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COVID-19 news update for 2/26/2020
Times of Israel:
In unprecedented move, Israelis advised to avoid all travel abroad over virus
Health Ministry travel warning sees ‘high probability’ pathogen has now spread worldwide and is no longer containable; Israelis returning from Italy ordered to 14-day quarantine
In a dramatic statement Wednesday, Israel’s Health Ministry urged Israelis to seriously consider refraining from traveling abroad, as the country looked to isolate itself from the novel coronavirus outbreak rapidly spreading across the globe.
“If you don’t genuinely have to fly — don’t do so,” the ministry said in a travel warning.
In making the announcement, Israel became the first country to urge its citizens to refrain from international travel entirely because of the outbreak, which started in China in December and has since infected over 80,000 worldwide and claimed well over 2,000 lives, almost all of them in China.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-unprecedented-move-israelis-advised-to-avoid-all-travel-over-virus-fears/
Health Ministry travel warning sees ‘high probability’ pathogen has now spread worldwide and is no longer containable; Israelis returning from Italy ordered to 14-day quarantine
In a dramatic statement Wednesday, Israel’s Health Ministry urged Israelis to seriously consider refraining from traveling abroad, as the country looked to isolate itself from the novel coronavirus outbreak rapidly spreading across the globe.
“If you don’t genuinely have to fly — don’t do so,” the ministry said in a travel warning.
In making the announcement, Israel became the first country to urge its citizens to refrain from international travel entirely because of the outbreak, which started in China in December and has since infected over 80,000 worldwide and claimed well over 2,000 lives, almost all of them in China.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-unprecedented-move-israelis-advised-to-avoid-all-travel-over-virus-fears/
Al Jazeera:
Coronavirus spreads in Middle East and beyond: Live updates
New infections and deaths reported around the world, with Brazil confirming its first case in Latin America.
The coronavirus is spreading in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world, as Brazil confirmed its first case in Latin America, while parts of China begin to lower their emergency response level as the number of new cases reported there continues to slow.
More deaths have been reported in Iran and Italy, while South Korea on Wednesday said an 11th person had died of the disease there. Globally, at least 80,000 people have been diagnosed with the illness.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/china-coronavirus-outbreak-latest-updates-200226003835539.html
The Kuwait Times:
Kuwait acts decisively to contain coronavirus spread, cancels schools, exhibitions
KUWAIT: All private and public schools and universities have been suspended for two weeks beginning March 1, government spokesperson Tareq Al-Mezrem announced yesterday after an emergency Cabinet meeting. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry later announced cancelling all planned exhibitions and events as well as issuance of relevant permissions until further notice. In a press statement yesterday, the ministry said the precautionary measure was taken in accordance with the Cabinet’s instructions after its meeting on February 17. It aims to maintain public health and help control the coronavirus.
Earlier, the health ministry said the number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in the country had risen to 26 after 14 more cases were confirmed. The ministry also said in a statement that the new cases were related to people traveling to Iran.Government agencies have been urging the public to only refer to official news channels to obtain correct information amid a barrage of fake reports that have gone viral.
https://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/kuwait-acts-decisively-to-contain-coronavirus-spread-cancels-schools-exhibitions/
KUWAIT: All private and public schools and universities have been suspended for two weeks beginning March 1, government spokesperson Tareq Al-Mezrem announced yesterday after an emergency Cabinet meeting. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry later announced cancelling all planned exhibitions and events as well as issuance of relevant permissions until further notice. In a press statement yesterday, the ministry said the precautionary measure was taken in accordance with the Cabinet’s instructions after its meeting on February 17. It aims to maintain public health and help control the coronavirus.
Earlier, the health ministry said the number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in the country had risen to 26 after 14 more cases were confirmed. The ministry also said in a statement that the new cases were related to people traveling to Iran.Government agencies have been urging the public to only refer to official news channels to obtain correct information amid a barrage of fake reports that have gone viral.
https://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/kuwait-acts-decisively-to-contain-coronavirus-spread-cancels-schools-exhibitions/
AFP:
Scramble to contain coronavirus as infections spread
Coronavirus cases spread in Europe and beyond on Wednesday, with Latin America confirming its first patient as the world scrambled to contain the epidemic that has killed thousands worldwide.
...In a sign of the virus' expanding footprint, Brazil confirmed Latin America's first case, a 61-year-old who travelled to Italy's Lombardy region.
Greece, Georgia and Norway all confirmed their first coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
The Greek case is a woman who had been in northern Italy, while France, Spain, Croatia, Austria, North Macedonia and Algeria have all reported cases linked to the country.
Several governments have advised against travel to Italy -- which has 400 cases and 12 deaths -- particularly to the outbreak epicentre in the north.
Pakistan also detected its first two cases on Wednesday, days after shutting its border with Iran, which has also emerged as a major coronavirus hotspot.
https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/scramble-contain-coronavirus-infections-spread-doc-1pb68p11
Coronavirus cases spread in Europe and beyond on Wednesday, with Latin America confirming its first patient as the world scrambled to contain the epidemic that has killed thousands worldwide.
...In a sign of the virus' expanding footprint, Brazil confirmed Latin America's first case, a 61-year-old who travelled to Italy's Lombardy region.
Greece, Georgia and Norway all confirmed their first coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
The Greek case is a woman who had been in northern Italy, while France, Spain, Croatia, Austria, North Macedonia and Algeria have all reported cases linked to the country.
Several governments have advised against travel to Italy -- which has 400 cases and 12 deaths -- particularly to the outbreak epicentre in the north.
Pakistan also detected its first two cases on Wednesday, days after shutting its border with Iran, which has also emerged as a major coronavirus hotspot.
https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/scramble-contain-coronavirus-infections-spread-doc-1pb68p11
DW:
Love in the time of coronavirus
Thousands of couples around the world tied the knot despite concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Armed with face masks, couples declared their love in mass weddings in South Korea and the Philippines.
Couples kissed, held hands and hugged to commemorate their love in mass weddings across South Korea and the Philippines. For many, life goes on, with the big day marking an important milestone.
Nobel literature prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said: "The only regret I will have in dying is if it is not for love." Wedding participants had to complete health declarations, detailing a travel history of 14 days (the standard COVID-19 quarantine period) and most were required to wear face masks.
South Korea's large-scale weddings took place prior the country's mass outbreak of the coronavirus.
https://www.dw.com/en/love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/g-52543399
Could Iran become a new coronavirus epicenter?
Iran is scrambling to contain a coronavirus outbreak that is threatening to spin out of control. Lack of transparency and poor infrastructure are combining to create perfect conditions for the virus to spread.
Cases of coronavirus are continuing to increase in Iran, with the country's health authorities on Wednesday reporting 44 new cases and four new deaths in 24 hours. The total number of cases in Iran currently stands at 139. Nineteen people have died so far from the virus.
Iran has porous borders with countries that have very poor medical infrastructure. International health officials are concerned that a coronavirus outbreak in the country could quickly spin out of control and create a new epicenter for an outbreak in the Middle East.
Official information from Iranian authorities shows that the virus appears to be spreading quickly in a short amount of time. The fatality rate of COVID-19 infections in Iran is an alarming 15%, which is the highest anywhere in the world. Iran currently has the highest number of coronavirus deaths outside of China.
https://www.dw.com/en/could-iran-become-a-new-coronavirus-epicenter/a-52541702
Coronavirus, cold or flu symptoms? How to tell the difference
Runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever: Symptoms are often similar when one starts to feel sick. That makes it difficult to tell if the illness is a virus or a bacterial infection.
At first glance, symptoms for the new coronavirus, otherwise known as 2019-nCoV, are similar to those we know as a common cold or flu.
Common coronavirus symptoms can include:
— Fever
— Dry cough
— Shortness of breath
— Aching muscles
— Fatigue
Less typical coronavirus symptoms:
— Phlegm buildup
— Headache
— Hemoptysis
— Diarrhea
Symptoms atypical for coronavirus:
— Runny nose
— Sore throat
A runny nose and a sore throat are typical signs of upper respiratory infection. Therefore, those who have bouts of sneezing or get the sniffles likely have the flu or a common cold.
https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-symptoms/a-52233885
Thousands of couples around the world tied the knot despite concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Armed with face masks, couples declared their love in mass weddings in South Korea and the Philippines.
Couples kissed, held hands and hugged to commemorate their love in mass weddings across South Korea and the Philippines. For many, life goes on, with the big day marking an important milestone.
Nobel literature prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said: "The only regret I will have in dying is if it is not for love." Wedding participants had to complete health declarations, detailing a travel history of 14 days (the standard COVID-19 quarantine period) and most were required to wear face masks.
South Korea's large-scale weddings took place prior the country's mass outbreak of the coronavirus.
https://www.dw.com/en/love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/g-52543399
Could Iran become a new coronavirus epicenter?
Iran is scrambling to contain a coronavirus outbreak that is threatening to spin out of control. Lack of transparency and poor infrastructure are combining to create perfect conditions for the virus to spread.
Cases of coronavirus are continuing to increase in Iran, with the country's health authorities on Wednesday reporting 44 new cases and four new deaths in 24 hours. The total number of cases in Iran currently stands at 139. Nineteen people have died so far from the virus.
Iran has porous borders with countries that have very poor medical infrastructure. International health officials are concerned that a coronavirus outbreak in the country could quickly spin out of control and create a new epicenter for an outbreak in the Middle East.
Official information from Iranian authorities shows that the virus appears to be spreading quickly in a short amount of time. The fatality rate of COVID-19 infections in Iran is an alarming 15%, which is the highest anywhere in the world. Iran currently has the highest number of coronavirus deaths outside of China.
https://www.dw.com/en/could-iran-become-a-new-coronavirus-epicenter/a-52541702
Coronavirus, cold or flu symptoms? How to tell the difference
Runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever: Symptoms are often similar when one starts to feel sick. That makes it difficult to tell if the illness is a virus or a bacterial infection.
At first glance, symptoms for the new coronavirus, otherwise known as 2019-nCoV, are similar to those we know as a common cold or flu.
Common coronavirus symptoms can include:
— Fever
— Dry cough
— Shortness of breath
— Aching muscles
— Fatigue
Less typical coronavirus symptoms:
— Phlegm buildup
— Headache
— Hemoptysis
— Diarrhea
Symptoms atypical for coronavirus:
— Runny nose
— Sore throat
A runny nose and a sore throat are typical signs of upper respiratory infection. Therefore, those who have bouts of sneezing or get the sniffles likely have the flu or a common cold.
https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-symptoms/a-52233885
BBC:
Coronavirus cases surge to 400 in Italy
The number of coronavirus cases in Italy has jumped to 400, amid international efforts to contain the spread of the deadly outbreak.
The rise in Italy, the main focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours.
Several European countries announced new cases traced to Italy.
Also on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said that for the first time the virus was spreading faster outside China, where it originated.
What about the rest of Europe and beyond?
In the past two days, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus cases. Many of them involved people who had been to Italy.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51645902
Coronavirus: Should Americans be worried?
...How prepared is the US?
President Donald Trump says the situation is "well under control", while officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn the virus will spread and may severely disrupt daily life.
US health chief Alex Azar has asked Congress for $2.5bn (£1.9bn), but lawmakers say more is needed. Over $1bn would go towards developing a vaccine. The rest would fund quarantine efforts and supplies, including surgical masks. Mr Azar said the US only has 30 million - and it needs 300 million.
...What are the main concerns?
High medical costs make the virus particularly problematic - many Americans avoid doctor's visits because of unaffordable charges.
Last month, a Florida man with symptoms had a coronavirus test and was handed a $3,270 bill from his insurance company.
Taking sick leave is another concern. Not all employers offer paid leave and workplace culture often pushes employees to go to work ill.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51649897
The number of coronavirus cases in Italy has jumped to 400, amid international efforts to contain the spread of the deadly outbreak.
The rise in Italy, the main focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours.
Several European countries announced new cases traced to Italy.
Also on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said that for the first time the virus was spreading faster outside China, where it originated.
What about the rest of Europe and beyond?
In the past two days, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus cases. Many of them involved people who had been to Italy.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51645902
Coronavirus: Should Americans be worried?
...How prepared is the US?
President Donald Trump says the situation is "well under control", while officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn the virus will spread and may severely disrupt daily life.
US health chief Alex Azar has asked Congress for $2.5bn (£1.9bn), but lawmakers say more is needed. Over $1bn would go towards developing a vaccine. The rest would fund quarantine efforts and supplies, including surgical masks. Mr Azar said the US only has 30 million - and it needs 300 million.
...What are the main concerns?
High medical costs make the virus particularly problematic - many Americans avoid doctor's visits because of unaffordable charges.
Last month, a Florida man with symptoms had a coronavirus test and was handed a $3,270 bill from his insurance company.
Taking sick leave is another concern. Not all employers offer paid leave and workplace culture often pushes employees to go to work ill.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51649897
CBC:
WHO reluctant to declare COVID-19 pandemic as coronavirus spreads to more countries
...Asia reported hundreds of new cases, Brazil confirmed Latin America's first COVID-19 infection and the new disease was also detected for the first time in Pakistan, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Romania and Algeria.
U.S. health authorities, managing 59 cases so far — mostly Americans repatriated from a cruise ship in Japan — have said a global pandemic is likely.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused cable TV channels of exaggerating the danger and "panicking markets," is set to hold a news conference on Wednesday evening at around 6:30 p.m. ET, a likely attempt to reassure markets and the public about the government's coronavirus response. It will be one of just a handful of times that the president has appeared in the White House briefing room.
...However, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised diplomats in Geneva on Wednesday against speaking of a pandemic, which the WHO defines as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
While the sudden rise in cases of novel coronavirus in Italy, Iran and South Korea is "deeply concerning," the virus can still be contained and does not amount to a pandemic, he said on Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/who-coronavirus-covid-19-1.5476335
No plans to airlift more Canadians from coronavirus-affected zones, Champagne says
Foreign affairs minister says government offering consular services, but no airlifts
The federal government is not planning to repatriate more Canadians from coronavirus-affected countries such as Iran, Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne said today.
...Champagne said the government will deliver consular services to people who may have difficulty getting back to Canada, such as help with travel documents — but Ottawa is not considering airlifts at this time.
"We have pockets of people who need consular assistance and that's what we're doing, but there's not been a request, nor is there a plan, to repatriate a significant group of people," Champagne said on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa.
"People can use commercial means to come back."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/coronavirus-iran-champagne-repatriation-1.5476434
...Asia reported hundreds of new cases, Brazil confirmed Latin America's first COVID-19 infection and the new disease was also detected for the first time in Pakistan, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Romania and Algeria.
U.S. health authorities, managing 59 cases so far — mostly Americans repatriated from a cruise ship in Japan — have said a global pandemic is likely.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused cable TV channels of exaggerating the danger and "panicking markets," is set to hold a news conference on Wednesday evening at around 6:30 p.m. ET, a likely attempt to reassure markets and the public about the government's coronavirus response. It will be one of just a handful of times that the president has appeared in the White House briefing room.
...However, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised diplomats in Geneva on Wednesday against speaking of a pandemic, which the WHO defines as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
While the sudden rise in cases of novel coronavirus in Italy, Iran and South Korea is "deeply concerning," the virus can still be contained and does not amount to a pandemic, he said on Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/who-coronavirus-covid-19-1.5476335
No plans to airlift more Canadians from coronavirus-affected zones, Champagne says
Foreign affairs minister says government offering consular services, but no airlifts
The federal government is not planning to repatriate more Canadians from coronavirus-affected countries such as Iran, Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne said today.
...Champagne said the government will deliver consular services to people who may have difficulty getting back to Canada, such as help with travel documents — but Ottawa is not considering airlifts at this time.
"We have pockets of people who need consular assistance and that's what we're doing, but there's not been a request, nor is there a plan, to repatriate a significant group of people," Champagne said on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa.
"People can use commercial means to come back."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/coronavirus-iran-champagne-repatriation-1.5476434
Reuters:
Rouhani says no urban quarantines planned as Iran coronavirus toll hits 19
DUBAI (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran had no plans to quarantine any “cities and districts” in response to the country’s coronavirus outbreak, which the health ministry said had killed 19 people, state TV reported.
There were however plans to impose some restriction at holy Shi’ite sites and cancel some sermons on Friday, the Islamic Republic’s traditional day of public prayer, said Health Minister Saeed Namaki.
...Rouhani accused longtime enemy the United States of trying to paralyze the country with fear.
“We must not let America to add a new virus to the coronavirus by halting our social activities by spreading tremendous fear,” said Rouhani, according to state TV.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-figures/rouhani-says-no-urban-quarantines-planned-as-iran-coronavirus-toll-hits-19-idUSKCN20K19G
Health officials tell U.S. to prepare for coronavirus, Trump blasts TV channels
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Public health officials on Wednesday warned Americans to prepare for more coronavirus cases and New York City announced plans to provide up to 1,200 hospital beds if needed, as President Donald Trump said the country was in “great shape” to handle a looming health crisis.
Trump accused two cable TV news channels of presenting the danger from the virus in as bad a light as possible and upsetting financial markets.
The Republican president tweeted that CNN and MSNBC, both of which often criticize him, “are doing everything possible to make (the new coronavirus) look as bad as possible, including panicking markets,” adding: “USA in great shape!”
Trump, who is stepping up his re-election campaign ahead of November’s presidential election, did not specify what he did not like about the coverage.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-trump/health-officials-tell-u-s-to-prepare-for-coronavirus-trump-blasts-tv-channels-idUSKCN20K21N
DUBAI (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran had no plans to quarantine any “cities and districts” in response to the country’s coronavirus outbreak, which the health ministry said had killed 19 people, state TV reported.
There were however plans to impose some restriction at holy Shi’ite sites and cancel some sermons on Friday, the Islamic Republic’s traditional day of public prayer, said Health Minister Saeed Namaki.
...Rouhani accused longtime enemy the United States of trying to paralyze the country with fear.
“We must not let America to add a new virus to the coronavirus by halting our social activities by spreading tremendous fear,” said Rouhani, according to state TV.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-figures/rouhani-says-no-urban-quarantines-planned-as-iran-coronavirus-toll-hits-19-idUSKCN20K19G
Health officials tell U.S. to prepare for coronavirus, Trump blasts TV channels
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Public health officials on Wednesday warned Americans to prepare for more coronavirus cases and New York City announced plans to provide up to 1,200 hospital beds if needed, as President Donald Trump said the country was in “great shape” to handle a looming health crisis.
Trump accused two cable TV news channels of presenting the danger from the virus in as bad a light as possible and upsetting financial markets.
The Republican president tweeted that CNN and MSNBC, both of which often criticize him, “are doing everything possible to make (the new coronavirus) look as bad as possible, including panicking markets,” adding: “USA in great shape!”
Trump, who is stepping up his re-election campaign ahead of November’s presidential election, did not specify what he did not like about the coverage.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-trump/health-officials-tell-u-s-to-prepare-for-coronavirus-trump-blasts-tv-channels-idUSKCN20K21N
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