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Coronavirus live news: US Senate leaders and White House reach stimulus deal as India locks down Coronavirus live news: US Senate leaders and White House reach stimulus deal as India locks down
(32 minutes later)
UN urges G20 to adopt ‘wartime plan’; US risks becoming centre of the pandemic, WHO warns; EU urged to evacuate refugees from Greek camps. Follow the latest updates.UN urges G20 to adopt ‘wartime plan’; US risks becoming centre of the pandemic, WHO warns; EU urged to evacuate refugees from Greek camps. Follow the latest updates.
Our UK-focused coronavirus and politics live blog is now online, anchored by Andrew Sparrow and Lucy Campbell.
As well as general UK coronavirus news lines they will be covering evidence from Prof Neil Ferguson, director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College, to the Commons science committee about coronavirus at 10.15am, Prime Ministers’ Questions at 12pm, and the resumption of the debate in the Lords on the draconian coronavirus bill at 3.30pm.
Ireland has changed the criteria for testing for coronavirus to prioritise people that show two symptoms rather than just one, Rory Carroll reports from Dublin.
The National Public Health Emergency Team announced late on Tuesday that people must show fever and at least one sign of respiratory disease, such as coughing or shortness of breath, before being referred for testing.
The change is a response to a backlog of 40,000 cases awaiting testing, and an additional 20,000 people per day seeking testing, which has “cast the net too widely”.
The chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, said this had led to inappropriate testing and the goal now was to focus on people in hospital, healthcare workers and other priority categories.
Of 17,992 tests carried out so far 6% have tested positive. Authorities hope in coming weeks to increase capacity to 15,000 tests a day. Ireland has recorded 1,329 confirmed cases, and seven deaths. Northern Ireland has recorded 172 cases and five deaths.
On Tuesday the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced fresh restrictions – all non-essential shops to close, all sport events cancelled, no outdoor gatherings of more than four people – that came into effect at midnight.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has warned that more tube services in the UK capital may have to be cut because of staff sickness rates approaching 30%, Rowena Mason, deputy political editor, reports. He said the highly trained staff could not be replaced and repeated calls for the government to forcibly shut construction sites.
The government has been under pressure over the conditions of construction workers packing on to crowded public transport and gathering together on sites and in canteens, failing to heed social distancing rules. But Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary insisted that sites could remain open where social distancing is observed and claimed it was essential for infrastructure works to continue and dangerous cladding to be removed from buildings.
Those sites that cannot operate within the rules should shut immediately, he said in a round of broadcast interviews.
He also released revised guidance on exactly which premises can remain open, which specifies that shops can only allow in small numbers of people at a time and must operate outside queuing systems with distancing measures.
It clarifies that tradespeople can carry out work in people’s homes as long as they are well, they observe social distancing and are not working for people being shielded unless in an emergency.
European Union leaders are to call for “a true European crisis management centre”, according to a leaked document that seeks to draw lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels.
The EU’s 27 leaders will hold a conference call on Thursday, replacing the spring summit that was due to take place in Brussels, which is usually devoted to the economy. Instead the agenda will be dominated by coronavirus, the impact on people, health systems and the economy.
According to a text of the EU conclusions seen by the Guardian, EU leaders are expected to sign off on “a more ambitious and wide-ranging crisis management system within the EU, including, for instance a true European crisis management centre”.
The EU already has an Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which operates 24/7 and can organise help, if asked, when any country in the world suffers an earthquake, forest fire, floods or pandemic.
The text also makes a muted plea for the lifting of export bans on medical protective kits, such as masks and goggles. Germany and France have been criticised in recent weeks for imposing export bans on some of these products. The text states that a recent decision requiring all countries to seek approval for export of these goods outside the EU “should lead to the full lifting of any internal bans”, but stops short of member states pledging to do so.
EU leaders will also pledge to ensure “smooth border management” for people and goods, amid rising concern that internal border controls are slowing the supply of vital medical goods. As of 24 March at midday CET, 12 countries in the European border-free travel zone had told authorities in Brussels they had introduced border restrictions.
Manufacturers are warning that vital supplies, such as masks and surgical equipment, are not getting through.
The head of the Swedish Employers’ Association Anna Stellinger told publication Borderlex.
The Nepali government has decided to allow Nepalis stranded at the border with India to come home ‘one last time’, provided they abide by a 14-day quarantine after returning to the country, the Himalayan Times reports.
Yubaraj Khatiwada, the spokesperson for the government, said returnees would have to show their identity cards in order to be admitted. Quarantines will be arranged by provincial governments.
Nepal acted fast to close its borders as the pandemic spread earlier this month. According to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins university’s coronavirus resource centre it has had just three patients who have been confirmed to have contracted the virus.
A British man is reportedly among nine people who have died from Covid-19 in Hungary, which so far has confirmed 226 coronavirus infections.A British man is reportedly among nine people who have died from Covid-19 in Hungary, which so far has confirmed 226 coronavirus infections.
Hungarian authorities say the pandemic has now reached its second stage in the central European country, with infections now spreading in the community, About Hungary reports.Hungarian authorities say the pandemic has now reached its second stage in the central European country, with infections now spreading in the community, About Hungary reports.
Announcing the increase in risk, chief medical officer Cecília Müller said:Announcing the increase in risk, chief medical officer Cecília Müller said:
On Tuesday a plane landed in Hungary with almost 70 tons of medical equipment aboard, including more than 3 million face masks and 86 ventilators, officials said.On Tuesday a plane landed in Hungary with almost 70 tons of medical equipment aboard, including more than 3 million face masks and 86 ventilators, officials said.
An international survey has found that 70% of people in the world’s seven wealthiest economies expect their households to lose income as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.An international survey has found that 70% of people in the world’s seven wealthiest economies expect their households to lose income as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.
The poll, by Kantar, included results from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.The poll, by Kantar, included results from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.
It found that people in Italy, now the centre of the global pandemic, were the most pessimistic about their future economic prospects, with 82% saying it would, or has already, affected their household income.It found that people in Italy, now the centre of the global pandemic, were the most pessimistic about their future economic prospects, with 82% saying it would, or has already, affected their household income.
The country expecting the least financial impact was Germany.The country expecting the least financial impact was Germany.
In Britain, where 70% expected to be left worse off, just 28% reported that they had started working from home more often and only a little over half said they were avoiding visits to elderly and vulnerable relatives and friends where possible.In Britain, where 70% expected to be left worse off, just 28% reported that they had started working from home more often and only a little over half said they were avoiding visits to elderly and vulnerable relatives and friends where possible.
The online survey was conducted last week - before the British government announced it would enforce its advice to stay home.The online survey was conducted last week - before the British government announced it would enforce its advice to stay home.
Japan had highest number of people who said they had started wearing a mask (65%) but the lowest number of people doing all other measures listed in the survey, such as social distancing, washing hands more and avoiding unnecessary social contact.Japan had highest number of people who said they had started wearing a mask (65%) but the lowest number of people doing all other measures listed in the survey, such as social distancing, washing hands more and avoiding unnecessary social contact.
More than 170,000 people have already signed up overnight to volunteer for the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus, according to Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, Simon Murphy reports.More than 170,000 people have already signed up overnight to volunteer for the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus, according to Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, Simon Murphy reports.
It comes after Matt Hancock yesterday launched a call to arms for an army of a quarter of a million volunteers to come forward to help support the NHS fight back against the coronavirus pandemic.It comes after Matt Hancock yesterday launched a call to arms for an army of a quarter of a million volunteers to come forward to help support the NHS fight back against the coronavirus pandemic.
As the coronavirus death toll rose to 422 on Tuesday, the government called on fit and healthy adults to volunteer to ensure vulnerable people have vital supplies such as food and medicines, drive them to appointments or make regular phone calls to those in isolation.As the coronavirus death toll rose to 422 on Tuesday, the government called on fit and healthy adults to volunteer to ensure vulnerable people have vital supplies such as food and medicines, drive them to appointments or make regular phone calls to those in isolation.
Announcing that more than 170,000 had signed up within hours of Hancock’s announcement, Powis told BBC Breakfast:Announcing that more than 170,000 had signed up within hours of Hancock’s announcement, Powis told BBC Breakfast:
Asked if he expected such a response, he replied:Asked if he expected such a response, he replied:
French government scientific advisers have recommended a total of six weeks’ lockdown, a suggestion president Emmanuel Macron and his ministers are considering but seem reluctant to announce at this moment, Kim Willsher, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent, reports.French government scientific advisers have recommended a total of six weeks’ lockdown, a suggestion president Emmanuel Macron and his ministers are considering but seem reluctant to announce at this moment, Kim Willsher, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent, reports.
France is carrying out 9,000 tests for the virus every day. Jérôme Salomon, director of the country’s health authority, has said this will be increased by an additional 10,000 by the end of this week.France is carrying out 9,000 tests for the virus every day. Jérôme Salomon, director of the country’s health authority, has said this will be increased by an additional 10,000 by the end of this week.
A further 10,000 tests should be available next week. France has asked all private and public hospitals to join the coronavirus battle and has increased the number of intensive care ventilator beds from 5,000 to 8,000.A further 10,000 tests should be available next week. France has asked all private and public hospitals to join the coronavirus battle and has increased the number of intensive care ventilator beds from 5,000 to 8,000.
The military hospital sent to Alsace in eastern France is now up and running and Macron is planning a visit today. The situation in the region, where there is a coronavirus cluster, is described as “critical”. Neighbouring Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany have offered to take patients and about 20 seriously ill people are being evacuated onboard a “medically equipped TGV”.The military hospital sent to Alsace in eastern France is now up and running and Macron is planning a visit today. The situation in the region, where there is a coronavirus cluster, is described as “critical”. Neighbouring Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany have offered to take patients and about 20 seriously ill people are being evacuated onboard a “medically equipped TGV”.
All non-essential operations are being cancelled across the country, but those needing urgent medical attention will be seen. Women will still have access to contraception, pregnancy terminations and pregnancy scans, Salomon said.All non-essential operations are being cancelled across the country, but those needing urgent medical attention will be seen. Women will still have access to contraception, pregnancy terminations and pregnancy scans, Salomon said.
French scientists and medical researchers are carrying out tests on various possible cures, including the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, but people are strongly advised not to self-medicate.French scientists and medical researchers are carrying out tests on various possible cures, including the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, but people are strongly advised not to self-medicate.
As well as the public clapping in support of essential health workers that happens in France at 8pm every evening, all the bells of French churches will ring in unison at 7.30pm today as a sign of solidarity and national unity and to boost morale during the second week of lockdown.As well as the public clapping in support of essential health workers that happens in France at 8pm every evening, all the bells of French churches will ring in unison at 7.30pm today as a sign of solidarity and national unity and to boost morale during the second week of lockdown.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in France, as reported from the daily update last evening, is 22,300, a rise of 2,444 in a day, 10,176 people are in hospital with the virus, 2,516 of them in intensive care (34% of ICU cases are aged under 60). There have been 1,100 deaths in hospitals, 85% of which are of people over 70 years. The number of deaths rose sharply by 240 in 24 hours. This figure does not include those who have died in retirement homes or outside hospitals.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in France, as reported from the daily update last evening, is 22,300, a rise of 2,444 in a day, 10,176 people are in hospital with the virus, 2,516 of them in intensive care (34% of ICU cases are aged under 60). There have been 1,100 deaths in hospitals, 85% of which are of people over 70 years. The number of deaths rose sharply by 240 in 24 hours. This figure does not include those who have died in retirement homes or outside hospitals.
Rabbis in Israel have made an exemption for the upcoming Passover feast, ruling that families and friends do not have to gather around a single table, Oliver Holmes, the Guardian’s Jerusalem correspondent, reports.Rabbis in Israel have made an exemption for the upcoming Passover feast, ruling that families and friends do not have to gather around a single table, Oliver Holmes, the Guardian’s Jerusalem correspondent, reports.
Instead, the traditional dinner can be held via the video conference call program Zoom to prevent the spread of Covid-19, according to the Jerusalem Post newspaper.Instead, the traditional dinner can be held via the video conference call program Zoom to prevent the spread of Covid-19, according to the Jerusalem Post newspaper.
The decision was made by several Orthodox Sephardic rabbis, the Jerusalem Post reported, and does not apply to all sects. It was focused on making sure elderly members of the family can, if not in person, still attend the event.The decision was made by several Orthodox Sephardic rabbis, the Jerusalem Post reported, and does not apply to all sects. It was focused on making sure elderly members of the family can, if not in person, still attend the event.
Passover, which commemorates the flight of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, begins on 8-9 April this year with an elaborate Seder meal. The dinner, often lasting deep into the night, involves ritual wine drinking and symbolic foods.Passover, which commemorates the flight of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, begins on 8-9 April this year with an elaborate Seder meal. The dinner, often lasting deep into the night, involves ritual wine drinking and symbolic foods.
A charity taking legal action to call for the release of hundreds of people with underlying health disorders held in immigration detention in the UK, PA Media reports.A charity taking legal action to call for the release of hundreds of people with underlying health disorders held in immigration detention in the UK, PA Media reports.
Detention Action says a “significant proportion” of the approximately 1,500 people detained over their immigration status in the country have serious underlying health conditions that place them at “a significant risk of serious harm or death” during the Covid-19 crisis.Detention Action says a “significant proportion” of the approximately 1,500 people detained over their immigration status in the country have serious underlying health conditions that place them at “a significant risk of serious harm or death” during the Covid-19 crisis.
It also argues that “significant numbers of detainees will no longer be detainable because widespread travel restrictions prevent removals from taking place”, rendering their detention unlawful.It also argues that “significant numbers of detainees will no longer be detainable because widespread travel restrictions prevent removals from taking place”, rendering their detention unlawful.
The Home Office has released almost 300 people from detention centres in the last few days because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Guardian reported on Saturday.The Home Office has released almost 300 people from detention centres in the last few days because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Guardian reported on Saturday.
The case, which will be heard in London on Wednesday, is thought to be the first Covid-19-related case heard in the courts of England and Wales.The case, which will be heard in London on Wednesday, is thought to be the first Covid-19-related case heard in the courts of England and Wales.
Afghanistan has reported 33 new Coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, marking the biggest one-day rise in the war-torn country, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Herat, the country’s worst-affected city.Afghanistan has reported 33 new Coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, marking the biggest one-day rise in the war-torn country, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Herat, the country’s worst-affected city.
One death has also been reported, raising the total number of deaths to two. The latest death is a 45-year-old woman who died of Covid-19 last night in Herat.One death has also been reported, raising the total number of deaths to two. The latest death is a 45-year-old woman who died of Covid-19 last night in Herat.
The total number of positive cases jumped to 75 from 42 the day before, an Afghan health ministry spokesman said in a press conference in Kabul.The total number of positive cases jumped to 75 from 42 the day before, an Afghan health ministry spokesman said in a press conference in Kabul.
Four members of the international coalition forces in the country have also tested positive for the coronavirus.Four members of the international coalition forces in the country have also tested positive for the coronavirus.
Wahidullah Mayar said a partial curfew had been implemented in Herat, Zaranj, and Farah, three cities close to the border with Iran.Wahidullah Mayar said a partial curfew had been implemented in Herat, Zaranj, and Farah, three cities close to the border with Iran.
Thirty-two of the new positive cases were confirmed in Herat, and concerns are high with around 15,000 Afghans returning from Iran each day. Herat is the worst affected city with 54 of Afghanistan’s Covid-19 patients.Thirty-two of the new positive cases were confirmed in Herat, and concerns are high with around 15,000 Afghans returning from Iran each day. Herat is the worst affected city with 54 of Afghanistan’s Covid-19 patients.
On Tuesday night, the governor of Herat announced a partial curfew to contain the spread of the virus and asked the people to stay at home. With most shops closed, some parts of Herat looked deserted Wednesday morning compared to the previous day. Police rangers patrolling in the city used loudspeakers to order to close their shops.On Tuesday night, the governor of Herat announced a partial curfew to contain the spread of the virus and asked the people to stay at home. With most shops closed, some parts of Herat looked deserted Wednesday morning compared to the previous day. Police rangers patrolling in the city used loudspeakers to order to close their shops.
Officials said the curfew would badly affect more than 100,000 people in Herat who are living in extreme poverty and dependent on working each day. Despite the new rules, early on Wednesday morning the Guardian saw child workers in the empty streets.Officials said the curfew would badly affect more than 100,000 people in Herat who are living in extreme poverty and dependent on working each day. Despite the new rules, early on Wednesday morning the Guardian saw child workers in the empty streets.
In Japan, businesses, sports fans and the people feel “massively let down” by the decision to postpone the Olympics, which has been pushed back to an unspecified date, Justin McCurry, the Guardian’s Tokyo correspondent, reports.In Japan, businesses, sports fans and the people feel “massively let down” by the decision to postpone the Olympics, which has been pushed back to an unspecified date, Justin McCurry, the Guardian’s Tokyo correspondent, reports.
On Tuesday, the Tokyo 2020 countdown clock showed there were just 122 days to go before the Olympics opening ceremony.On Tuesday, the Tokyo 2020 countdown clock showed there were just 122 days to go before the Olympics opening ceremony.
By Wednesday morning, the clock, outside the Tokyo station building, simply displayed the current date and time. The switch was so sudden that commuters paused to take photos.By Wednesday morning, the clock, outside the Tokyo station building, simply displayed the current date and time. The switch was so sudden that commuters paused to take photos.
The countdown clock will be reset as soon as organisers and the International Olympic Committee [IOC] decide when a supposedly post-coronavirus world is ready for the second coming of the Tokyo Games.The countdown clock will be reset as soon as organisers and the International Olympic Committee [IOC] decide when a supposedly post-coronavirus world is ready for the second coming of the Tokyo Games.
Hours after Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, confirmed that the Games would be held “no later than next summer”, some Tokyoites were conflicted about their reaction.Hours after Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, confirmed that the Games would be held “no later than next summer”, some Tokyoites were conflicted about their reaction.
We begin with some news from Africa, just published on the Guardian this morning. Lucy Lamble, of our global development team, reports that government ministers across Africa have called for the suspension of debt interest payments as their countries adapt to cope with the Covid-19 crisis.We begin with some news from Africa, just published on the Guardian this morning. Lucy Lamble, of our global development team, reports that government ministers across Africa have called for the suspension of debt interest payments as their countries adapt to cope with the Covid-19 crisis.
The numbers of cases being reported in Africa are still behind Europe and the US but rises are being confirmed in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and Burkina Faso, among others, and there is fear of what economic consequences the pandemic might wreak.The numbers of cases being reported in Africa are still behind Europe and the US but rises are being confirmed in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and Burkina Faso, among others, and there is fear of what economic consequences the pandemic might wreak.
On Monday, the heads of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund expressed support for debt relief to help countries strengthen their health systems in readiness.On Monday, the heads of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund expressed support for debt relief to help countries strengthen their health systems in readiness.
During a conference call for G20 ministers, the IMF’s leader, Kristalina Georgieva, pointed to the replenishing of funds used in a debt relief and aid mechanism during the 2014 Ebola epidemic that struck three African countries.During a conference call for G20 ministers, the IMF’s leader, Kristalina Georgieva, pointed to the replenishing of funds used in a debt relief and aid mechanism during the 2014 Ebola epidemic that struck three African countries.
The ministers also requested that principal payments – the actual debt payment, as opposed to interest charges – be waived for fragile states, where people are deeply vulnerable to a pandemic.The ministers also requested that principal payments – the actual debt payment, as opposed to interest charges – be waived for fragile states, where people are deeply vulnerable to a pandemic.
Hello, this is Damien Gayle taking charge of the coronavirus live blog as a quiet, locked-down morning begins in London.
For the next few hours I will be bringing you news from the Guardian’s network of correspondents across the planet, the news wires and whatever I can dredge up from social media.
As usual, you can contact me with news from your part of the world either through email, at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle. I look forward to hearing from you.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. I’ll now be handing the blog over to my esteemed colleague Damien Gayle, who will, from a safe distance, be taking you through the next few hours of coronavirus pandemic news.
Coronavirus latest: at a glance
A summary of the biggest developments in the global coronavirus outbreak.
More on the state of the pandemic in China now.
Mainland China reported a drop in new confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday as imported infections fell and no locally transmitted infections were reported, including in central Hubei province.
China is ramping up quarantine and screening rules for all international arrivals due to the risks from imported cases, Reuters reports. These include:
Quanzhou city in Fujian province will cancel all international and regional flights, starting March 26, after four imported cases from the Philippines were found on Tuesday.
The Quanzhou Jinjiang international airport will cancel 17 routes including those connecting Manila, Hong Kong, and Macau, the Fujian government said in a notice.
China’s capital city Beijing has already diverted flights to other cities where passengers will be screened and quarantined.
China has encouraged airlines to keep international flights running by offering cash subsidies.
The number of new coronavirus cases totalled 47 on Tuesday, all of which were from travellers returning home, down from 78 a day earlier, the National Health Commission said. In Hubei province no new infections were reported despite three new deaths - two of those in Wuhan city, where the virus first appeared late last year. On Wednesday, local authorities downgraded Wuhan’s epidemic risk level from “high” to “medium”. The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China stands at 81,218, with 474 imported infections. The death toll in mainland China reached 3,281 as of the end of Tuesday, up by four from the previous day.
Malaysia will extend a two-week restriction of movement order and unveil a second economic stimulus package as the number of coronavirus cases continue to climb, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Wednesday.
The measures come as Malaysia reported 172 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 1,796, the highest in Southeast Asia. Since last week, Malaysia has closed its borders to travellers, restricted internal movement, and ordered schools, universities and non-essential businesses to shut until 31 March. Muhyiddin said the curbs on movement would be extended another two weeks to 14 April as Malaysia had yet to see a decline in the number of new virus cases.
Taiwan’s government announced 19 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, all imported, bringing the total number of infected people on the island to 235. Taiwan also reported one extra case late on Tuesday, in addition to the 20 new cases it announced earlier that same day.
Going viral: fake news and Covid-19 (podcast)
On Wednesday’s episode of Today in Focus: An avalanche of misinformation, fake news and hoaxes are being shared widely online as people seek reliable information on the coronavirus crisis. The Guardian’s media editor, Jim Waterson, examines where the falsehoods are coming from.
US Senate leaders have reached a deal with Trump administration officials on a nearly $2tn stimulus package to help rescue the American economy.
There are 423,121 confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, of which 108,619 patients have recovered. There have been 18,919 deaths. Italy’s number of deaths (6,820) is more than twice those in Hubei, China (3,160). Spain looks likely to lose more lives than Hubei soon, too, with 2,991.
The Indian government has banned the export of hydroxychloroquine and formulations made from the medication, as experts test the efficacy of the drug in helping treat patients infected with Covid-19.
Australia’s drugs regulator has been forced to restrict powers to prescribe a drug undergoing clinical trials to treat Covid-19, because doctors have been inappropriately prescribing it to themselves and their family members despite its potentially deadly side-effects.
Philippines’ New Peoples Army announced it would observe the UN’s ceasefire call. The communist guerrillas said on Wednesday they would observe a ceasefire in compliance with the UN chief’s call for a global halt in armed clashes during the coronavirus pandemic.
South Korea said it would tighten border checks for travellers from the US by Friday as concerns rise over imported coronavirus cases despite a decline in domestically transmitted infections.
UN secretary general António Guterres urged G20 nations to adopt a wartime plan including a stimulus package in the trillions of dollars for businesses, workers and households in developing countries trying to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The global economy is going to take a “massive hit” as lockdown measures are rolled out across much of the world, according to the rating agency S&P. Economists are revising their forecasts for world GDP on a near-daily basis, S&P added.
New Zealand declared a state of national emergency as it heads into a national lockdown tonight for at least four weeks.
Libya recorded its first confirmed case of the coronavirus, the UN-backed government announced, stoking concern that an outbreak could overwhelm the war-torn country’s already weakened health care system.
Trump insisted on an easing of restrictions by Easter. Despite much of the rest of the world choosing to accelerate restrictions designed to control the virus’ spread and the World Health Organization warning the US is in grave danger of a rapid escalation in the severity of its situation, Donald Trump has claimed the nation is nearing the end of the fight against the virus.
There was speculation over the Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro’s diagnosis. Brazilian media reported that two names were scrubbed from a list of patients handed over by the hospital where he was tested, leading some to speculate he and his wife contracted the virus and were treated in secrecy.
The WHO said the US risks becoming the next centre of the coronavirus outbreak as the country is seeing a “very large acceleration” in cases.
Spanish hotels fear tourists will take a long time to return
The Guardian’s Sam Jones reports from Madrid with Stephen Burgen in Barcelona:
Wednesday may be the deadline by which all of Spain’s hotels and tourist lodgings must shut down, but most closed their doors two weeks ago when the coronavirus epidemic began emptying out rooms and reservation schedules.
“A tsunami has arrived,” Ramón Estalella of the Confederation of Spanish Hotels said on 12 March. “A meteorite has fallen on us and we have to see how we survive.”
The next few weeks and months will determine how deep the virus’s impact will be in a country that depends on tourism for 11% of its GDP, and which was shaken by the collapse of Thomas Cook last year.
Even before the lockdown came into force on 14 March, Barcelona’s 10,000 bars and hotels were already feeling the pinch.
If you see anything we haven’t covered but possibly should, have something you’d like more clarity on, or think you’ve seen something new that might make our readers laugh do let me know on Twitter @helenrsullivan.