complied.”
Sports fans must accept that it will be many months before packed crowds will be returning to watch live competition, writes Sean Ingle, the Guardian’s chief sports reporter.Sports fans must accept that it will be many months before packed crowds will be returning to watch live competition, writes Sean Ingle, the Guardian’s chief sports reporter.
There’s a sense that many still do not “get it,” he writes, citing suggestions that the football season could be completed by mid‑July and that the Olympics could take place a week or two after.There’s a sense that many still do not “get it,” he writes, citing suggestions that the football season could be completed by mid‑July and that the Olympics could take place a week or two after.
Over the weekend he spoke to a leading expert, who is involved with the national response to the coronavirus pandemic, to ask him when sport as we know it – in front of packed crowds – might return. His response was sober and downbeat.Over the weekend he spoke to a leading expert, who is involved with the national response to the coronavirus pandemic, to ask him when sport as we know it – in front of packed crowds – might return. His response was sober and downbeat.
In Germany, there were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute said on Monday.In Germany, there were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute said on Monday.
However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.
Germany has closed all its schools, and on Sunday ruled that no more than two people can gather at once, except for families or people sharing a household.Germany has closed all its schools, and on Sunday ruled that no more than two people can gather at once, except for families or people sharing a household.
Wieler said that current data on Germany´s Covid 19 cases indicates that the average age of those infected is 45, the average age of those who have died is 82. Fifty-seven per cent of those with confirmed infections have so far been men, 43% are women. Of the symptoms people have experienced, the most common is coughing (55%) and fever (40%).Wieler said that current data on Germany´s Covid 19 cases indicates that the average age of those infected is 45, the average age of those who have died is 82. Fifty-seven per cent of those with confirmed infections have so far been men, 43% are women. Of the symptoms people have experienced, the most common is coughing (55%) and fever (40%).
In his daily briefing, which has just ended, he appealed to German medical students to volunteer in the increasing effort to track all new cases, which he said continued to be an important part in the fight against the virus.In his daily briefing, which has just ended, he appealed to German medical students to volunteer in the increasing effort to track all new cases, which he said continued to be an important part in the fight against the virus.
A nationwide collection data point called Cosmos, which is gathering data on how the illness is being fought, shows a considerable increase in awareness of the virus, but still a considerable gap between awareness and behaviour, he said. Mobile phone data monitored anonymously at the weekend, of 30 million mobile phone users, showed that people have considerably reduced their mobility, but still not as much as was necessary, he said. Keeping a distance, regular hand washing and sneezing or coughing into the elbow still remained the most effective ways to avoid the spread of coronavirus, he added. “Keeping your distance is the order of the day,” he said.A nationwide collection data point called Cosmos, which is gathering data on how the illness is being fought, shows a considerable increase in awareness of the virus, but still a considerable gap between awareness and behaviour, he said. Mobile phone data monitored anonymously at the weekend, of 30 million mobile phone users, showed that people have considerably reduced their mobility, but still not as much as was necessary, he said. Keeping a distance, regular hand washing and sneezing or coughing into the elbow still remained the most effective ways to avoid the spread of coronavirus, he added. “Keeping your distance is the order of the day,” he said.
There are about 24,859 cases of coronavirus in Germany. There have so far been 97 reported deaths.There are about 24,859 cases of coronavirus in Germany. There have so far been 97 reported deaths.
Wieler responded to reports that Germany was not being upfront with the number of deaths owing to the fact the figure is relatively low compared with other countries. He confirmed that in Germany anyone who has died having been diagnosed with coronavirus is registered as having died from the virus, even if they had other illnesses, or medical complications.Wieler responded to reports that Germany was not being upfront with the number of deaths owing to the fact the figure is relatively low compared with other countries. He confirmed that in Germany anyone who has died having been diagnosed with coronavirus is registered as having died from the virus, even if they had other illnesses, or medical complications.
Meanwhile, Angela Merkel, who has been quarantined at home since yesterday after a doctor who administered a vaccine to her was tested positive for the virus, reportedly dialled in via telephone to the cabinet meeting of her government this morning.Meanwhile, Angela Merkel, who has been quarantined at home since yesterday after a doctor who administered a vaccine to her was tested positive for the virus, reportedly dialled in via telephone to the cabinet meeting of her government this morning.
Amid mounting concern over the potential impact of coronavirus on poorer countries, Norway has announced that it plans to start a United Nations donors’ fund to assist in the effort.Amid mounting concern over the potential impact of coronavirus on poorer countries, Norway has announced that it plans to start a United Nations donors’ fund to assist in the effort.
“We are concerned about the way the virus will affect developing countries which have fragile healthcare systems,” Norway’s development aid minister, Dag-Inge Ulstein, said in a statement.“We are concerned about the way the virus will affect developing countries which have fragile healthcare systems,” Norway’s development aid minister, Dag-Inge Ulstein, said in a statement.
“International solidarity across borders is more important than ever. That’s why it is important for us to contribute financially to such a fund in the UN,” he added.“International solidarity across borders is more important than ever. That’s why it is important for us to contribute financially to such a fund in the UN,” he added.
The proposed fund would be similar to the 2014 response fund set up to counter the west African ebola outbreak.The proposed fund would be similar to the 2014 response fund set up to counter the west African ebola outbreak.
“We want to make sure that the efforts are as unified as possible and as early as possible so that we can answer up to the demands that countries will have, especially the poorest countries,” the foreign minister, Ine Eriksen Soereide, added.“We want to make sure that the efforts are as unified as possible and as early as possible so that we can answer up to the demands that countries will have, especially the poorest countries,” the foreign minister, Ine Eriksen Soereide, added.
The initiative comes amid mounting concern over the mounting impact of the coronavirus on aid efforts in the world’s poorest countries already hard hit by border closures and restrictions on travel.The initiative comes amid mounting concern over the mounting impact of the coronavirus on aid efforts in the world’s poorest countries already hard hit by border closures and restrictions on travel.
The initiative has been welcomed favourably by the UN deputy secretary general, Amina Mohammed, Oslo said.The initiative has been welcomed favourably by the UN deputy secretary general, Amina Mohammed, Oslo said.
On Thursday, the UN secretary general António Guterres warned “millions” of lives were at stake if the international community did not show solidarity, especially with the world’s poorest countries, amid the coronavirus outbreak.On Thursday, the UN secretary general António Guterres warned “millions” of lives were at stake if the international community did not show solidarity, especially with the world’s poorest countries, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The French parliament has voted to introduce a two-month “health state of emergency”.The French parliament has voted to introduce a two-month “health state of emergency”.
This legalises the restrictive measures already taken – including the confinement introduced on 16 March – and gives the government power to legislate other emergency measures by decree.This legalises the restrictive measures already taken – including the confinement introduced on 16 March – and gives the government power to legislate other emergency measures by decree.
Indications are the French government will announce that the confinement to home regulations that were initially due to last two weeks, will be extended on Monday following recommendations from the country’s Covid-19 scientific committee.Indications are the French government will announce that the confinement to home regulations that were initially due to last two weeks, will be extended on Monday following recommendations from the country’s Covid-19 scientific committee.
The council of state has been under pressure from medical unions to impose a “total confinement” on the population judging that the current restrictions are “too lax” and constitute a “serious and illegal attack on a fundamental freedom to life”.The council of state has been under pressure from medical unions to impose a “total confinement” on the population judging that the current restrictions are “too lax” and constitute a “serious and illegal attack on a fundamental freedom to life”.
On Sunday, the council examined an official request, but decided to reject the demand for the moment. In its judgment it decided that a complete confinement to home would require food deliveries that it said “could not be organised across the country”.On Sunday, the council examined an official request, but decided to reject the demand for the moment. In its judgment it decided that a complete confinement to home would require food deliveries that it said “could not be organised across the country”.
However, the council has given the government 48 hours to have another look at whether some movements should be proscribed, notably stopping people going out do practice an individual sport, mainly walking, jogging and running.However, the council has given the government 48 hours to have another look at whether some movements should be proscribed, notably stopping people going out do practice an individual sport, mainly walking, jogging and running.
French police and gendarmes have reported carrying out about 1.8m stop and checks of the “justifications” needed to leave home and issued 91,824 fines, according to Alain Thirion, director general of the government’s civil security and crisis management unit.French police and gendarmes have reported carrying out about 1.8m stop and checks of the “justifications” needed to leave home and issued 91,824 fines, according to Alain Thirion, director general of the government’s civil security and crisis management unit.
France has 16,018 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 674 deaths., according to figures from the health authority Santé Publique France, published on Sunday evening.France has 16,018 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 674 deaths., according to figures from the health authority Santé Publique France, published on Sunday evening.
There’s been pushback today from Japanese Olympic authorities at calls for a postponement of the games to later in the year.There’s been pushback today from Japanese Olympic authorities at calls for a postponement of the games to later in the year.
Too long of a delay would be a burden to athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 games, according to the president of the Japan Olympic Committee.Too long of a delay would be a burden to athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 games, according to the president of the Japan Olympic Committee.
Yasuhiro Yamashita made the comment at a news conference today in Japan as speculation deepened that Japan would be forced to delay the Olympics because of the widening coronavirus outbreak.Yasuhiro Yamashita made the comment at a news conference today in Japan as speculation deepened that Japan would be forced to delay the Olympics because of the widening coronavirus outbreak.
That development came as Canada became the first country to warn that it won’t send its athletes to Tokyo unless they are postponed for a year.That development came as Canada became the first country to warn that it won’t send its athletes to Tokyo unless they are postponed for a year.
The BBC meanwhile reported this morning that World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has written a letter to the International Olympic Committee expressing the “unanimous view” of athletics bodies that the games should be moved.The BBC meanwhile reported this morning that World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has written a letter to the International Olympic Committee expressing the “unanimous view” of athletics bodies that the games should be moved.
The International Olympic Committee has paved the way for the Tokyo Games to be postponed after giving itself a four-week deadline to consider its options. While the IOC has emphatically ruled out cancelling the Olympics, it will consider a scaled down Games as well as delaying them for a few months or, more likely, a year.The International Olympic Committee has paved the way for the Tokyo Games to be postponed after giving itself a four-week deadline to consider its options. While the IOC has emphatically ruled out cancelling the Olympics, it will consider a scaled down Games as well as delaying them for a few months or, more likely, a year.
Only last week the IOC president, Thomas Bach, insisted that there was “No Plan B”, but it has since softened its stance amid mounting criticism by athletes amid the coronavirus crisis. The IOC will now examine several scenarios over the next month, but it is thought that deferring to the summer of 2021 is the most likely option.Only last week the IOC president, Thomas Bach, insisted that there was “No Plan B”, but it has since softened its stance amid mounting criticism by athletes amid the coronavirus crisis. The IOC will now examine several scenarios over the next month, but it is thought that deferring to the summer of 2021 is the most likely option.
Harvey Weinstein, the former film producer who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for coronavirus.Harvey Weinstein, the former film producer who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for coronavirus.
The 68-year-old American has been placed in isolation at Wende correctional facility in New York state, said Michael Powers, the president of the state’s Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.The 68-year-old American has been placed in isolation at Wende correctional facility in New York state, said Michael Powers, the president of the state’s Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
Powers said he learned the test came back positive on Sunday morning and was concerned about the corrections officers, who he said lack proper protective equipment. Several staff have been quarantined, Powers said.Powers said he learned the test came back positive on Sunday morning and was concerned about the corrections officers, who he said lack proper protective equipment. Several staff have been quarantined, Powers said.
Weinstein arrived at Wende correctional facility, a maximum security prison east of Buffalo, on Wednesday after being housed at New York City’s Rikers Island jail.Weinstein arrived at Wende correctional facility, a maximum security prison east of Buffalo, on Wednesday after being housed at New York City’s Rikers Island jail.
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison on 11 March for sexually assaulting the former production assistant Miriam Haley and raping a woman whom the Guardian is not naming because her wishes over identification are not clear.He was sentenced to 23 years in prison on 11 March for sexually assaulting the former production assistant Miriam Haley and raping a woman whom the Guardian is not naming because her wishes over identification are not clear.
Delays in testing and giving people results are crippling Ireland’s response to coronavirus, fuelling fears of contagion despite social distancing measures.Delays in testing and giving people results are crippling Ireland’s response to coronavirus, fuelling fears of contagion despite social distancing measures.
The waiting time for a test is four to five days, with several more days for results, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE), meaning people who suspect they have the disease are left in the dark for around a week.The waiting time for a test is four to five days, with several more days for results, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE), meaning people who suspect they have the disease are left in the dark for around a week.
Around 40,000 people are waiting for a test, a backlog that hinders contact tracing and leaves healthcare workers who are in self-isolation, and potentially healthy, unable to work.Around 40,000 people are waiting for a test, a backlog that hinders contact tracing and leaves healthcare workers who are in self-isolation, and potentially healthy, unable to work.
Simon Harris, the health minister, told RTE on Monday that additional testing facilities were being opened across the country and that healthcare workers and other groups may be given priority testing until the backlog is cleared.Simon Harris, the health minister, told RTE on Monday that additional testing facilities were being opened across the country and that healthcare workers and other groups may be given priority testing until the backlog is cleared.
The minister also warned of potential further closures of public amenities after crowds gathered at parks over weekends.The minister also warned of potential further closures of public amenities after crowds gathered at parks over weekends.
The HSE confirmed 121 new cases on Sunday, raising Ireland’s total to 906. Northern Ireland reported 20 cases, bringing its total to 128.The HSE confirmed 121 new cases on Sunday, raising Ireland’s total to 906. Northern Ireland reported 20 cases, bringing its total to 128.
A nursing home and a direct provision centre which hosts asylum seekers have reported infections, fuelling fears of rapid contagion among vulnerable people who cannot easily self-isolate.A nursing home and a direct provision centre which hosts asylum seekers have reported infections, fuelling fears of rapid contagion among vulnerable people who cannot easily self-isolate.
Health authorities in Spain are distributing almost 650,000 rapid testing kits as the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country approaches 30,000.Health authorities in Spain are distributing almost 650,000 rapid testing kits as the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country approaches 30,000.
The first to receive the kits will be frontline hospital staff and those in the regions most affected by the spread of the virusBy Sunday evening, the health ministry had recorded 28,572 cases and 1,720 deaths.The first to receive the kits will be frontline hospital staff and those in the regions most affected by the spread of the virusBy Sunday evening, the health ministry had recorded 28,572 cases and 1,720 deaths.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called on the EU to instigate a “Marshall Plan” to counter the economic effects of the crisis, and also announced that the state of emergency will be extended until 11 April.Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called on the EU to instigate a “Marshall Plan” to counter the economic effects of the crisis, and also announced that the state of emergency will be extended until 11 April.
Despite the central government’s nationwide lockdown, some argue it is not doing enough to tackle the virus.Despite the central government’s nationwide lockdown, some argue it is not doing enough to tackle the virus.
On Sunday, the regional government of the southeastern region of Murcia announced “the total shutdown of the region, except for minimal services”.On Sunday, the regional government of the southeastern region of Murcia announced “the total shutdown of the region, except for minimal services”.
It was rebuked by the central government, which said such an order could be given only by the health minister.”The Spanish government continues to follow the WHO’s recommendations at all times and reiterates that it has adopted the strictest measures on Europe and some of the strictest globally when it comes to beating the coronavirus,” the central government said in a statement.”It was rebuked by the central government, which said such an order could be given only by the health minister.”The Spanish government continues to follow the WHO’s recommendations at all times and reiterates that it has adopted the strictest measures on Europe and some of the strictest globally when it comes to beating the coronavirus,” the central government said in a statement.”
We once again appeal for unity between administrations and stress out constant willingness to co-ordinate and collaborate with autonomous regions in the fight against the pandemic.”We once again appeal for unity between administrations and stress out constant willingness to co-ordinate and collaborate with autonomous regions in the fight against the pandemic.”
Afghanistan has reported six new Coronavirus cases, raising the total number to 40.Afghanistan has reported six new Coronavirus cases, raising the total number to 40.
Three of the new cases are reported in the western province of Herat, which raised the total number in the most affected part of Afghanistan to 21.Three of the new cases are reported in the western province of Herat, which raised the total number in the most affected part of Afghanistan to 21.
Herat neighbours Iran and concerns are high in the war torn country as around 15 thousands Afghans come from Iran each day.Herat neighbours Iran and concerns are high in the war torn country as around 15 thousands Afghans come from Iran each day.
Wahidullah Mayar, spokesman for Afghanisatan’s health ministry, said officials asked the government to quarantine Herat province but he added that no steps have been taken so far.Wahidullah Mayar, spokesman for Afghanisatan’s health ministry, said officials asked the government to quarantine Herat province but he added that no steps have been taken so far.
In a press conference, Mayar showed pictures of empty streets of France, Italy and India and asked people to stay at home.In a press conference, Mayar showed pictures of empty streets of France, Italy and India and asked people to stay at home.
Last week was the new solar year eve and thousands of people in Herat and across the country went out. Mayar warned that if things go on with “current state of condition, we will have a catastrophe and in that case heath ministry is not responsible”.Last week was the new solar year eve and thousands of people in Herat and across the country went out. Mayar warned that if things go on with “current state of condition, we will have a catastrophe and in that case heath ministry is not responsible”.
The country reported its first Coronavirus death yesterday.The country reported its first Coronavirus death yesterday.
Britain’s health secretary has accused those still socialising of putting the lives of NHS workers and others at risk, as he promised the army would help deliver more protective equipment for medical staff.Britain’s health secretary has accused those still socialising of putting the lives of NHS workers and others at risk, as he promised the army would help deliver more protective equipment for medical staff.
Matt Hancock said stricter rules such as curfews or constraints on movement could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures”.Matt Hancock said stricter rules such as curfews or constraints on movement could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures”.
He took a much tougher line than the prime minister on those defying social distancing rules, saying people carrying on as usual were being “incredibly unfair to go and socialise in the way we have seen”.He took a much tougher line than the prime minister on those defying social distancing rules, saying people carrying on as usual were being “incredibly unfair to go and socialise in the way we have seen”.
Anger and concern built up over the weekend as images and reports were shared of large numbers congregating in some public placesAnger and concern built up over the weekend as images and reports were shared of large numbers congregating in some public places
On top of its ban on foreign arrivals and transits just announced a short time ago, Hong Kong has also declared its intention to stop bars and restaurants serving alcohol.On top of its ban on foreign arrivals and transits just announced a short time ago, Hong Kong has also declared its intention to stop bars and restaurants serving alcohol.
Why? From chief executive Carrie Lam: “People get intimate when they get drunk.”Why? From chief executive Carrie Lam: “People get intimate when they get drunk.”
It comes after Hong Kongers started to venture out again, only for a second wave of infections as travellers came home. The nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fung has now emerged as the source of an outbreak.It comes after Hong Kongers started to venture out again, only for a second wave of infections as travellers came home. The nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fung has now emerged as the source of an outbreak.
The suspension of liquor licences for the 8,600 venues in question must be legislated so for the moment it’s only a proposal.The suspension of liquor licences for the 8,600 venues in question must be legislated so for the moment it’s only a proposal.
But further south, in large parts of Australia it became a reality today.But further south, in large parts of Australia it became a reality today.
Under orders from the federal government, all registered and licensed pubs, clubs, casinos and nightclubs are closed, costing thousands of jobs.Under orders from the federal government, all registered and licensed pubs, clubs, casinos and nightclubs are closed, costing thousands of jobs.
Read more hereRead more here
The British government is effectively nationalising the state’s railways for a temporary period, it has been announced.The British government is effectively nationalising the state’s railways for a temporary period, it has been announced.
Rail franchise agreements are to be suspended to avoid train companies collapsing due to the coronavirus, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.Rail franchise agreements are to be suspended to avoid train companies collapsing due to the coronavirus, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.
Operators will be paid a small management fee to run services, with all revenue and cost risk transferred to the Government.Operators will be paid a small management fee to run services, with all revenue and cost risk transferred to the Government.
The emergency measures will be in place for an initial period of six months. Rail timetables have been slashed because of Covid-19.The emergency measures will be in place for an initial period of six months. Rail timetables have been slashed because of Covid-19.
The DfT said passenger numbers have fallen by up to 70%, while ticket sales are down by two-thirds.The DfT said passenger numbers have fallen by up to 70%, while ticket sales are down by two-thirds.
The move is coming as no surprise to critics of Britain’s highly privatised model, and many expect there will be no return.The move is coming as no surprise to critics of Britain’s highly privatised model, and many expect there will be no return.
The minister for transport tweets:The minister for transport tweets:
Among those who have died from coronavirus in the UK is a primary school teacher who was admitted to hospital with symptoms.Among those who have died from coronavirus in the UK is a primary school teacher who was admitted to hospital with symptoms.
Wendy Jacobs, the headteacher of Roose Community Primary School was being cared for at Furness General Hospital, according to local reports.Wendy Jacobs, the headteacher of Roose Community Primary School was being cared for at Furness General Hospital, according to local reports.
The school’s board of governors said in a statement: “This is devastating news for our school and nursery community and all our thoughts and sympathies are with her family.”The school’s board of governors said in a statement: “This is devastating news for our school and nursery community and all our thoughts and sympathies are with her family.”
This morning’s front pages of national newspapers in the UK are dominated largely by concern about continuing movement by the public over the weekend and a threat from the government that it may act.This morning’s front pages of national newspapers in the UK are dominated largely by concern about continuing movement by the public over the weekend and a threat from the government that it may act.
The Guardian has a front page picture of a busy east London flower market, along side the warning by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, that the government is considering taking tougher action.The Guardian has a front page picture of a busy east London flower market, along side the warning by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, that the government is considering taking tougher action.
The Daily Telegraph leads on the warning that a tougher lockdown could come within 24 hours.The Daily Telegraph leads on the warning that a tougher lockdown could come within 24 hours.
The warning also makes the front page of the Daily Mail, Sun and TimesThe warning also makes the front page of the Daily Mail, Sun and Times
* With thanks to Senior UK Health Producer Helen Miller.* With thanks to Senior UK Health Producer Helen Miller.
Hong Kong will ban the entry of all non-residents to Hong Kong from 11.59pm Tuesday, for 14 days.Hong Kong will ban the entry of all non-residents to Hong Kong from 11.59pm Tuesday, for 14 days.
Hong Kong airport will also stop all transit flights.Anyone entering from Macau or Taiwan must undergo 14 days quarantine.Hong Kong airport will also stop all transit flights.Anyone entering from Macau or Taiwan must undergo 14 days quarantine.
Chief executive Carrie Lam said the epidemic in Hong Kong has become more serious, and extra measures were needed.She warned people not to break the law.”For people who breach the quarantine orders we will tackle these cases severely,” she added.Chief executive Carrie Lam said the epidemic in Hong Kong has become more serious, and extra measures were needed.She warned people not to break the law.”For people who breach the quarantine orders we will tackle these cases severely,” she added.
Police have tracked down five people who absconded home quarantine. Another 36 are under investigation.Police have tracked down five people who absconded home quarantine. Another 36 are under investigation.