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Coronavirus live news: Trump says he will suspend all immigration to US amid pandemic Coronavirus live news: Trump says he will suspend all immigration to US amid pandemic
(32 minutes later)
President to sign temporary executive order ‘in light of attack from Invisible Enemy’; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million. Follow the latest updatesPresident to sign temporary executive order ‘in light of attack from Invisible Enemy’; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million. Follow the latest updates
Australia’s national cabinet is lifting some restrictions on elective surgery, including IVF, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced, after the Anzac Day public holiday on 25 April.
He said this decision will see a re-opening of around 25% of activity in elective surgery in private and public hospitals, and that the decision includes post-cancer reconstructive surgeries, all procedures for children under the age of 18, all joint replacements, and cataract and eye procedures.
Morrison said:
In Australia, foreign minister Marise Payne told the ABC television programme Insiders on Sunday that that her concerns over China’s transparency were “at a very high point”, and that she also shared some of the US’s concerns about the WHO. She joined called for an independent review into the origins of the virus as well as the outbreak response.
Reaction from China continues to roll in, this time from state-backed online news site, the Global Times. The editorial accuses Australia of being a “petty follower” of the US, and “engineering a divorce from China”.
The Global Times editorial, published late yesterday, saidAustralia was acting more and more like “a petty follower of the US”, after having alreadybanned Huawei from its 5G network, and allegedChinese infiltration in domestic politics.It said Australia was trying but failing to recalibrate its Asia policy, and there was “no area of importance to Australia politically that doesn’t have a China dimension to it”.“However, the debate in Australia in recent years has largely centered on China as inimical to Australian interests and poses a threat,” it said.“Therefore, Australian politicians are engineering a divorce from China in the context of US policy objectives.”It said Australia didn’t miss the chance to talk on behalf of the US in the wake of the outbreak, and was using the pandemic as an excuse “to engage in political point scoring with the US and its egotistical president”.
China has reported 11 new confirmed coronavirus cases for Monday, down from 12 a day earlier, with no new deaths.China has reported 11 new confirmed coronavirus cases for Monday, down from 12 a day earlier, with no new deaths.
Of the 11, four were imported, the National Health Commission said in its daily bulletin.Of the 11, four were imported, the National Health Commission said in its daily bulletin.
Six of the remaining cases were in the north-eastern border province of Heilongjiang, the site of some diplomatic unease with Russia.Six of the remaining cases were in the north-eastern border province of Heilongjiang, the site of some diplomatic unease with Russia.
China also reported 37 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases, compared with 49 a day earlier.China also reported 37 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases, compared with 49 a day earlier.
Mainland China now has an accumulated total of 82,758 cases and 4,632 deathsMainland China now has an accumulated total of 82,758 cases and 4,632 deaths
A few hours ago, Donald Trump played down Monday’s unprecedented oil price crash. Here are some clips from his press briefingA few hours ago, Donald Trump played down Monday’s unprecedented oil price crash. Here are some clips from his press briefing
In non-coronavirus news:In non-coronavirus news:
Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery earlier this month and is recovering at his private villa, according to a South Korean report, with US media citing officials as saying the North Korean leader was in “grave danger” after the procedure.Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery earlier this month and is recovering at his private villa, according to a South Korean report, with US media citing officials as saying the North Korean leader was in “grave danger” after the procedure.
If accurate, the surgery claim, made by the Daily NK website, would explain Kim’s absence from an event to mark the anniversary of the birth of his grandfather – and the country’s founder – Kim Il-sung.If accurate, the surgery claim, made by the Daily NK website, would explain Kim’s absence from an event to mark the anniversary of the birth of his grandfather – and the country’s founder – Kim Il-sung.
Moving away from Trump’s announcement for a minute to Hong Kong, where chief executive Carrie Lam has announced an extension of the city’s social distancing measures.Moving away from Trump’s announcement for a minute to Hong Kong, where chief executive Carrie Lam has announced an extension of the city’s social distancing measures.
Hong Kong reported its first day since early March with no new cases yesterday. But Lam said “now is not the time to let down our guard”, and the social distancing measures currently in place will be extended for another 14 days. The measures, which have closed numerous types of businesses and venues and dictate no more that four people gathering together, were due to expire on Wednesday.Hong Kong reported its first day since early March with no new cases yesterday. But Lam said “now is not the time to let down our guard”, and the social distancing measures currently in place will be extended for another 14 days. The measures, which have closed numerous types of businesses and venues and dictate no more that four people gathering together, were due to expire on Wednesday.
Lam said it’s a difficult balancing act between keeping citizens safe, and keeping the city and its economy alive.Lam said it’s a difficult balancing act between keeping citizens safe, and keeping the city and its economy alive.
“In striking this balance we have to first of all take science as a basis,” she said.“In striking this balance we have to first of all take science as a basis,” she said.
“Secondly is to assess the risks and thirdly is to evaluate the impact on business on the economy and on social living.”“Secondly is to assess the risks and thirdly is to evaluate the impact on business on the economy and on social living.”
She said for the time being, “the better balance to be struck and a safer approach to ensure all the successes Hong Kong has achieved over the last few months will not be wasted, is to extend the social distancing measures for another 14 days.”She said for the time being, “the better balance to be struck and a safer approach to ensure all the successes Hong Kong has achieved over the last few months will not be wasted, is to extend the social distancing measures for another 14 days.”
She said the government was immediately rolling out economic support measures which were approved last week.She said the government was immediately rolling out economic support measures which were approved last week.
With a few mixed metaphors, Lam earlier said there was a “tsunami” of unemployment, and they needed to “stop the bleeding”.With a few mixed metaphors, Lam earlier said there was a “tsunami” of unemployment, and they needed to “stop the bleeding”.
Donald Trump has announced he will sign an executive order “temporarily” banning immigration into the US because of the coronavirus pandemic.At 10.06pm on Monday, the US president tweeted: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy” – a phrase he commonly applies to the Covid-19 – “as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”There were no other details on the timing of the order or how far reaching it might be.Facing widespread criticism for his handling of the crisis, Trump has repeatedly pointed to travel restrictions he imposed on China and Europe as evidence that he was taking it seriously.The latest move is consistent with Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and pledge to build a wall on the US-Mexico border, as well as his promises to put American workers first. More than 22 million people have filed for unemployment aid since Trump declared a national emergency on 13 March.Donald Trump has announced he will sign an executive order “temporarily” banning immigration into the US because of the coronavirus pandemic.At 10.06pm on Monday, the US president tweeted: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy” – a phrase he commonly applies to the Covid-19 – “as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”There were no other details on the timing of the order or how far reaching it might be.Facing widespread criticism for his handling of the crisis, Trump has repeatedly pointed to travel restrictions he imposed on China and Europe as evidence that he was taking it seriously.The latest move is consistent with Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and pledge to build a wall on the US-Mexico border, as well as his promises to put American workers first. More than 22 million people have filed for unemployment aid since Trump declared a national emergency on 13 March.
US president Donald Trump has just announced on Twitter that he will “temporarily suspend” immigration to the US, referring to the “Invisible Enemy,” a term he has used in the White House press briefings and on Twitter to refer to coronavirus.US president Donald Trump has just announced on Twitter that he will “temporarily suspend” immigration to the US, referring to the “Invisible Enemy,” a term he has used in the White House press briefings and on Twitter to refer to coronavirus.
Journalist Garrett M. Graff has tweeted that Trump’s announcement comes as the Department of Homeland Security has no Senate-confirmed leadership in immigration:Journalist Garrett M. Graff has tweeted that Trump’s announcement comes as the Department of Homeland Security has no Senate-confirmed leadership in immigration:
This is breaking news, we will bring you more shortly.This is breaking news, we will bring you more shortly.
As the world scrambles to find a cure to coronavirus, there is one self-administered treatment that is undoubtedly not going to provide the solution: 40% proof alcohol.As the world scrambles to find a cure to coronavirus, there is one self-administered treatment that is undoubtedly not going to provide the solution: 40% proof alcohol.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excess alcohol consumption may weaken the body’s immune system and render people vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. So it was surprising that John Daly, the professional golfer from California, should have posted a video earlier this month suggesting vodka could combat the virus.The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excess alcohol consumption may weaken the body’s immune system and render people vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. So it was surprising that John Daly, the professional golfer from California, should have posted a video earlier this month suggesting vodka could combat the virus.
It was doubly surprising that Donald Trump’s golf company, Trump Golf, should then have retweeted the video on its official Twitter feed:It was doubly surprising that Donald Trump’s golf company, Trump Golf, should then have retweeted the video on its official Twitter feed:
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution Friday night calling for global action to rapidly scale up development, manufacturing and access to medicine, vaccines and medical equipment to confront the new coronavirus pandemic, AP reports. The Mexican-drafted resolution requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to work with the World Health Organization and recommend options to ensure timely and equitable access to testing, medical supplies, drugs and future coronavirus vaccines for all in need, especially in developing countries.The UN General Assembly approved a resolution Friday night calling for global action to rapidly scale up development, manufacturing and access to medicine, vaccines and medical equipment to confront the new coronavirus pandemic, AP reports. The Mexican-drafted resolution requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to work with the World Health Organization and recommend options to ensure timely and equitable access to testing, medical supplies, drugs and future coronavirus vaccines for all in need, especially in developing countries.
It reaffirms the fundamental role of the United Nations system in coordinating the global response to control and contain the spread of Covid-19 and in supporting the 193 UN member states, and in this regard acknowledges the crucial leading role played by the World Health Organization.US President Donald Trump suspended funding to the World Health Organization earlier this month, accusing the UN agency of failing to stop the virus from spreading when it first surfaced in China, saying it must be held accountable. But the United States did not block adoption of the resolution.It reaffirms the fundamental role of the United Nations system in coordinating the global response to control and contain the spread of Covid-19 and in supporting the 193 UN member states, and in this regard acknowledges the crucial leading role played by the World Health Organization.US President Donald Trump suspended funding to the World Health Organization earlier this month, accusing the UN agency of failing to stop the virus from spreading when it first surfaced in China, saying it must be held accountable. But the United States did not block adoption of the resolution.
Podcast: WHO and the coronavirus pandemicPodcast: WHO and the coronavirus pandemic
The World Health Organization has been at the forefront of the global response to new diseases and with differing outcomes. It was hailed for the way it dealt with Sars but pilloried for its handling of Ebola. Now, with its biggest challenge yet, it is in the crosshairs again as Donald Trump threatens to withdraw funding:The World Health Organization has been at the forefront of the global response to new diseases and with differing outcomes. It was hailed for the way it dealt with Sars but pilloried for its handling of Ebola. Now, with its biggest challenge yet, it is in the crosshairs again as Donald Trump threatens to withdraw funding:
Sixteen migrants from several countries have tested positive for coronavirus in Mexicos northern border state of Tamaulipas, the state government said Monday.The state’s announcement came the same day that the US government said it will continue to quickly expel migrants it encounters along the border for at least another month in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, AP reports.Under the US policy change spurred by the virus, the US government has sent some 10,000 Mexicans and Central Americans back to Mexico, according to data from the US Border Patrol.Sixteen migrants from several countries have tested positive for coronavirus in Mexicos northern border state of Tamaulipas, the state government said Monday.The state’s announcement came the same day that the US government said it will continue to quickly expel migrants it encounters along the border for at least another month in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, AP reports.Under the US policy change spurred by the virus, the US government has sent some 10,000 Mexicans and Central Americans back to Mexico, according to data from the US Border Patrol.
The situation led Tamaulipas to ask the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to not accept anymore Central Americans delivered back across the border to Mexico from the United States. Fifteen of the infected migrants from Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Cameroon were staying at a migrant shelter in the city of Nuevo Laredo, across the border from Laredo, Texas. They are in isolation.The Nazareth migrants shelter in Nuevo Laredo said three of the infected migrants were minors. Of the 15, three were hospitalized but were released back to the shelter. More tests have been done at the shelter but no other cases have been confirmed.The situation led Tamaulipas to ask the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to not accept anymore Central Americans delivered back across the border to Mexico from the United States. Fifteen of the infected migrants from Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Cameroon were staying at a migrant shelter in the city of Nuevo Laredo, across the border from Laredo, Texas. They are in isolation.The Nazareth migrants shelter in Nuevo Laredo said three of the infected migrants were minors. Of the 15, three were hospitalized but were released back to the shelter. More tests have been done at the shelter but no other cases have been confirmed.
Maryland has obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea following weeks of negotiations, Larry Hogan, the state’s Republican governor, said on Monday, in an announcement that raised questions about governors circumventing the federal government to obtain medical equipment.Maryland has obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea following weeks of negotiations, Larry Hogan, the state’s Republican governor, said on Monday, in an announcement that raised questions about governors circumventing the federal government to obtain medical equipment.
Hogan confirmed on Monday that the state has obtained the tests from LabGenomics. Speaking in Annapolis alongside Yumi Hogan, Maryland’s first lady, the governor said a Korean Air passenger plane arrived at BWI airport on Saturday carrying the tests.Hogan confirmed on Monday that the state has obtained the tests from LabGenomics. Speaking in Annapolis alongside Yumi Hogan, Maryland’s first lady, the governor said a Korean Air passenger plane arrived at BWI airport on Saturday carrying the tests.
Hogan said insufficient testing remained “the most serious obstacle to safely reopening our states” and celebrated the “exponential, game-changing step forward” that Maryland is taking:Hogan said insufficient testing remained “the most serious obstacle to safely reopening our states” and celebrated the “exponential, game-changing step forward” that Maryland is taking:
Should Facebook ban anti-lockdown protests? The thorny questions of civil rights amid coronavirusShould Facebook ban anti-lockdown protests? The thorny questions of civil rights amid coronavirus
Facebook said on Monday that it was banning users from organising “events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing”. The company’s decision to selectively enforce state public health orders came amid a spate of rallies protesting against statewide stay-at-home orders in cities cross the US, and it drew condemnation from rightwing supporters of the protest movement, Donald Trump Jr, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).Facebook said on Monday that it was banning users from organising “events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing”. The company’s decision to selectively enforce state public health orders came amid a spate of rallies protesting against statewide stay-at-home orders in cities cross the US, and it drew condemnation from rightwing supporters of the protest movement, Donald Trump Jr, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The controversy highlighted the challenges that arise when a private company controls so much of the digital “public square” – especially at a time when access to physical public squares is limited by public health orders:The controversy highlighted the challenges that arise when a private company controls so much of the digital “public square” – especially at a time when access to physical public squares is limited by public health orders:
On Monday, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.On Monday, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.
Here is what that elimination progress looks like so far:Here is what that elimination progress looks like so far:
Here is Morgan Godfery on what that lockdown meant for the country’s morale:Here is Morgan Godfery on what that lockdown meant for the country’s morale:
Here is the story on Ardern’s decision to extend the lockdown:Here is the story on Ardern’s decision to extend the lockdown: