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Coronavirus news: Germany reports first sign of new infections levelling off - live updates Coronavirus news: global death toll passes 15,000 as total of confirmed cases nears 350,000 - live updates
(32 minutes later)
France likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being consideredFrance likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being considered
A German website can tell you how long your toilet roll supply will last.
It comes as loo roll becomes one of the commodities shoppers across the world have hoarded amid the coronavirus outbreak. The website Blitzrechner.de can help reassure shoppers that they have enough. Just tell it how many rolls you have and how often you go to the toilet. You can adjust the settings for the number of wipes per trip, the number of paper squares per wipe, the number of family members in your household and how long you plan to stay home.
Authorities in Montenegro have begun publishing a list of all the people currently in quarantine in the country, in the hope of shaming citizens into not breaking the rules. A government website has published lists divided by city, which give the names and addresses of those who are meant to be confined to their homes, either because they have returned to Montenegro from abroad or because they came into contact with someone later diagnosed with coronavirus.
Criminal charges can be filed for those who break quarantine, but authorities said there was still a large number of people not complying. A statement on the website said the decision to publish names had been deemed preferable to enforcing a lockdown for the whole country.
Montenegro’s first coronavirus cases were confirmed last week, making it one of the last European countries to declare a case. However, strict measures are already in place, including a ban on flights and the closure of restaurants, pubs and most shops. So far there are 22 confirmed cases in the small coastal country, with the first death from the virus announced on Monday morning, a 65-year-old man.
Japan’s Olympic organising committee plans to dramatically scale back the torch relay until a formal decision on the Games is made, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday. The event, which was due to start on March 26 will now use lanterns to carry the Olympic flame and will be more of a “tour” than a relay, NHK said.
Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday.
It comes a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating Covid-19 patients.
One of the doctors, a 66-year-old gynaecologist in Mulhouse near the border with Switzerland and Germany, was infected by a patient during a consultation, according to his clinic.
The other was a 60-year-old general practitioner at a hospital in Saint-Avold near Metz, further north along the German frontier, according to the town’s mayor.
Both died on Sunday when officials announced the death of a 67-year-old doctor who was among the first to treat coronavirus cases in the northern Oise department, which has been badly hit by the outbreak.
According to an AFP tally, more than one billion people around the world have now been asked to stay home in line with mandatory or recommended measures rolled out by governments trying to slow the tide of the pandemic.
The Tokyo Olympics due to start in July looked increasingly likely to be postponed, with Canada pulling out and Australia saying it was preparing for a one-year delay.
World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe joined calls for the Games to be postponed after Japan’s prime minister admitted a delay could be “inevitable”.
In Bangladesh a 10-days general holiday has been declared from 26 March to 4 April, to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.
The army will be deployed throughout the country to help the local administration ensure social distancing. The cabinet secretary made the announcements in a press conference this afternoon.
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In Stockholm, where transport authorities have reduced the frequency of bus services, there has been anger that the result is that passengers are more closely packed together.
Here is a piece in Aftonbladet in which health workers using the service expressed their astonishment.
It comes as similar concerns have been raised in London, with particular reference to packed underground trains carrying health workers alongside others.
A British MP tweeted this earlier:
Belgium’s coronavirus lockdown could last for a further eight weeks, the country’s health minister has said, as official figures showed slowing growth in the number of people being admitted to hospital.Belgium’s coronavirus lockdown could last for a further eight weeks, the country’s health minister has said, as official figures showed slowing growth in the number of people being admitted to hospital.
Since 18 March, Belgian residents are only allowed to go out for work deemed essential, visiting supermarkets or pharmacies, or to exercise while respecting 1.5 metres of social distancing. Since 18 March, Belgian residents have only been allowed to go out for work deemed essential, visiting supermarkets or pharmacies, or to exercise while respecting 1.5 metres of social distancing.
Asked how long the measures could last, health minister Maggie De Block said:Asked how long the measures could last, health minister Maggie De Block said:
That’s the million dollar question. We are now heading towards the peak of the epidemic, after which the curve will descend. I think this situation will last for at least another eight weeks. It would be the normal curve That’s the million dollar question. We are now heading towards the peak of the epidemic, after which the curve will descend. I think this situation will last for at least another eight weeks. It would be the normal curve.
She was speaking before Belgium’s federal crisis centre released its latest data on Monday, showing slowing growth in the number of people admitted to hospitals.She was speaking before Belgium’s federal crisis centre released its latest data on Monday, showing slowing growth in the number of people admitted to hospitals.
As of 11am CET on Monday Belgium had recorded 3,743 coronavirus cases, an increase of 10% on the previous day, a slower rate of increase than Saturday to Sunday. A total of 88 people had died, an increase of 13 on the previous day. As of 11am CET on Monday, Belgium had recorded 3,743 coronavirus cases, an increase of 10% on the previous day, a slower rate of increase than Saturday to Sunday. A total of 88 people had died, an increase of 13 on the previous day.
In Spain, one of Europe’s worst hit countries after Italy, the coronavirus death toll in Spain has reached 2,182, adding 462 fatalities overnight. Johns Hopkins University is collating the total number of deaths from coronavirus worldwide and it now stands at 15,308.
The figures from the Spanish health ministry came as new figures for other countries including Belgium, Switzerland and Iran were also released. The global number of confirmed cases stands at 349,211. Below, we have more details on some countries, who reported an increase in cases today. You can see the full Johns Hopkins dashboard here.
In Spain, one of Europe’s worst hit countries after Italy, the coronavirus death toll has reached 2,182, adding 462 fatalities overnight.
The figures from the Spanish health ministry came as latest figures for other countries including Belgium, Switzerland and Iran were also released.
The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in the past 24 hours, a health ministry spokesman told state TV on Monday, adding that the country’s total number of infected people has reached 23,049.The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in the past 24 hours, a health ministry spokesman told state TV on Monday, adding that the country’s total number of infected people has reached 23,049.
Belgium announced 3,743 cases (up from 3,401 the day before).Belgium announced 3,743 cases (up from 3,401 the day before).
Swiss health authorities reported 1,046 more coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of people who have tested positive in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to 8,060 as of midday on Monday. Swiss health authorities reported 1,046 (not 956) more coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of people who have tested positive in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to 8,060 as of midday on Monday.
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.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 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.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.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 1,500 projects, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported.For 48 hours, 42,000 hackers, 27,000 of whom were active, brainstormed over 1,500 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.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.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”.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.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.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 are struggling with the lockdown on daily life.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 are struggling with the lockdown on daily life.
A national lockdown came in 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.A national lockdown came in 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.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.”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.