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Coronavirus live news: Trump appears to back down on New York 'quarantine' Coronavirus live news: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut told to halt non-essential travel
(32 minutes later)
President had triggered confusion and alarm, with New York governor responding that sealing off state would be ‘federal declaration of war’; meanwhile more than 10,000 have died in ItalyPresident had triggered confusion and alarm, with New York governor responding that sealing off state would be ‘federal declaration of war’; meanwhile more than 10,000 have died in Italy
There has been enormous concern about efforts taken - in multiple countries - to protect inmates from the virus, including in the US.
On Saturday the federal bureau of prisons announced Patrick Jones, a 49-year-old prisoner in Louisiana who was serving a 27-year prison term for a drug charge, had become the first federal inmate to die from Covid-19.
According to the BOP’s website on Saturday, there were five inmates who have tested positive for Covid-19 at Oakdale, Reuters reports.
Criminal justice advocates and prison union officials have in recent days called on the Justice Department to do more to try and prevent the spread of the virus.
Critics have said the Justice Department should fast-track the release of non-violent offenders who qualify based on age and pre-existing conditions.
In Australia, group of more than 100 lawyers in Victoria have called for the release of some prisoners during the pandemic, focusing on those who are vulnerable, close to parole, or with fewer than six months to go on their sentence.
“The prison system is not an island and is not immune from the ravages of COVID-19,” they wrote to government.
“It will enter into the system creating intense hotspots, presenting extreme risk to prison and wider communities. Prisoners will be subject to lockdown, social isolation and isolation from their families. Their mortality rates will be higher in custody than if they were in the community.
Allowing this unnecessary exposure to a potentially deadly infection to the listed classes of prisoner will be such as to amount to torture.”
From Reuters:
Cambodia reported one new case of the coronavirus on Sunday, bringing the total to 103 as the country prepares to tighten entry requirements for foreign nationals to try to curb the spread of the virus.
The new case is a 30-year-old woman who worked in a karaoke club in Cambodia’s northwestern Banteay Meanchey province, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. A total of 21 patients have recovered since January, the ministry said.
Cambodia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Friday it cancel visas on arrival for foreign nationals for one month, effective midnight of March 30, to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to Cambodia must obtain a prior visa abroad and they must have medical certificate “certifying that he/she has not tested positive” with the virus, the ministry said.
In addition, the must show proof of medical insurance with coverage of at least $50,000, the ministry said.
Singapore has reported its third death from Covid-19.Singapore has reported its third death from Covid-19.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 70 year-old male Singapore citizen with no recent travel history to affected places, died on Sunday.The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 70 year-old male Singapore citizen with no recent travel history to affected places, died on Sunday.
According to Channel News Asia, the man had a hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and was admitted to hospital on 29 February, and had been in intensive care since 2 March.According to Channel News Asia, the man had a hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and was admitted to hospital on 29 February, and had been in intensive care since 2 March.
70 new cases in Singapore were reported on Saturday, bringing the total to 802.70 new cases in Singapore were reported on Saturday, bringing the total to 802.
Singapore recently introduced new restrictions on social gatherings and services, after concerns about a rise in imported cases and potential community complacency.Singapore recently introduced new restrictions on social gatherings and services, after concerns about a rise in imported cases and potential community complacency.
Thailand has 143 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total of cases since the outbreak to 1,388, the spokesman of the government’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Sunday.Thailand has 143 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total of cases since the outbreak to 1,388, the spokesman of the government’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Sunday.
It also reported one new fatality, bringing Thailand’s since the outbreak started to seven.It also reported one new fatality, bringing Thailand’s since the outbreak started to seven.
Following Trump’s decision not to propose a quarantine over New York and neighbouring states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning against non-essential travel in the region instead.Following Trump’s decision not to propose a quarantine over New York and neighbouring states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning against non-essential travel in the region instead.
“Due to extensive community transmission of Covid-19 in the area, CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately,” said the warning issued late on Saturday, local time.“Due to extensive community transmission of Covid-19 in the area, CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately,” said the warning issued late on Saturday, local time.
It said employees of trucking, food supply, financial services and some other industries were exempt from the measure, and governors of the three states had full discretion over how to carry out the advisory.It said employees of trucking, food supply, financial services and some other industries were exempt from the measure, and governors of the three states had full discretion over how to carry out the advisory.
The first of up to 10 flights to be sent to China to pick up medical equipment for Ireland is on its way back.The first of up to 10 flights to be sent to China to pick up medical equipment for Ireland is on its way back.
More than €225m had been spent on personal protective equipment for Irish health workers, said the minister for health, Simon Harris. Usually around €15m is spent in a year.More than €225m had been spent on personal protective equipment for Irish health workers, said the minister for health, Simon Harris. Usually around €15m is spent in a year.
Ireland’s Health Service Executive would begin distributing around €20m worth of equipment from Sunday, after warnings that stocks were running low.Ireland’s Health Service Executive would begin distributing around €20m worth of equipment from Sunday, after warnings that stocks were running low.
One group of doctors told the Irish Times they had procured €6,000 worth of PPE on their own after losing patience with the HSE.One group of doctors told the Irish Times they had procured €6,000 worth of PPE on their own after losing patience with the HSE.
Jim Dolan, the owner of NBA team the New York Knicks, has tested positive for Covid-19.Jim Dolan, the owner of NBA team the New York Knicks, has tested positive for Covid-19.
Here’s a quick look at the biggest developments today:Here’s a quick look at the biggest developments today:
More than 30,000 people have died after contracting Covid-19, from more than 660,700 confirmed cases.More than 30,000 people have died after contracting Covid-19, from more than 660,700 confirmed cases.
The coronavirus death toll in France has passed the grim milestone of 2,000 deaths, with more than 38,000 cases, and the US has reported more than 120,000 cases.The coronavirus death toll in France has passed the grim milestone of 2,000 deaths, with more than 38,000 cases, and the US has reported more than 120,000 cases.
New Zealand reported its first death on Sunday.New Zealand reported its first death on Sunday.
Spain, Northern Ireland, and Timor-Leste are among countries to introduce new waves of restrictions.Spain, Northern Ireland, and Timor-Leste are among countries to introduce new waves of restrictions.
US president Donald Trump earlier proposed an enforced regional quarantine on the state of New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, prompting an angry rebuke from NY governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump later said quarantine would not be necessary and he had asked the CDC to instead issue a serious travel warning for the areas.US president Donald Trump earlier proposed an enforced regional quarantine on the state of New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, prompting an angry rebuke from NY governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump later said quarantine would not be necessary and he had asked the CDC to instead issue a serious travel warning for the areas.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 yesterday, has warned British households that the virus epidemic will get worse before it gets better.UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 yesterday, has warned British households that the virus epidemic will get worse before it gets better.
The Zandam cruise ship, which has hundreds of passengers on board including at least 130 with flu-like symptoms, has been granted passage through the Panama Canal. Four people on the ship have died and two of those with symptoms have been diagnosed with Covid-19.The Zandam cruise ship, which has hundreds of passengers on board including at least 130 with flu-like symptoms, has been granted passage through the Panama Canal. Four people on the ship have died and two of those with symptoms have been diagnosed with Covid-19.
And Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, said she has recovered from Covid-19. Her husband and their three children have been in isolation and haven’t shown symptoms.And Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, said she has recovered from Covid-19. Her husband and their three children have been in isolation and haven’t shown symptoms.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliff, the British-Iranian aid worker who has been detained in Iran on spying charges has had her prison leave extended and her case put forward for clemency, her husband saidNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliff, the British-Iranian aid worker who has been detained in Iran on spying charges has had her prison leave extended and her case put forward for clemency, her husband said
South Korea has reported 105 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the country’s total to 9,583, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Sunday.South Korea has reported 105 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the country’s total to 9,583, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Sunday.
Virus prevention measures took a violent turn in parts of Africa over the weekend. Read a full report from Jason Burke here, and below are some images which have come through, with details from AP.Virus prevention measures took a violent turn in parts of Africa over the weekend. Read a full report from Jason Burke here, and below are some images which have come through, with details from AP.
In Kenya, police fired tear gas at a crowd of ferry commuters as the country’s first day of a coronavirus curfew slid into chaos.In Kenya, police fired tear gas at a crowd of ferry commuters as the country’s first day of a coronavirus curfew slid into chaos.
“We were horrified by excessive use of police force ahead of the curfew that began Friday night,” Amnesty International Kenya and 19 other human rights groups said in a statement issued Saturday.“We were horrified by excessive use of police force ahead of the curfew that began Friday night,” Amnesty International Kenya and 19 other human rights groups said in a statement issued Saturday.
The tear gas caused hundreds of people trying to reach a ferry in the port city of Mombasa ahead of the overnight curfew to touch their faces as they vomited, spat and wiped away tears, increasing the chance of the virus spread, the rights groups said.The tear gas caused hundreds of people trying to reach a ferry in the port city of Mombasa ahead of the overnight curfew to touch their faces as they vomited, spat and wiped away tears, increasing the chance of the virus spread, the rights groups said.
In an apparent show of force on Saturday, South Africa’s military raided a large workers’ hostel in the Alexandra township where some residents had defied the lockdown.In an apparent show of force on Saturday, South Africa’s military raided a large workers’ hostel in the Alexandra township where some residents had defied the lockdown.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
Thousands of African, Haitian and Asian migrants bound for the United States have amassed in immigration shelters in Panama and Costa Rica as plans to relocate them to less crowded areas to lower the risk of spreading the coronavirus have faltered.Thousands of African, Haitian and Asian migrants bound for the United States have amassed in immigration shelters in Panama and Costa Rica as plans to relocate them to less crowded areas to lower the risk of spreading the coronavirus have faltered.
Earlier this week, Costa Rica’s government said it had begun transferring about 2,600 migrants headed for the United States from its southern border with Panama to its frontier with Nicaragua, citing concerns that large crowds could further spread the virus.Earlier this week, Costa Rica’s government said it had begun transferring about 2,600 migrants headed for the United States from its southern border with Panama to its frontier with Nicaragua, citing concerns that large crowds could further spread the virus.
However, the head of Costa Rica’s immigration office, Raquel Vargas, told Reuters on Saturday that the transfer was suspended until further notice.However, the head of Costa Rica’s immigration office, Raquel Vargas, told Reuters on Saturday that the transfer was suspended until further notice.
“We must find a solution,” Vargas said after Nicaragua decided to send its military to its southern border.“We must find a solution,” Vargas said after Nicaragua decided to send its military to its southern border.
Vargas said the transfer of the first group of migrants in coordination with Panama was “very successful,” but that under the current circumstances more people could not be moved.Vargas said the transfer of the first group of migrants in coordination with Panama was “very successful,” but that under the current circumstances more people could not be moved.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife said Saturday that she has recovered from being ill from COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife said Saturday that she has recovered from being ill from COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus.
“I am feeling so much better,” Sophie Gregoire Trudeau said in a statement on social media.“I am feeling so much better,” Sophie Gregoire Trudeau said in a statement on social media.
She said she received the clearance from her doctor and Ottawa Public Health.Trudeau’s office announced on 12 March that she had tested positive for the coronavirus after she fell ill upon returning from a trip to London.She said she received the clearance from her doctor and Ottawa Public Health.Trudeau’s office announced on 12 March that she had tested positive for the coronavirus after she fell ill upon returning from a trip to London.
The prime minister and his family have been in self isolation at home since then. He and their three children didn’t show symptoms.The prime minister and his family have been in self isolation at home since then. He and their three children didn’t show symptoms.
Timor-Leste has declared a state of emergency as part of its efforts to “contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population”.Timor-Leste has declared a state of emergency as part of its efforts to “contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population”.
The declaration by the presidency of the council of ministers said they were taking the action “even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms”The declaration by the presidency of the council of ministers said they were taking the action “even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms”
“These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and the example of other States.”“These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and the example of other States.”
The state of emergency came into place on Sunday, and will run until at least 26 April.The state of emergency came into place on Sunday, and will run until at least 26 April.
Timor-Leste is one of the world’s poorest nations, with around 40% of people living below the poverty line.Timor-Leste is one of the world’s poorest nations, with around 40% of people living below the poverty line.
The government has authorised the transfer of $100m from its petroleum fund to fund emergency measures and the purchase of medical supplies.The government has authorised the transfer of $100m from its petroleum fund to fund emergency measures and the purchase of medical supplies.
Foreigners are prohibited from entering the country, except for foreigners born in Timor-Leste, resident citizens and legal representatives of minors of Timorese nationality. The restriction doesn’t apply to oil rig workers in the Timor Sea. Anyone entering the country must quarantine for 14 days.Foreigners are prohibited from entering the country, except for foreigners born in Timor-Leste, resident citizens and legal representatives of minors of Timorese nationality. The restriction doesn’t apply to oil rig workers in the Timor Sea. Anyone entering the country must quarantine for 14 days.
Commercial and service establishments, markets and street vendors are allowed, but public transport will cease.Commercial and service establishments, markets and street vendors are allowed, but public transport will cease.
Everyone must wear masks when entering commercial or servicing venues, and maintain hygiene and social distancing.Everyone must wear masks when entering commercial or servicing venues, and maintain hygiene and social distancing.
All school activities are suspended on a face-to-face basis and the facilities of educational, education and vocational training establishments are closed. Teachers and students are prohibited from staying in the premises.All school activities are suspended on a face-to-face basis and the facilities of educational, education and vocational training establishments are closed. Teachers and students are prohibited from staying in the premises.
Distance learning should be promoted through the means of information and communication in this period.Distance learning should be promoted through the means of information and communication in this period.
Licences, authorisations, visas and residence permits, and other administrative acts and documents will remain valid regardless of expiry dates.Licences, authorisations, visas and residence permits, and other administrative acts and documents will remain valid regardless of expiry dates.
In Argentina, Uki Goñi reports some optimism.In Argentina, Uki Goñi reports some optimism.
Authorities are hopeful that Argentina may have imposed its nationwide lockdown early enough to avoid the kind of difficult scenarios seen in the US or Europe. The country added only 55 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths to its toll Saturday, bringing the total to 745 cases and 19 deaths so far, a sharp drop from the 101 cases Friday.Authorities are hopeful that Argentina may have imposed its nationwide lockdown early enough to avoid the kind of difficult scenarios seen in the US or Europe. The country added only 55 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths to its toll Saturday, bringing the total to 745 cases and 19 deaths so far, a sharp drop from the 101 cases Friday.
“The spike is moving to May and we are hoping it won’t be abrupt,” said health minister Ginés González García.“The spike is moving to May and we are hoping it won’t be abrupt,” said health minister Ginés González García.
The lockdown was declared on March 20 when there were only 128 cases and three deaths reported.The lockdown was declared on March 20 when there were only 128 cases and three deaths reported.
The government’s deepest concern regarding the spread of the virus is the Greater Buenos Aires area around the capital city of buenos Aires, with a population of over 12 million people.The government’s deepest concern regarding the spread of the virus is the Greater Buenos Aires area around the capital city of buenos Aires, with a population of over 12 million people.
Some 21% of the GBA live in shanty towns, most of them without access to running water, nearly half of whom sleep more than three to a room. Unemployment is over 10% and 40% of the employed are informal workers without benefits.Some 21% of the GBA live in shanty towns, most of them without access to running water, nearly half of whom sleep more than three to a room. Unemployment is over 10% and 40% of the employed are informal workers without benefits.
“The quarantine is a dramatic situation for people in vulnerable situations,” said Agustín Salvia of the Social Observatory of the Catholic University of Buenos Aires, which provides the most reliable statistics on poverty in Argentina.“The quarantine is a dramatic situation for people in vulnerable situations,” said Agustín Salvia of the Social Observatory of the Catholic University of Buenos Aires, which provides the most reliable statistics on poverty in Argentina.
The quarantine has had one unexpected consequence, according to pharmacists, a shortage of Viagra, after the stock for March sold out early.The quarantine has had one unexpected consequence, according to pharmacists, a shortage of Viagra, after the stock for March sold out early.
“There was an unexpected consumption,” said Marcelo Peretta, head of the Argentine Union of Pharmacists, who blamed the free time at home by the imposed quarantine for the run on the erectile dysfunction drug.“There was an unexpected consumption,” said Marcelo Peretta, head of the Argentine Union of Pharmacists, who blamed the free time at home by the imposed quarantine for the run on the erectile dysfunction drug.
“We had to limit the amount sold per person, we never thought we’d sell this much Viagra.”“We had to limit the amount sold per person, we never thought we’d sell this much Viagra.”
Further details on the first Covid-19 related death in New Zealand.Further details on the first Covid-19 related death in New Zealand.
The woman, who authorities said had underlying health conditions, was reportedly diagnosed with influenza on admittance to hospital.The woman, who authorities said had underlying health conditions, was reportedly diagnosed with influenza on admittance to hospital.
New Zealand health officials confirmed new 63 cases on Sunday – a drop from the increase of the previous two days – with the overall number of coronavirus cases standing at 514, said the director general of health, Ashley Bloomfield. Nine were receiving hospital care and one other was in intensive care on a ventilator.New Zealand health officials confirmed new 63 cases on Sunday – a drop from the increase of the previous two days – with the overall number of coronavirus cases standing at 514, said the director general of health, Ashley Bloomfield. Nine were receiving hospital care and one other was in intensive care on a ventilator.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
Mexico’s deputy health minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell called on Saturday on all residents in Mexico to stay at home for a month, saying it was the only way to reduce the transmission rate of the coronavirus.Mexico’s deputy health minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell called on Saturday on all residents in Mexico to stay at home for a month, saying it was the only way to reduce the transmission rate of the coronavirus.
Mexican health authorities said there was a total of 848 confirmed cases in Mexico as of Saturday, 131 more than the previous day, and 16 deaths.Mexican health authorities said there was a total of 848 confirmed cases in Mexico as of Saturday, 131 more than the previous day, and 16 deaths.