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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
In the US, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has given an interview to Science Magazine in which he says that he, unlike Donald Trump, will not refer to coronavirus as the “China Virus”, and that he has been asking the White house to conduct virtual press conferences to no avail.
When reporter Jon Cohen says:
You stood nearby while President Trump was in the Rose Garden shaking hands with people. You’re a doctor. You must have had a reaction like, Sir, please don’t do that.
Dr Fauci replies:
“I keep saying, is there any way we can get a virtual press conference. Thus far, no. But when you’re dealing with the White House, sometimes you have to say things 1,2,3,4 times, and then it happens. So I’m going to keep pushing.”
Pressed on Trump’s claims that China was “very secretive” and should have informed people of the outbreak three to four months earlier, Dr Fauci replies:
“I know, but what do you want me to do? I mean, seriously Jon, let’s get real, what do you want me to do?”
Dr Fauci continues:
Dr Fauci also gives insight into Trump’s coronavirus press conference ‘creative process’, as it were:
“We go in to see the president, we present [our consensus] to him and somebody writes a speech. Then he gets up and ad libs on his speech. And then we’re up there to try and answer questions.”Asked about the viral moment when Fauci covered his mouth to hide a smirk following Trump’s reference to the “deep State Department,” conspiracy theory, Fauci responds: “no comment”.
Here is a reminder of the moment, with a soundtrack:
Singapore Airlines will cut capacity by 96% and ground almost all of its fleet, the carrier said on Monday, in response to coronavirus travel restrictions it called the “greatest challenge” it had ever faced.
All rugby in New Zealand will be suspended “for the foreseeable future,” New Zealand rugby has announced, following the news that the entire country has been asked to prepare for self isolation.
“All New Zealand teams will cease training, and at this stage there are no decisions on the future of the Investec Super Rugby competition or the All Blacks Tests scheduled for July,” the organisation says.
New measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus are due to be rolled out from this morning in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.
The city’s governor Anies Baswedan declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks, closing all entertainment venues and urging businesses to close their offices, and allow staff to work from home.
Anies said on Friday that he would also limit the number of passengers boarding public transport, and reduce the operational hours.
Photos taken during this morning’s rush hour suggest such limits aren’t yet working. On social media, passengers shared images of cramped trains packed with commuters.
There are growing fears about the spread of coronavirus in Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, which has been criticised for its slow response to the pandemic. Last week, president, Joko Widodo, acknowledged the need to immediately ramp up testing and said that he would introduce drive-through tests.
The number of tests carried out has increased significantly from the 220 completed earlier this month, leading to a rise in identified cases. The country has recorded 48 deaths, prompting speculation that the number of cases is far higher than the 514 infections that have been officially recorded.
Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for Coronavirus, Reuters reports.Harvey Weinstein has 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.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.
Weinstein, 68, has been placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility, said Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. Powers said he learned that the test came back positive on Sunday morning and is 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, New York, on Wednesday after being housed at New York City’s Rikers Island jail. A lawyer for Weinstein said on Sunday night that his legal team had not been notified of the coronavirus diagnosis. “Given Mr. Weinstein’s state of health, we are of course concerned, if this is the case, and we are vigilantly monitoring the situation,” said lawyer Imran Ansari, who is based in New York. Two prisoners at the Wende Facility have confirmed cases of Covid-19, a state prison official told Reuters. The official said he could not comment on any individual prisoner’s medical record.Weinstein, 68, has been placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility, said Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. Powers said he learned that the test came back positive on Sunday morning and is 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, New York, on Wednesday after being housed at New York City’s Rikers Island jail. A lawyer for Weinstein said on Sunday night that his legal team had not been notified of the coronavirus diagnosis. “Given Mr. Weinstein’s state of health, we are of course concerned, if this is the case, and we are vigilantly monitoring the situation,” said lawyer Imran Ansari, who is based in New York. Two prisoners at the Wende Facility have confirmed cases of Covid-19, a state prison official told Reuters. The official said he could not comment on any individual prisoner’s medical record.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, refused US assistance to fight the new coronavirus on Sunday citing an unfounded conspiracy theory claiming the virus could be man-made by America.Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, refused US assistance to fight the new coronavirus on Sunday citing an unfounded conspiracy theory claiming the virus could be man-made by America.
Iran has the sixth-highest number of confirmed cases worldwide, with 21,638, according to Johns Hopkins university.Iran has the sixth-highest number of confirmed cases worldwide, with 21,638, according to Johns Hopkins university.
Khamenei’s comments come as Iran faces crushing US sanctions blocking the country from selling its crude oil and accessing international financial markets. Iranian civilian officials in recent days have increasingly criticised those sanctions, while Khamenei instead chose to traffic in the same conspiracy theory increasingly used by Chinese officials, AP reports, to deflect blame for the pandemic.Khamenei’s comments come as Iran faces crushing US sanctions blocking the country from selling its crude oil and accessing international financial markets. Iranian civilian officials in recent days have increasingly criticised those sanctions, while Khamenei instead chose to traffic in the same conspiracy theory increasingly used by Chinese officials, AP reports, to deflect blame for the pandemic.
In the US, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first member of US Senate to do so.In the US, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first member of US Senate to do so.
In a supportive tweet about the diagnosis, Donald Trump once again referred to Covid-19 as the “Chinese Virus”:In a supportive tweet about the diagnosis, Donald Trump once again referred to Covid-19 as the “Chinese Virus”:
South Korea on Monday reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases since the peak so far on 29 February and the extended downward trend in daily infections has boosted hopes that Asia’s largest outbreak outside China may be abating.South Korea on Monday reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases since the peak so far on 29 February and the extended downward trend in daily infections has boosted hopes that Asia’s largest outbreak outside China may be abating.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said there were 64 new cases on Monday, taking the national tally to 8,961. The death toll rose by one to 110. The new numbers marked the 12th day in a row the country has posted new infections of around 100 or less, compared with the peak of 909 cases recorded on 29 February. In contrast, 257 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment, the KCDC said. South Korea posted more recoveries than new infections on March 13 for the first time since its first case was confirmed on 20 January.The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said there were 64 new cases on Monday, taking the national tally to 8,961. The death toll rose by one to 110. The new numbers marked the 12th day in a row the country has posted new infections of around 100 or less, compared with the peak of 909 cases recorded on 29 February. In contrast, 257 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment, the KCDC said. South Korea posted more recoveries than new infections on March 13 for the first time since its first case was confirmed on 20 January.
Over to Hong Kong now, where authorities are searching for 36 people who have skipped out on mandatory home quarantine.Over to Hong Kong now, where authorities are searching for 36 people who have skipped out on mandatory home quarantine.
Anyone arriving in Hong Kong must spend 14 days in home quarantine, unless they have come from Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea, Iran, or the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto, in which case they must go to a government quarantine centre.Anyone arriving in Hong Kong must spend 14 days in home quarantine, unless they have come from Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea, Iran, or the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto, in which case they must go to a government quarantine centre.
Authorities have also begun issuing tracking bracelets for all international arrivals.Authorities have also begun issuing tracking bracelets for all international arrivals.
The wristbands, which connect to an app on the holders phone, send alerts to police and health authorities if the holder removes the wristband or leaves their building.The wristbands, which connect to an app on the holders phone, send alerts to police and health authorities if the holder removes the wristband or leaves their building.
On Sunday the government said police had tracked down five people who had left their buildings without permission. Two had removed their wristbands. All five were taken to government quarantine centres and now face potential prosecution.On Sunday the government said police had tracked down five people who had left their buildings without permission. Two had removed their wristbands. All five were taken to government quarantine centres and now face potential prosecution.
Police were investigating another 36 cases of people leaving their designated address without permission.Police were investigating another 36 cases of people leaving their designated address without permission.
Under Hong Kong law anyone breaching home quarantine orders faces fines of up to $25,000HKD (US$3220) or six months in prison.Under Hong Kong law anyone breaching home quarantine orders faces fines of up to $25,000HKD (US$3220) or six months in prison.
The Government said in a statement it strongly condemned anyone intending to breach quarantine orders.The Government said in a statement it strongly condemned anyone intending to breach quarantine orders.
“Such actions increase the risk of community transmission and will negatively impact the health of others and the public at-large.”“Such actions increase the risk of community transmission and will negatively impact the health of others and the public at-large.”
Hong Kong, which kept the infection rate low despite its proximity and connections to mainland China, has seen a rise in cases as students and citizens rushed home in recent weeks. It has reported 317 confirmed cases, and four deaths.Hong Kong, which kept the infection rate low despite its proximity and connections to mainland China, has seen a rise in cases as students and citizens rushed home in recent weeks. It has reported 317 confirmed cases, and four deaths.
Argentina has announced a fixed sum for self-employed and independent workers who are being left without their livelihood because of the country’s general lockdown to halt the spread of coronavirus. Some four million people are estimated to be eligible for the benefit. They include hairdressers, restaurant workers, construction workers and domestic employees. Argentina’s population is 45 million.Argentina has announced a fixed sum for self-employed and independent workers who are being left without their livelihood because of the country’s general lockdown to halt the spread of coronavirus. Some four million people are estimated to be eligible for the benefit. They include hairdressers, restaurant workers, construction workers and domestic employees. Argentina’s population is 45 million.
Conversations are under way as well with utility and mobile phone companies to prevent the cutting off of services for lack of payment while the nationwide quarantine remains in effect.Argentina had a slight respite in the increase of coronavirus cases Sunday, with only 41 new cases reported, bringing the total to 266, compared with an increase of 67 Saturday.Press reports Sunday affirmed that the government of President Alberto Fernández is handling projections of a minimum 250 thousand coronavirus cases by June and is therefore considering extending the nationwide quarantine beyond its original March 31 deadline.Conversations are under way as well with utility and mobile phone companies to prevent the cutting off of services for lack of payment while the nationwide quarantine remains in effect.Argentina had a slight respite in the increase of coronavirus cases Sunday, with only 41 new cases reported, bringing the total to 266, compared with an increase of 67 Saturday.Press reports Sunday affirmed that the government of President Alberto Fernández is handling projections of a minimum 250 thousand coronavirus cases by June and is therefore considering extending the nationwide quarantine beyond its original March 31 deadline.
Staying in Australia for a moment: two beer brewers in the state of Western Australia have teamed up to produce hand sanitiser, AAP reports.Staying in Australia for a moment: two beer brewers in the state of Western Australia have teamed up to produce hand sanitiser, AAP reports.
Spinifex Brewing Co and Limestone Coast Brewing have joined forces to produce World Health Organisation grade sanitiser using about 80 per cent ethanol.Spinifex Brewing Co and Limestone Coast Brewing have joined forces to produce World Health Organisation grade sanitiser using about 80 per cent ethanol.
Here is the statement from Australia’s Olympic Committee, announcing that it is planning for a postponed Olympic games.Here is the statement from Australia’s Olympic Committee, announcing that it is planning for a postponed Olympic games.
“The AOC held an Executive Board meeting via teleconference this morning and unanimously agreed that an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad,” the statement says.“The AOC held an Executive Board meeting via teleconference this morning and unanimously agreed that an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad,” the statement says.
Australian Team Chef de Mission for Tokyo Ian Chesterman says:Australian Team Chef de Mission for Tokyo Ian Chesterman says:
Australia’s Olympic Committee has joined Canada and New Zealand in expressing the view that the Olympics should not go ahead this year, the ABC reports.Australia’s Olympic Committee has joined Canada and New Zealand in expressing the view that the Olympics should not go ahead this year, the ABC reports.
Australia has told its athletes to prepare for the olympics to be held next year, in 2021, the ABC reports.Australia has told its athletes to prepare for the olympics to be held next year, in 2021, the ABC reports.
AOC chief executive Matt Caroll said in a statement:AOC chief executive Matt Caroll said in a statement:
“We have athletes based overseas, training at central locations around Australia as teams and managing their own programs. With travel and other restrictions this becomes an untenable situation”.“We have athletes based overseas, training at central locations around Australia as teams and managing their own programs. With travel and other restrictions this becomes an untenable situation”.
“The IOC had adopted the key principles of putting athlete health first and ensuring it acted in their best interests and the interests of sport. This decision reflects those principles. “We are now in a position where we can plan with greater certainty.”“The IOC had adopted the key principles of putting athlete health first and ensuring it acted in their best interests and the interests of sport. This decision reflects those principles. “We are now in a position where we can plan with greater certainty.”
Back to the Olympics now: New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley has said the country would consider boycotting the olympics.Back to the Olympics now: New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley has said the country would consider boycotting the olympics.
Earlier today, Stanley published an open letter in which he wrote, “Athletes need a safe, and fair, playing field to compete and, right now, the widespread and evolving impact of Covid-19 is not allowing that to happen,” and urged the International Olympic Committee to “finalise their decision as soon as possible, bringing clarity to our sports and athletes.”Earlier today, Stanley published an open letter in which he wrote, “Athletes need a safe, and fair, playing field to compete and, right now, the widespread and evolving impact of Covid-19 is not allowing that to happen,” and urged the International Olympic Committee to “finalise their decision as soon as possible, bringing clarity to our sports and athletes.”
A few hours later, following the news that Japan was considering postponing the games, Stanley told Newshub that, the news organisation writes, “postponement is the only way to go,” and that if the IOC does not postpone the Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand would consider boycotting the games.A few hours later, following the news that Japan was considering postponing the games, Stanley told Newshub that, the news organisation writes, “postponement is the only way to go,” and that if the IOC does not postpone the Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand would consider boycotting the games.
The time of coronavirus is strange indeed – I for one never thought I would feel relieved to learn that car traffic anywhere is increasing, but as my colleague Lily Kuo just reported, enough Beijingers headed to work this morning that the city’s streets were at least somewhat jammed – and that’s a good thing.The time of coronavirus is strange indeed – I for one never thought I would feel relieved to learn that car traffic anywhere is increasing, but as my colleague Lily Kuo just reported, enough Beijingers headed to work this morning that the city’s streets were at least somewhat jammed – and that’s a good thing.
We have the latest figures from China now, which 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.We have the latest figures from China now, which 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.
On Monday, China reported 39 new cases from the previous day, all of which were from imported cases, according to the National Health Commission. On Sunday, China ordered that all international flights to Beijing will be diverted to other cities where passengers will be screened before continuing on to the capital.Authorities in Wuhan are loosening restrictions. Residents can now leave the city if they have a green health code, issued through an app. Those stuck in Wuhan over the last two months may now leave if they are screened and get a health certificate from local authorities. Residents and community volunteers can now enter grocery shops but are required to present electronic health codes, from their smartphones, have their temperature tested and register their names.Other signs of life returning to normal in China include Beijing seeing early morning Monday before work traffic. Several provinces have announced dates for when students will go back to school.On Monday, China reported 39 new cases from the previous day, all of which were from imported cases, according to the National Health Commission. On Sunday, China ordered that all international flights to Beijing will be diverted to other cities where passengers will be screened before continuing on to the capital.Authorities in Wuhan are loosening restrictions. Residents can now leave the city if they have a green health code, issued through an app. Those stuck in Wuhan over the last two months may now leave if they are screened and get a health certificate from local authorities. Residents and community volunteers can now enter grocery shops but are required to present electronic health codes, from their smartphones, have their temperature tested and register their names.Other signs of life returning to normal in China include Beijing seeing early morning Monday before work traffic. Several provinces have announced dates for when students will go back to school.
In a press release, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paraolympic committee called “urgently” for the games to be postponed for one year.In a press release, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paraolympic committee called “urgently” for the games to be postponed for one year.
“While we realize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” it said.“While we realize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” it said.
“This is not solely about athlete health - it is about public health.”“This is not solely about athlete health - it is about public health.”
The announcement from Canada comes as Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, hinted that postponing the Tokyo Olympics could be an option if the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to hold the Games this summer and with the full quota of athletes and spectators.It is the first time that Abe has publicly conceded that the timing of the Games, which are due to open on 24 July, may have to change, as more athletes and sports federations added their voices to calls for a postponement.Cancellation, however, is not among the options, Abe said, echoing the position of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], which said on Sunday that it was drawing up alternative scenarios for the Games but was not considering calling them off.If holding the Olympics in its complete form “becomes impossible, we may have no option but to consider postponing the Games, given the Olympics’ principle of putting the health of athletes first,” he told parliament on Monday.The IOC is expected to take up to a month to reach a decision. “These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games,” it said in a statement.“The IOC will ... start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement. The IOC is confident that it will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks.”The announcement from Canada comes as Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, hinted that postponing the Tokyo Olympics could be an option if the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to hold the Games this summer and with the full quota of athletes and spectators.It is the first time that Abe has publicly conceded that the timing of the Games, which are due to open on 24 July, may have to change, as more athletes and sports federations added their voices to calls for a postponement.Cancellation, however, is not among the options, Abe said, echoing the position of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], which said on Sunday that it was drawing up alternative scenarios for the Games but was not considering calling them off.If holding the Olympics in its complete form “becomes impossible, we may have no option but to consider postponing the Games, given the Olympics’ principle of putting the health of athletes first,” he told parliament on Monday.The IOC is expected to take up to a month to reach a decision. “These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games,” it said in a statement.“The IOC will ... start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement. The IOC is confident that it will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks.”
Away from New Zealand now to Canada, where the Canadian olympic committee has just announced that it will not send athletes to Tokyo 2020.Away from New Zealand now to Canada, where the Canadian olympic committee has just announced that it will not send athletes to Tokyo 2020.