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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
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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
Wuhan eases coronavirus lockdown as restrictions intensify outside China
Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has begun to loosen its two-month lockdown on citizens as more countries issued new restrictions to contain the pandemic.
On Monday, small groups of residents in the central Chinese city were leaving their residential compounds, going to grocery stores and walking along the streets for the first time in weeks. At the weekend, the first train arrived in the city ferrying more than 1,000 workers from elsewhere in the province back to the city for work.
On Sunday, local authorities said residents could begin returning to work if they did not have a temperature and could provide a green health code, signifying their virus-free status as well as a certificate from their employer. Officials said the city would be “gradually” reopened and public transportation would resume.
Non-residents, those stranded in Wuhan since the stringent travel restrictions went into effect on 23 January, could also begin applying to leave the city, city authorities said.
Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest coronavirus pandemic news:
It’s been another brutal day on international financial markets after the US Senate failed to agree a US$1 trillion rescue package for the American economy and more countries went into self-isolation. US stock futures fell past their daily limit as soon as the news broke that Democrats had refused to back the Republican-drafted legislation because they said it favoured big corporations over healthcare. In Asia Pacific, the Australian ASX200 fell 5.6% – partly due also to a government order closing all pubs, restaurants and gyms – while Hong Kong was off 4.7%. The FTSE100 is expected to drop 5% when it opens later today.
More now on the association between a loss of sense of smell and coronavirus infection.
Ear, nose and throat surgeons say a loss of smell could be used as a key clinical indicator in otherwise symptom-free carriers of Covid-19.
“It is these silent carriers who may remain undetected by current screening procedures, which may explain why the disease has progressed so rapidly in so many countries around the world,” professor at Australia’s Flinders University and ENT specialist Simon Carney told AAP.
“While further research is required, loss of smell, or anosmia, has been reported in as many as one in three patients in South Korea and in Germany, this figure was as high as one in two.”
An ENT professor in London also reported a dramatic increase in patients with anosmia as their only symptom of Covid-19 infection.
He said doctors and COVID-19 detection centres could use the subtle sign as part of their testing criteria and patients should also consider calling their GP if they notice this symptom.
Australians began living under strict new lockdown rules on Monday as coronavirus cases topped 1,600 and authorities denied entry to a cruise ship carrying hundreds on board complaining of respiratory illnesses, Reuters reports. As new restrictions closing non-essential services came into effect, there were clear signs of economic and social stress with long queues forming outside offices of the main welfare agency across the country. After reporting only a gradual spread in January, the number of Covid-19 cases in Australia now appears to be tracking the much sharper increases seen elsewhere with the most populous states of New South Wales and Victoria recording the fastest rises. Most states have now closed their borders to travellers from other parts of the country and effected their own lockdown laws, in addition to the national curbs announced on Sunday. The state of Western Australia on Monday banned passengers on board the Swiss-owned MSC Magnifica cruise ship from disembarking.
Of 1,700 passengers on board the ship, more than 250 have complained of respiratory illnesses. It was due to dock at Western Australia’s Fremantle port as early as Monday evening. That decision comes days after 2,700 passengers disembarked from the Ruby Princess cruise ship in Sydney harbour, with 48 on board subsequently testing positive for the virus.
If you have a tip, or see anything I’ve missed that you think our readers should know – or something that might make them feel good for a moment – get in touch with me on Twitter @helenrsullivan.If you have a tip, or see anything I’ve missed that you think our readers should know – or something that might make them feel good for a moment – get in touch with me on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
A warning to Europe? Italy’s struggle to convince citizens of coronavirus crisisA warning to Europe? Italy’s struggle to convince citizens of coronavirus crisis
As Boris Johnson gave his most explicit warning yet on Sunday that the UK might face an Italian-style lockdown, Italy’s experience – particularly the way people went about their business in the early days of the crisis –could serve as a warning to other European countries that appear to be following a similar infection trajectory.As Boris Johnson gave his most explicit warning yet on Sunday that the UK might face an Italian-style lockdown, Italy’s experience – particularly the way people went about their business in the early days of the crisis –could serve as a warning to other European countries that appear to be following a similar infection trajectory.
New York state now accounts for half of all of the confirmed US coronavirus cases and 5% of the world’s total, the Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn reports.New York state now accounts for half of all of the confirmed US coronavirus cases and 5% of the world’s total, the Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn reports.
Confirmed coronavirus cases have risen sharply in New York as both the state governor, Andrew Cuomo, and Mayor Bill de Blasio, called for urgent and better assistance from the federal government. The city has over 15,000 confirmed cases as of Sunday afternoon, up from 4,812 since Saturday.Confirmed coronavirus cases have risen sharply in New York as both the state governor, Andrew Cuomo, and Mayor Bill de Blasio, called for urgent and better assistance from the federal government. The city has over 15,000 confirmed cases as of Sunday afternoon, up from 4,812 since Saturday.
The growth is due, in part, to the rapid expansion of testing but also due to the accelerated growth of the virus throughout the city.The growth is due, in part, to the rapid expansion of testing but also due to the accelerated growth of the virus throughout the city.
On Sunday evening the city faced shutdown after Cuomo, on Friday, ordered the shutdown of all non-essential businesses in the state. Except for essential services, all New Yorkers are now ordered to stay indoors from 8pm Sunday evening. By Sunday the state of New York accounted for half the country’s 30,000 cases nationwide.On Sunday evening the city faced shutdown after Cuomo, on Friday, ordered the shutdown of all non-essential businesses in the state. Except for essential services, all New Yorkers are now ordered to stay indoors from 8pm Sunday evening. By Sunday the state of New York accounted for half the country’s 30,000 cases nationwide.
Losing your sense of smell might be associated with being infected with Covid-19, according to the New York Times.Losing your sense of smell might be associated with being infected with Covid-19, according to the New York Times.
“On Friday, British ear, nose and throat doctors, citing reports from colleagues around the world, called on adults who lose their senses of smell to isolate themselves for seven days, even if they have no other symptoms, to slow the disease’s spread. The published data is limited, but doctors are concerned enough to raise warnings,” the paper reports.“On Friday, British ear, nose and throat doctors, citing reports from colleagues around the world, called on adults who lose their senses of smell to isolate themselves for seven days, even if they have no other symptoms, to slow the disease’s spread. The published data is limited, but doctors are concerned enough to raise warnings,” the paper reports.
Thailand has 122 new coronavirus cases, raising the total to 721, a health ministry spokesman said on Monday at a news conference.Thailand has 122 new coronavirus cases, raising the total to 721, a health ministry spokesman said on Monday at a news conference.
The new cases include 20 patients linked to previous cases, 10 new imported cases, and 92 cases that tested positive and are awaiting investigation into how they contracted the disease, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman said. Thailand has recorded one death since the outbreak while 52 patients have recovered and gone home and 668 are still being treated in hospitals.The new cases include 20 patients linked to previous cases, 10 new imported cases, and 92 cases that tested positive and are awaiting investigation into how they contracted the disease, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman said. Thailand has recorded one death since the outbreak while 52 patients have recovered and gone home and 668 are still being treated in hospitals.
Cambodia reported two new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total to 86, health authorities said. “We have not yet found evidence of community outbreaks, but there is a possibility,” Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control department said in a Facebook post on Monday.Cambodia reported two new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total to 86, health authorities said. “We have not yet found evidence of community outbreaks, but there is a possibility,” Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control department said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Walmart has temporarily raised entry wages for workers in its e-commerce warehouses by US$2, following similar moves by rivals, as it attempts to manage a shopping surge brought about by the coronavirus outbreak.Walmart has temporarily raised entry wages for workers in its e-commerce warehouses by US$2, following similar moves by rivals, as it attempts to manage a shopping surge brought about by the coronavirus outbreak.
Walmart said the hike will increase entry wages for workers in e-commerce fulfillment centers or warehouses to between $15 and $19 an hour, effective immediately through the Memorial Day holiday on 25 May this year. The world’s largest retailer, which employs 1.5 million people in the United States, has struggled to keep store shelves stocked and fulfill online orders amid panic-buying by shoppers spooked by the outbreak.Walmart said the hike will increase entry wages for workers in e-commerce fulfillment centers or warehouses to between $15 and $19 an hour, effective immediately through the Memorial Day holiday on 25 May this year. The world’s largest retailer, which employs 1.5 million people in the United States, has struggled to keep store shelves stocked and fulfill online orders amid panic-buying by shoppers spooked by the outbreak.
Harvey Weinstein tested positive for Coronavirus, Reuters reports. The head of the New York state corrections officers union confirmed late on Sunday that the former movie producer, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for the Covid-19.Harvey Weinstein tested positive for Coronavirus, Reuters reports. The head of the New York state corrections officers union confirmed late on Sunday that the former movie producer, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for the Covid-19.
China saw a drop in its daily tally of new coronavirus cases, reversing four straight days of higher figures, as the capital Beijing ramped up measures to contain the number of infections arriving from abroad.China saw a drop in its daily tally of new coronavirus cases, reversing four straight days of higher figures, as the capital Beijing ramped up measures to contain the number of infections arriving from abroad.
Canada said it will not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting Tokyo 2020 and Australia told its olympic athletes to prepare for the games to be held next year, in 2021 – all in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option.Canada said it will not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics, New Zealand said it would consider boycotting Tokyo 2020 and Australia told its olympic athletes to prepare for the games to be held next year, in 2021 – all in the wake of Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, saying postponement could be an option.
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the entire country should prepare for self isolation, as the country prepares to move to the highest alert level later this week.New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the entire country should prepare for self isolation, as the country prepares to move to the highest alert level later this week.
Nearly one in three Americans was under orders on Sunday to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as Ohio, Louisiana and Delaware became the latest states to enact broad restrictions, Reuters reports.Nearly one in three Americans was under orders on Sunday to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as Ohio, Louisiana and Delaware became the latest states to enact broad restrictions, Reuters reports.
A European clinical trial involving some 3,200 people has been launched to test four possible experimental coronavirus treatments.A European clinical trial involving some 3,200 people has been launched to test four possible experimental coronavirus treatments.
First cases of the virus were confirmed in Syria, as well as in Grenada and Mozambique.First cases of the virus were confirmed in Syria, as well as in Grenada and Mozambique.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tests positive for coronavirus.German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tests positive for coronavirus.
Germany banned meetings of over two people, they are about work on slowing the spread of the coronavirus.Germany banned meetings of over two people, they are about work on slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The death toll in the northern region of Lombardy rose by around 360 in a day to more than 3,450. The area has borne the brunt of Italy’s virus outbreak.The death toll in the northern region of Lombardy rose by around 360 in a day to more than 3,450. The area has borne the brunt of Italy’s virus outbreak.
Spain plans to extend its state of emergency for another 15 days until April 11.Spain plans to extend its state of emergency for another 15 days until April 11.
Dubai carrier Emirates reversed a previous announcement suspending all passenger flights, saying it is going to continue flying to 13 destinations, including the the U.S., the UK, Japan, Australia and Canada.Dubai carrier Emirates reversed a previous announcement suspending all passenger flights, saying it is going to continue flying to 13 destinations, including the the U.S., the UK, Japan, Australia and Canada.
US President Donald Trump has just said on Twitter that the United States will make a decision at the end of a 15-day period on “which way we want to go” to curb the spread of the coronavirus. “We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself,” he tweeted. Trump issued new guidelines on 16 March aimed at slowing the spread of the disease over the following 15 days.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.