Covid – 19 Headlines Mar 12, 2020


Covid-19 is the disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.

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Covid-19 Headlines

ECDC: COVID-19 not containable, set to overwhelm hospitals

In a stark and urgent COVID-19 risk assessment update today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that, in a few weeks or even days, other countries in the region may face huge surges that mirror those of China and Italy.

It advised countries to quickly shift to mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable people and prevent overwhelmed hospitals.

Markets suffer record meltdown as global coronavirus alarm grows

‘Italy has abandoned us’: Brother trapped with sister’s body in coronavirus shutdown

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) – The brother of a woman who died at home after contracting coronavirus had to issue a desperate appeal on social media to persuade Italian authorities to come and collect her body.

7 pm EST update. An increase of 1,983 cases and 213 deaths since 12 noon.

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Gov. Cuomo bans gatherings of more than 500 people in New York state

‘It is a failing. Let’s admit it,’ Fauci says of coronavirus testing capacity

America has failed to meet the capacity for coronavirus testing that it needs, a top public health official publicly acknowledged Thursday.

“The system is not really geared to what we need right now,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a House hearing about coronavirus test kits in the United States, which were initially dogged by technical glitches. “That is a failing. Let’s admit it.”

The Entire Western World Is Starting To Shut Down As Authorities Brace For “Millions” Of Coronavirus Cases

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SECRETLY STOCKPILING FOR A PANDEMIC

Panic? You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet…

Dow sinks in worst day since 1987 crash as liquidity woes climb with coronavirus fears

U.S. stocks tumbled Thursday with both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 index suffering their worst day since the October 19, 1987 “Black Monday” crash, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite joined the Dow in ending a record-setting, 11-year bull market.

Italy death toll jumps past 1,000 as Milan bourse nosedives

Honduras orders two-week school closure over coronavirus

France to close schools to curb coronavirus spread: Macron

Rome Catholic churches ordered closed due to coronavirus, unprecedented in modern times

ROME (Reuters) – Rome’s Catholic churches were ordered closed on Thursday because of the coronavirus pandemic, in a move believed to be unprecedented in modern times.

The decree by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Pope Francis’ vicar for the Rome archdiocese, will remain in effect until at least April 3. There are more than 900 parochial and historic churches in the Italian capital.

Brazilian who met Trump has virus; no plans to test Trump

Markets suffer record meltdown as global coronavirus alarm grows

WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) – Global markets suffered record falls on Thursday as alarm over the coronavirus intensified, and governments from Ireland to Italy unveiled new measures to try to slow the spread of a disease that has infected more than 126,000 people worldwide.

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New York banning major gatherings in effort to contain virus

NEW YORK (AP) — Gatherings with more than 500 people will temporarily be banned in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday when announcing one of several “dramatic actions” to contain the coronaviru

3 more patients die – Philippine DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Three more people afflicted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have died, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement released last night, the DOH said the death of Case Nos. 6, 5 and 37 brought to five the total number of COVID fatalities in the country.

The Filipino couple were both diabetics. The Philippines is a diabetes hotspot. Being diabetic weakens the immune system.

They were also young at 59 and 62. it is not just the age that makes someone at high-risk of dying from Covid-19 but also the underlying medical problems. The saddest story of the day.

Tour, festival cancellations ramp up due to virus outbreak

UK likely has up to 10,000 people with coronavirus: chief government scientist

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain likely has between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected with coronavirus, the government’s chief scientific adviser said on Thursday, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson stepped up the response to the outbreak.

Markets tumble again as global coronavirus alarm spreads

EU condemns Trump travel ban as Italy death toll passes 1,000

Many families ‘to lose loved ones’ announces UK prime minister

School closures mount as Connecticut records new virus case

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau self-isolates as wife is tested for coronavirus

Coronavirus: some recovered patients may have reduced lung function and are left gasping for air while walking briskly, Hong Kong doctors find

Some patients who recovered from Covid-19 have suffered reduced lung function and now experience problems such as gasping for air when walking quickly, Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority has revealed.

Coronavirus cases rise to 14 in Louisiana

New virus slow to spread in Africa, but cases creep up

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The new coronavirus has been slow to spread in Africa but cases are increasing on the continent, with South Africa reporting 17 confirmed infections Thursday, including its first transmitted locally.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia landmark to close to tourists over coronavirus

UK moves toward tougher coronavirus measures: Scotland’s Sturgeon

LONDON (Reuters) – The United Kingdom had decided to move to the “delay phase” of the coronavirus response that includes more stringent measures to counter the outbreak, Scottish First Minister said on Thursday. Nicola Sturgeon

Vietnamese city advised to turn away cruise ship over coronavirus fears

Princess Cruises suspending global operations for 60 days

Explainer: Why Cruise Ships Harbor Viruses

Reports of virus outbreaks on cruise ships have increased in recent years. Why are cruise ships a breeding ground for these viruses? Andy Bowers of the online magazine Slate offers this “explainer.”

China government spokesman says U.S. army might have brought virus to China

BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday that the U.S. military might have brought the coronavirus to the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has been hardest hit by the outbreak.

Major League Soccer shutting down for 30 days due to coronavirus

Allentown schools close as Temple U. shifts to online class

12 noon EST update. An increase of 1,519 cases and 79 deaths

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S&P 500 and Nasdaq slide into bear-market territory to join Dow after Trump slaps travel restriction on Europe

U.S. stocks plunged again Thursday, triggering circuit-breakers to temporarily halt trading for the second time in this week, as the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq Composite looked likely to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average in ending an eleven year long bull market.

Algeria to close schools, universities after first coronavirus death

ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered schools and universities to close until April 5 to slow the spread of the coronavirus, state media reported on Thursday, after the country’s first registered death from the disease.

Czechs shut borders to travelers from 15 countries

Bahrain accuses Iran of ‘biological aggression’ as Gulf tries to stem coronavirus spread

DUBAI (Reuters) – Bahrain accused Iran on Thursday of “biological aggression” by covering up the spread of the new coronavirus and failing to stamp the passports of Bahraini travelers, as other Gulf Arab states boosted measures to stem rising infections.

Italy and South Korea virus outbreaks reveal disparity in deaths and tactics

MILAN/SEOUL (Reuters) – In Italy, millions are locked down and more than 800 people have died from the coronavirus. In South Korea, hit by the disease at about the same time, only a few thousand are quarantined and 67 people have died. As the virus courses through the world, the story of two outbreaks illustrates a coming problem for countries now grappling with an explosion in cases.

Blood test negative for first dog found with coronavirus, more checks pending

Covid-19 and Pets

Ireland to shut schools, universities until March 29 over coronavirus

Norway to close all schools as coronavirus spread: NTB news agency

Hubei government deletes report claiming Covid-19 could damage male fertility

It is theoretically possible that Covid-19 could be damaging to men’s reproductive health, according to an article published on the Hubei government’s website on Thursday, only to be removed a few hours later.

In another article from Newsweek about the issue of male infertility and Covid-19, Professor Allan Pacey, a leading expert in male fertility at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., said that the paper is not yet peer-reviewed and is only theoretical discussion and there is no scientific evidence that it is true. However, it opens the way for further research.

India cancels almost all visas and closes Myanmar border, as cases rise

Ireland to shut schools, universities over coronavirus

WHO’s Tedros urges world to ‘double down’ against virus pandemic

GENEVA (Reuters) – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking to diplomats in Geneva a day after characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic, also said: “Describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up. The idea that countries should shift from containment to mitigation is wrong and dangerous.”

Coronavirus: China’s mask-making juggernaut cranks into gear, sparking fears of over-reliance on world’s workshop

  • China is now making more than 100 million masks a day, up from 20 million before the coronavirus outbreak, and may start to export more to other countries
  • Mask shortages elsewhere once more raise the debate about an over-reliance on China, with critics pointing to a lack of US industrial policy

Singapore PM says coronavirus pandemic could last a year or more

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday the coronavirus pandemic could last for a year or more and that the city-state would need to impose more travel restrictions to limit imported cases.

China says ‘immoral and irresponsible’ U.S. officials shift coronavirus blame

BEIJING (Reuters) – China criticized U.S. officials for “immoral and irresponsible” comments that blamed Beijing’s response to the coronavirus for worsening the global impact of the pandemic.

‘It caused a mass panic’: travelers in Europe rush to get back to U.S. after Trump order

China senior medical adviser: coronavirus pandemic ‘over by June’ if countries act

BEIJING (Reuters) – The global coronavirus pandemic could be over by June if countries mobilizes to fight it, a senior Chinese medical adviser said on Thursday, as China declared the peak had passed there and new cases in Hubei fell to single digits for the first time.

‘Don’t panic’, says US woman who recovered from COVID-19

Fatality rates in the younger population without underlying medical problems are much lower. Most can stay at home and will eventually recover. Covid-19 is not necessarily a death sentence. If the symptoms get worse, that will be the time to call the doctor or seek medical attention.

Many private labs want to do coronavirus tests. But they’re still facing obstacles and delays

Many private laboratories in the US can test for Covid-19 right now. Some can have resulted in four hours. The problem is that before they are approved, they have to satisfy the regulations of the federal government.

Study: Pregnant Moms Do Not Transmit Covid-19 to their Babies

Wuhan Coronavirus Virus Compared to other Viruses

Italian doctors on coronavirus frontline face tough calls on whom to save

During a situation where the number of patients exceeds the supply of critical life-saving equipment like mechanical ventilators, doctors will have to choose who will be on the ventilator. In that situation, the decision will not be based on a “first-come, first-served” basis or depending on how sick is a patient.

Rather, the decision will be based on who is the patient that will most likely survive.

Unmasked: Experts explain necessary respiratory protection for COVID-19

Community transmission is when you do not know who is the source of the infection in an infected individual. Now that community transmission is present, wearing a mask is effective to prevent the acquisition and the spread of the Covid-19.

UK paramedic tests positive

A paramedic that needs quarantine can mean that there will be one less ambulance to respond to emergency calls. It is critical that they should have proper personal protective equipment.

Covid-19: Why Should Health Care Workers be Protected? (Updated)

S. Korea unveils virus prevention guidelines for confined workplaces

The news above exemplifies the adaptation for a situation where the workers cannot work from home. Doing so assures that the employees can continue earning a living and not cut their number of leaves.  

Thailand reports biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases

The quotes from the health officials who described the spread in the Thai story serves to allay fear among the readers.

Foreign diplomats to visit Incheon airport for first-hand look at S. Korea’s quarantine efforts

Many countries can learn from South Korea.

Chinese embassy provides 25,000 masks to Seoul city amid virus concerns

The use of masks in Asia contributed to the decrease in the droplet spread of the virus. Having a mask is a barrier to one’s own hands as it habitually touches the face. 

El Salvador shuts classes in all schools on coronavirus fears

Closing schools is an example of social distancing.

Guyana confirms first case of coronavirus in woman who returned from U.S.

An example of how the virus can also come from the outside the country

Global supply chain disruptions from Covid-19 will pressure China’s trade

Philippine president to be tested for virus, palace cleaned

Most coronavirus patients recover, still anxiety, fear loom

80% have mild symptoms

Sarawak minister pleads with 500 who attended PJ event to report for Covid-19 testing

More than half German firms hit by Covid-19 effects, says German institute

China says peak of coronavirus epidemic has passed

Kazakhstan suspends all public events over coronavirus

U.S. clampdown on European travel heaps new coronavirus woes on airlines

LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A clampdown on European travel to the United States will heap more pressure on airlines already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, analysts said, raising the odds of government relief packages as billions of dollars of tourist spending vanish.

Three Britons have coronavirus on cruise on Cambodia’s Mekong

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Cambodia has found three British nationals infected with the coronavirus on a tourist boat on the Mekong River, bringing its tally of cases to five, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

NBA suspends season until further notice, over coronavirus

MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came only hours after the majority of the league’s owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas.

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines now at 49 — DOH

MANILA, Philippines (Update 1, 5:53 p.m.) — The Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed 16 additional novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country. 

This was confirmed by Health Assistant Secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing. 

PNP: No lockdown order in Metro Manila yet

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:30 p.m.) — The Philippine National Police said on Thursday said it has not yet issued an order for a lockdown in the National Capital Region as government officials scramble to contain the rapid spread of the new coronavirus in the country.

California governor: No large gatherings due to coronavirus

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) —

California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged an end to gatherings of more than 250 people to counter the spread of new coronavirus, a move he said would cause “real stress” for many people and businesses but save lives.

Newsom said California public health officials late Wednesday issued an updated policy saying “non-essential” gatherings such as sporting events, concerts and conferences should be postponed or canceled until at least the end of March.

You Can Become Infected by the Coronavirus Thru the Eyes!

AP PHOTOS: Rome’s eternally packed tourist sites emptied

ROME (AP) — For years, Rome seemed to have only a high season for tourism given the Italian capital’s eternal appeal with foreign visitors.

Sell signal: Trump’s shallow virus plan blows floor out of markets

SINGAPORE, March 12 — All global investors got from US President Donald Trump’s coronavirus package were a shock travel ban on Europe and a flashing signal to sell, and none of the large-scale tax breaks or medical tests for Americans they’d been expecting.

Algeria confirms first coronavirus death – state radio

ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algeria has registered its first coronavirus death, state radio reported on Thursday.

5 am EST. An increase of 549 cases and 24 deaths since last night. Case fatality rate 3.6%

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Jhu Csse

South Korea seeks to contain smaller outbreaks as new coronavirus cases slow

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea on Thursday reported 114 new cases of the coronavirus and six more deaths, resuming a relative decline in new cases after a spike the day before.

Preliminary research suggests new virus may live on some surfaces for up to 3 days

(NPR) The new coronavirus can live in the air for several hours and on some surfaces for as long as two to three days, tests by U.S. government and other scientists have found.

Their work, published Wednesday, suggests people can get infected through the air as well as from touching things that were contaminated by others who have it, in addition to direct person-to-person contact.

Americans snap to attention on virus as big events canceled

(AP) A basketball tournament, with no fans. A St. Patrick’s Day, with no parades. College campuses, with no students. Corporate headquarters, with barren cubicles.

The nation snapped to attention on Wednesday as the new coronavirus was declared a pandemic, stocks slid into bear market territory and the American public finally began to come to grips with the outbreak. President Donald Trump held a rare prime-time address from the Oval Office to calm the public.

World walls off as leaders warn viral pandemic will worsen

BANGKOK (AP) — People around the world became increasingly closed off from one another Thursday as sweeping travel bans accelerated, walling regions apart as a viral pandemic unfolds and financial markets plunge.

UK sees no need for its own US-style travel ban, says finance minister Sunak

LONDON, March 12 — British finance minister Rishi Sunak said today that Britain did not see the need for a US-style flying ban as part of its response to the spread of coronavirus.

“The evidence here does not support that,” Sunak told BBC television.

Airline stocks in tailspin after Trump travel ban

LONDON, March 12 — Battered European airline stocks plunged nearly 10 per cent today after US President Donald Trump said he will restrict travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

UK to introduce more stringent measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak

LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair an emergency meeting on Thursday at which he is expected to approve moving to the “delay phase” of the coronavirus response that includes more stringent measures to counter the outbreak.

‘Better than nothing’: Thailand encourages cloth masks amid surgical mask shortage

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s health authorities are encouraging people to make cloth face masks at home to guard against the spread of the coronavirus amid a shortage of surgical masks.

Cloth masks are enough to prevent people from catching the virus via droplets from coughing or sneezing, said Panpimon Wipulakorn, Director-General for the Department of Health.

China says coronavirus peak has passed as epicenter logs single-digit new cases

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China’s coronavirus epidemic has passed its peak, its top health commission said on Thursday, as it logged just eight new infections in Hubei province, the first time the epicenter of the outbreak recorded a daily tally of less than 10.

Philippines reports second COVID-19 death

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) — A 67-year-old Filipino woman is the Philippines’ second death due to COVID-19, the Health Department confirmed Wednesday. She is the first Filipino national to die of COVID-19

Trump restricts travel from Europe as coronavirus disrupts life in U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Travelers scrambled to rebook flights and global markets reeled on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping restrictions on travel from Europe, hitting battered airlines and further straining ties with the continent.

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