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The Invisible- Posts : 3116
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 9:45 am
Sri Lanka Coronavirus count goes up to 29 – Updated
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has confirmed 10 new Coronavirus patients on Monday taking the total confirmed so far to 29, including a Chinese national who had been released.
The state information office said six new cases were confirmed late Monday.
One person was in Polonnaruwa hospital and four others were from quarantine centres.
One person had returned from Kerala, India.
A 73 year old admitted to Karapitiya hospital in Galle was also confirmed earlier on Monday
On Monday a 13-year old girl, a 50-year old man and another 37 year old man was also confirmed as having Coronavirus, Director General of Health Services Anil Jasinghe said.
They were already in hospital as suspected patients.
Sri Lanka declared Monday a holiday to help stop the virus and also closed museums. Zoos and cinemas were closed earlier.
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration S Hettiarachchi said the holiday will not be extended. Banking and export import trade had to take place he said.
However a task force looking into the matter will evaluate ground conditions and may make a decision on Friday, he said.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has confirmed 10 new Coronavirus patients on Monday taking the total confirmed so far to 29, including a Chinese national who had been released.
The state information office said six new cases were confirmed late Monday.
One person was in Polonnaruwa hospital and four others were from quarantine centres.
One person had returned from Kerala, India.
A 73 year old admitted to Karapitiya hospital in Galle was also confirmed earlier on Monday
On Monday a 13-year old girl, a 50-year old man and another 37 year old man was also confirmed as having Coronavirus, Director General of Health Services Anil Jasinghe said.
They were already in hospital as suspected patients.
Sri Lanka declared Monday a holiday to help stop the virus and also closed museums. Zoos and cinemas were closed earlier.
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration S Hettiarachchi said the holiday will not be extended. Banking and export import trade had to take place he said.
However a task force looking into the matter will evaluate ground conditions and may make a decision on Friday, he said.
- The Invisible
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:52 pm
All passenger arrivals suspended at BIA with effect from today - Daily Mirror
An action authorities should have been taken two weeks ago. This is a classic example for shutting down the doors after the horse ran out
An action authorities should have been taken two weeks ago. This is a classic example for shutting down the doors after the horse ran out
- The Invisible
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 9:31 pm
Nine new cases have been identified bringing the total COVID 19 infected count to 43.
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 9:50 pm
Sri Lanka President angry at “irresponsible citizens” in fight against COVID19
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vented his frustrations Tuesday morning at irresponsible behaviour by Sri Lankans in the face of the COVID19 threat, videos released by the Presidential Secretariat showed.
Addressing the Presidential Task Force assembled to deal with the coronavirus threat the President appeared visibly angry at several events.
“I asked them not to play the Royal-Thomian Big match,” the President said. “But they said the Royal-Thomian must be played and they went ahead.”
Health officials later revealed that one of the patients who had tested positive for COVID19 yesterday had been at the match and had had at least 40 contacts during the event.
Police and health officials were now trying to trace these contacts, Police spokesman Superintendent Jaliya Senaratne said.
The President also said that some of the people who had been detected had not been truthful and responsible towards officials.
He recalled the case of the spouse of a Sri Lankan diplomat who been in Germany and tested positive for the virus.
“I asked the officers to immediately find his partner. But we found that the partner had switched his phone off and was unreachable.”
“This was very irresponsible of him. He had also visited three different hospitals. I want that person prosecuted for being so irresponsible,” the President said.
Another returnee who had been found at Kuliyapitiya, and had agreed to self-quarantine with his immediate family, had failed to inform officials that he had visited his father in Galle after he came back to Sri Lanka.
See Also
President calls on citizens to cooperate to fight virus
Sri Lanka President orders 6-month debt moratorium, 4-pct working capital
Sri Lanka Coronavirus count climbs to 35
Sri Lanka bringing back pilgrims from India
Sajith wants the whole country quarantined
“The father is sick now. Why couldn’t he have told us about visiting the father?”
The President was also upset that large crowds continue to throng at Sripada Adam’s Peak.
“What’s the use of us closing everything else down?” he asked.
The President was discussing issues around the COVID19 threat with the Task Force which is headed by Army commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva and includes Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Director-General Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe.
The Task Force is now installed in a new office in Rajagiriya.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vented his frustrations Tuesday morning at irresponsible behaviour by Sri Lankans in the face of the COVID19 threat, videos released by the Presidential Secretariat showed.
Addressing the Presidential Task Force assembled to deal with the coronavirus threat the President appeared visibly angry at several events.
“I asked them not to play the Royal-Thomian Big match,” the President said. “But they said the Royal-Thomian must be played and they went ahead.”
Health officials later revealed that one of the patients who had tested positive for COVID19 yesterday had been at the match and had had at least 40 contacts during the event.
Police and health officials were now trying to trace these contacts, Police spokesman Superintendent Jaliya Senaratne said.
The President also said that some of the people who had been detected had not been truthful and responsible towards officials.
He recalled the case of the spouse of a Sri Lankan diplomat who been in Germany and tested positive for the virus.
“I asked the officers to immediately find his partner. But we found that the partner had switched his phone off and was unreachable.”
“This was very irresponsible of him. He had also visited three different hospitals. I want that person prosecuted for being so irresponsible,” the President said.
Another returnee who had been found at Kuliyapitiya, and had agreed to self-quarantine with his immediate family, had failed to inform officials that he had visited his father in Galle after he came back to Sri Lanka.
See Also
President calls on citizens to cooperate to fight virus
Sri Lanka President orders 6-month debt moratorium, 4-pct working capital
Sri Lanka Coronavirus count climbs to 35
Sri Lanka bringing back pilgrims from India
Sajith wants the whole country quarantined
“The father is sick now. Why couldn’t he have told us about visiting the father?”
The President was also upset that large crowds continue to throng at Sripada Adam’s Peak.
“What’s the use of us closing everything else down?” he asked.
The President was discussing issues around the COVID19 threat with the Task Force which is headed by Army commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva and includes Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Director-General Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe.
The Task Force is now installed in a new office in Rajagiriya.
- The Invisible
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:02 pm
Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Seeks $850 Billion Stimulus and Urges Sending Checks to Americans Within 2 Weeks
Millions of people were locked down in California as restrictions on movement were expanded. Germany moved to repatriate its citizens as many countries sealed their borders, while infections and deaths rose across Europe.
Right Now
Vice President Mike Pence asked construction companies to hand over the scarce N95 masks, also used by health workers, to hospitals and refrain from ordering new ones for now.
The Trump administration will seek to send cash payments directly to Americans.
As the coronavirus pandemic ground large swaths of the economy to a halt, cost an increasing number of people their jobs and sent the markets reeling, the White House, Congress and the Federal Reserve began taking steps to get aid to people and businesses.
In a briefing on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the administration is talking to Congress about sending cash payments to Americans over the next two weeks to cushion the economic blow from coronavirus. “The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said.
Mr. Mnuchin said that this Trump administration currently prefers making direct payments to Americans to get cash into their hands now rather than pushing for a payroll tax cut that would take months to reach people.
He also said that President Trump instructed him to allow for the deferment of tax payments, interest free and penalty free for 90 days. People can defer up to a $1 million and corporations can defer up to $10 million in payments. The Treasury secretary said that this would inject $300 billion into the economy. He said that people who can file their taxes now should do so, because many will get refunds.
Mr. Trump said that his administration was also working to expand testing and preparing to ask Congress to infuse about $850 billion in additional stimulus to prop up the economy.
“Today the Senate has taken up coronavirus legislation that includes free testing for those who need it,” Mr. Trump said, adding that he had directed Mr. Mnuchin to meet with senators on the additional stimulus package. “There’s tremendous spirit.”
“We want to have a big infusion as opposed to going through little meetings every couple of days,” Mr. Trump said about his administration’s aid request to Congress. “We’re going big, and that’s the way it’ll be.”
Under pressure for his administration to expand the number of tests available to the American public, Mr. Trump shared a development from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday that approved states to authorize tests developed in-state rather than federally. “All states can authorize test developed and use within their borders in addition to the FDA,” Mr. Trump said.
The Trump administration is also supporting a request for $50 billion in economic relief for the airline industry as part of the broader package. The industry’s lobbying group publicly made the request on Monday, asking for grants, loan guarantees and tax relief. The administration is also considering ways to support the cruise ship industry.
In the briefing room, the president reiterated an earlier request for Americans not to hoard food supplies, and again outlined the guidelines put in place by his administration on Monday, which include not congregating in groups over 10 and working from home when possible.
“By making sacrifices and temporary changes, we can protect the health of our people and our economy,” Mr. Trump said. “I think our economy will come back rapidly. If we do this right, our country and the world frankly, but our country can be rolling again pretty quickly.”
Mr. Trump announced an expansion in Medicare patient access to telehealth options, adding that the government would not be enforcing HIPAA penalties, a suggestion that federal government protections protecting patients’ confidential health information would could be made more porous as the outbreak continues.
And the Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that it would try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses by buying up commercial paper, short term promissory notes companies use to fund themselves.
The program, enacted using the Fed’s emergency lending powers, pulls a page from the central bank’s financial crisis playbook. Putting it into action required the signoff of Mr. Mnuchin. Treasury will provide $10 billion of credit protection to the Fed, using Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund.
“Commercial paper markets directly finance a wide range of economic activity,” the Fed said in a statement, noting that it supplies “credit and funding for auto loans and mortgages as well as liquidity to meet the operational needs of a range of companies.”
“This Fed facility ensures that companies can get the overnight funding they need to meet short-term obligations like payroll,” said Ernie Tedeschi, policy economist at Evercore ISI, calling it “obviously a positive step, obviously necessary.”“The only surprising thing is that it took them this long to do it,” he said.
Congress has continued to meet, but businesses shutter and entire cities virtually shut down, some lawmakers have begun to warn against a business as usual approach as the outbreak spreads. But Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said Tuesday that he had no plans to allow his members to work from home any time soon.
“It’s my intention that the Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm,” he said.
Earlier, a group of Senate Democrats, led by Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, were proposing legislation to send as much as $4,500 to nearly every adult and child in the United States this year, as part of a sustained government income-support program to counter the economic slowdown from coronavirus.
Millions of people were locked down in California as restrictions on movement were expanded. Germany moved to repatriate its citizens as many countries sealed their borders, while infections and deaths rose across Europe.
Right Now
Vice President Mike Pence asked construction companies to hand over the scarce N95 masks, also used by health workers, to hospitals and refrain from ordering new ones for now.
The Trump administration will seek to send cash payments directly to Americans.
As the coronavirus pandemic ground large swaths of the economy to a halt, cost an increasing number of people their jobs and sent the markets reeling, the White House, Congress and the Federal Reserve began taking steps to get aid to people and businesses.
In a briefing on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the administration is talking to Congress about sending cash payments to Americans over the next two weeks to cushion the economic blow from coronavirus. “The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said.
Mr. Mnuchin said that this Trump administration currently prefers making direct payments to Americans to get cash into their hands now rather than pushing for a payroll tax cut that would take months to reach people.
He also said that President Trump instructed him to allow for the deferment of tax payments, interest free and penalty free for 90 days. People can defer up to a $1 million and corporations can defer up to $10 million in payments. The Treasury secretary said that this would inject $300 billion into the economy. He said that people who can file their taxes now should do so, because many will get refunds.
Mr. Trump said that his administration was also working to expand testing and preparing to ask Congress to infuse about $850 billion in additional stimulus to prop up the economy.
“Today the Senate has taken up coronavirus legislation that includes free testing for those who need it,” Mr. Trump said, adding that he had directed Mr. Mnuchin to meet with senators on the additional stimulus package. “There’s tremendous spirit.”
“We want to have a big infusion as opposed to going through little meetings every couple of days,” Mr. Trump said about his administration’s aid request to Congress. “We’re going big, and that’s the way it’ll be.”
Under pressure for his administration to expand the number of tests available to the American public, Mr. Trump shared a development from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday that approved states to authorize tests developed in-state rather than federally. “All states can authorize test developed and use within their borders in addition to the FDA,” Mr. Trump said.
The Trump administration is also supporting a request for $50 billion in economic relief for the airline industry as part of the broader package. The industry’s lobbying group publicly made the request on Monday, asking for grants, loan guarantees and tax relief. The administration is also considering ways to support the cruise ship industry.
In the briefing room, the president reiterated an earlier request for Americans not to hoard food supplies, and again outlined the guidelines put in place by his administration on Monday, which include not congregating in groups over 10 and working from home when possible.
“By making sacrifices and temporary changes, we can protect the health of our people and our economy,” Mr. Trump said. “I think our economy will come back rapidly. If we do this right, our country and the world frankly, but our country can be rolling again pretty quickly.”
Mr. Trump announced an expansion in Medicare patient access to telehealth options, adding that the government would not be enforcing HIPAA penalties, a suggestion that federal government protections protecting patients’ confidential health information would could be made more porous as the outbreak continues.
And the Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that it would try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses by buying up commercial paper, short term promissory notes companies use to fund themselves.
The program, enacted using the Fed’s emergency lending powers, pulls a page from the central bank’s financial crisis playbook. Putting it into action required the signoff of Mr. Mnuchin. Treasury will provide $10 billion of credit protection to the Fed, using Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund.
“Commercial paper markets directly finance a wide range of economic activity,” the Fed said in a statement, noting that it supplies “credit and funding for auto loans and mortgages as well as liquidity to meet the operational needs of a range of companies.”
“This Fed facility ensures that companies can get the overnight funding they need to meet short-term obligations like payroll,” said Ernie Tedeschi, policy economist at Evercore ISI, calling it “obviously a positive step, obviously necessary.”“The only surprising thing is that it took them this long to do it,” he said.
Congress has continued to meet, but businesses shutter and entire cities virtually shut down, some lawmakers have begun to warn against a business as usual approach as the outbreak spreads. But Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said Tuesday that he had no plans to allow his members to work from home any time soon.
“It’s my intention that the Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm,” he said.
Earlier, a group of Senate Democrats, led by Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, were proposing legislation to send as much as $4,500 to nearly every adult and child in the United States this year, as part of a sustained government income-support program to counter the economic slowdown from coronavirus.
- The Invisible
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Join date : 2016-11-28
Age : 44
Re: Coronavirus Updates
Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:10 pm
COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak
Last updated: March 17, 2020, 16:32 GMT
Case Graphs - Death Graphs - Countries - Death Rate - Incubation - Age - Symptoms - News
Coronavirus Cases:
190,837
view by country
Deaths:
7,528
Recovered:
80,889
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 163 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan). The day is reset after midnight GMT+0. The "New" columns for China display the previous day changes (as China reports after the day is over). For all other countries, the "New" columns display the changes for the current day while still in progress.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Last updated: March 17, 2020, 16:32 GMT
Case Graphs - Death Graphs - Countries - Death Rate - Incubation - Age - Symptoms - News
Coronavirus Cases:
190,837
view by country
Deaths:
7,528
Recovered:
80,889
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 163 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan). The day is reset after midnight GMT+0. The "New" columns for China display the previous day changes (as China reports after the day is over). For all other countries, the "New" columns display the changes for the current day while still in progress.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
- The Invisible
- Posts : 3116
Join date : 2016-11-28
Age : 44
Re: Coronavirus Updates
Wed Mar 18, 2020 2:48 pm
US leads huge economic fightback against virus, EU shuts borders
US leads huge economic fightback against virus, EU shuts borders
By Stuart Williams and AFP Bureaus | Wednesday March 18, 2020 10:39:48
AFP- The United States and Britain led a multi-billion-dollar global fightback against economic havoc wreaked by the coronavirus as the European Union shut its borders to travellers from outside for 30 days to stem the pandemic’s ferocious spread.
The sweeping measures, never before seen in peacetime, have upended society worldwide and roiled financial markets on fears of a global recession.
The coronavirus outbreak, which first emerged in China late last year, has quickly marched across the globe, infecting nearly 200,000 people and killing 7,900 as governments scramble to contain it.
Following criticism that they were mismanaging their crisis response, London and Washington on Tuesday announced massive economic stimulus packages.
President Donald Trump said the White House was discussing a “substantial” spending bill with Congress that would include immediate cash payments to Americans.
Officials did not give hard numbers but The Washington Post reported the amount could reach $850 billion, with a chunk destined for airlines fearing ruin.
“We’re going big,” Trump told reporters.
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also unveiled an “unprecedented package” of government-backed loans worth 330 billion pounds ($400 billion) for businesses struggling in the sudden economic paralysis caused by mass self-quarantine.
France has pledged a 45 billion euro ($50 billion) aid package.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel meanwhile confirmed the 30-day “entry ban” into the EU.
See Also
Sri Lanka declares curfew to fight Coronavirus in Puttalam
Sri Lanka limits transit in Colombo to six hours for air travellers
CMEV says free and fair elections unlikely under current conditions
Sri Lanka forex markets inactive, bond yields down
Sri Lanka Coronavirus fight joined by curfew, credit relief and border controls
European countries were already in near-total internal lockdown, with Belgium starting from Wednesday until at least April 5.
The World Health Organization urged the “boldest actions” on the continent, the pandemic’s latest epicentre.
In the United States, restrictions continued to build, with Maryland becoming the latest state to delay presidential election primaries and New York City considering curfews.
Australia urged citizens to not travel abroad, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
Asian hotspots China and South Korea have seen new infections and deaths level out in recent weeks — China reported just one new domestic case for the second consecutive day on Wednesday — but numbers are ballooning across Europe.
Africa, with its fragile healthcare systems, has also recorded more than 400 cases, and Latin America has more than 1,100, with the continent’s most populated country Brazil confirming its first death on Tuesday.
‘Invisible enemy’
Trump, who for weeks has been accused of playing down the crisis, appeared determined to take control of his messaging, declaring he would do everything to fight an “invisible enemy”.
“We have to win this war,” he said at the White House, where staff and journalists now have to undergo regular temperature checks.
Battered US stocks — which Trump considers a key metric of his success ahead of the November presidential election — closed higher after the stimulus announcement.
Trump had acknowledged on Monday that the economy might be sliding into recession.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron also likened the outbreak to war and ordered almost the entire population to stay at home for at least two weeks.
Britain stepped up its own measures following scientific advice that infections and deaths would spiral without drastic action.
Citizens were told to avoid all non-essential overseas travel and large social gatherings, with more stringent restrictions expected in the coming days.
Germany has banned gatherings in churches, mosques and synagogues and said playgrounds and non-essential shops would close, too.
In Ireland, Anthony Whyte, 49, looked out onto the cobbled streets of Dublin from a bar and likened the scene to “a ghost town”.
“It’s like armageddon,” he said.
Usually joyful — and alcohol-fuelled — Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations were cancelled in Dublin, New York and Boston.
Markets buoyed
Following a hammering in recent days, US and European markets bounced back.
Despite the wild swings, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin ruled out a temporary closure of stock markets, saying “Americans need to know they have access to their money”.
G7 leaders have vowed to “do whatever it takes” to prevent a financial meltdown.
However, every sector from tourism to food to aviation is affected as the global economy effectively goes into shutdown.
Major world airlines have axed almost all flights temporarily, triggering pleas to help carriers survive.
Italy announced plans to renationalise Alitalia, and France said it was ready to nationalise large companies if necessary.
Euro 2020 postponed
The outbreak has wrecked the global sporting calendar. The European football championship has been postponed until next year and the Tokyo Olympics — due to start in July — hang in the balance, though Japanese officials insist the event will go ahead.
The French Open was also postponed on Tuesday. It is now scheduled to start in September instead of May.
Drugmakers are scrambling for a breakthrough, and it could still take more than a year before a safe vaccine is ready to market. US officials have said the first human trial for a possible vaccine has begun.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and American drugmaker Regeneron said they had started clinical trials for Kevzara, a drug currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and which they hope will reduce lung inflammation in severe cases of coronavirus illness.
US leads huge economic fightback against virus, EU shuts borders
By Stuart Williams and AFP Bureaus | Wednesday March 18, 2020 10:39:48
AFP- The United States and Britain led a multi-billion-dollar global fightback against economic havoc wreaked by the coronavirus as the European Union shut its borders to travellers from outside for 30 days to stem the pandemic’s ferocious spread.
The sweeping measures, never before seen in peacetime, have upended society worldwide and roiled financial markets on fears of a global recession.
The coronavirus outbreak, which first emerged in China late last year, has quickly marched across the globe, infecting nearly 200,000 people and killing 7,900 as governments scramble to contain it.
Following criticism that they were mismanaging their crisis response, London and Washington on Tuesday announced massive economic stimulus packages.
President Donald Trump said the White House was discussing a “substantial” spending bill with Congress that would include immediate cash payments to Americans.
Officials did not give hard numbers but The Washington Post reported the amount could reach $850 billion, with a chunk destined for airlines fearing ruin.
“We’re going big,” Trump told reporters.
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also unveiled an “unprecedented package” of government-backed loans worth 330 billion pounds ($400 billion) for businesses struggling in the sudden economic paralysis caused by mass self-quarantine.
France has pledged a 45 billion euro ($50 billion) aid package.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel meanwhile confirmed the 30-day “entry ban” into the EU.
See Also
Sri Lanka declares curfew to fight Coronavirus in Puttalam
Sri Lanka limits transit in Colombo to six hours for air travellers
CMEV says free and fair elections unlikely under current conditions
Sri Lanka forex markets inactive, bond yields down
Sri Lanka Coronavirus fight joined by curfew, credit relief and border controls
European countries were already in near-total internal lockdown, with Belgium starting from Wednesday until at least April 5.
The World Health Organization urged the “boldest actions” on the continent, the pandemic’s latest epicentre.
In the United States, restrictions continued to build, with Maryland becoming the latest state to delay presidential election primaries and New York City considering curfews.
Australia urged citizens to not travel abroad, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
Asian hotspots China and South Korea have seen new infections and deaths level out in recent weeks — China reported just one new domestic case for the second consecutive day on Wednesday — but numbers are ballooning across Europe.
Africa, with its fragile healthcare systems, has also recorded more than 400 cases, and Latin America has more than 1,100, with the continent’s most populated country Brazil confirming its first death on Tuesday.
‘Invisible enemy’
Trump, who for weeks has been accused of playing down the crisis, appeared determined to take control of his messaging, declaring he would do everything to fight an “invisible enemy”.
“We have to win this war,” he said at the White House, where staff and journalists now have to undergo regular temperature checks.
Battered US stocks — which Trump considers a key metric of his success ahead of the November presidential election — closed higher after the stimulus announcement.
Trump had acknowledged on Monday that the economy might be sliding into recession.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron also likened the outbreak to war and ordered almost the entire population to stay at home for at least two weeks.
Britain stepped up its own measures following scientific advice that infections and deaths would spiral without drastic action.
Citizens were told to avoid all non-essential overseas travel and large social gatherings, with more stringent restrictions expected in the coming days.
Germany has banned gatherings in churches, mosques and synagogues and said playgrounds and non-essential shops would close, too.
In Ireland, Anthony Whyte, 49, looked out onto the cobbled streets of Dublin from a bar and likened the scene to “a ghost town”.
“It’s like armageddon,” he said.
Usually joyful — and alcohol-fuelled — Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations were cancelled in Dublin, New York and Boston.
Markets buoyed
Following a hammering in recent days, US and European markets bounced back.
Despite the wild swings, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin ruled out a temporary closure of stock markets, saying “Americans need to know they have access to their money”.
G7 leaders have vowed to “do whatever it takes” to prevent a financial meltdown.
However, every sector from tourism to food to aviation is affected as the global economy effectively goes into shutdown.
Major world airlines have axed almost all flights temporarily, triggering pleas to help carriers survive.
Italy announced plans to renationalise Alitalia, and France said it was ready to nationalise large companies if necessary.
Euro 2020 postponed
The outbreak has wrecked the global sporting calendar. The European football championship has been postponed until next year and the Tokyo Olympics — due to start in July — hang in the balance, though Japanese officials insist the event will go ahead.
The French Open was also postponed on Tuesday. It is now scheduled to start in September instead of May.
Drugmakers are scrambling for a breakthrough, and it could still take more than a year before a safe vaccine is ready to market. US officials have said the first human trial for a possible vaccine has begun.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and American drugmaker Regeneron said they had started clinical trials for Kevzara, a drug currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and which they hope will reduce lung inflammation in severe cases of coronavirus illness.
- The Invisible
- Posts : 3116
Join date : 2016-11-28
Age : 44
Re: Coronavirus Updates
Wed Mar 18, 2020 2:52 pm
Coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours: CDC-UCLA-Princeton COVID19 study
AFP – The novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, according to a US-government funded study published Tuesday.
Scientists found that the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease had similar levels of viability outside the body to its predecessor that caused SARS.
This means that factors like greater transmission between people with no symptoms might be why the current pandemic is far greater than the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003.
The new paper was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and carried out by scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of California, Los Angeles and Princeton.
The new coronavirus was detectable for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel, and for up to 24 hours on cardboard.
The team used a nebulizer to simulate a person coughing or sneezing, and found that the virus was detectable for three hours in the air.
The study was first posted on a medical pre-print website last week before it was peer-reviewed, and attracted much attention, including some criticism from scientists who said that it may have overstated the airborne threat.
The virus is predominantly transmitted by respiratory droplets and in this form it is viable for only a few seconds after a person coughs or sneezes.
Critics questioned whether a nebulizer accurately mimicked a human cough or sneeze.
The team behind the NEJM study performed similar tests on the SARS virus, finding the two viruses behave similarly.
See Also
Sri Lanka declares curfew to fight Coronavirus in Puttalam
Sri Lanka limits transit in Colombo to six hours for air travellers
CMEV says free and fair elections unlikely under current conditions
Sri Lanka forex markets inactive, bond yields down
US leads huge economic fightback against virus, EU shuts borders
But their similar viability fails to explain why the novel coronavirus pandemic has infected close to 200,000 people and caused almost 8,000 deaths, while the SARS epidemic infected about 8,000 and killed nearly 800.
“This indicates that differences in the epidemiologic characteristics of these viruses probably arise from other factors, including high viral loads in the upper respiratory tract and the potential for persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 to shed and transmit the virus while asymptomatic,” wrote the researchers.
SARS-CoV-2 is the technical name for the new coronavirus.
The findings affirm guidance from public health professionals regarding social distancing, avoiding touching the face, covering your cough or sneeze, and frequently disinfecting objects using cleaning sprays or wipes.
AFP – The novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, according to a US-government funded study published Tuesday.
Scientists found that the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease had similar levels of viability outside the body to its predecessor that caused SARS.
This means that factors like greater transmission between people with no symptoms might be why the current pandemic is far greater than the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003.
The new paper was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and carried out by scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of California, Los Angeles and Princeton.
The new coronavirus was detectable for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel, and for up to 24 hours on cardboard.
The team used a nebulizer to simulate a person coughing or sneezing, and found that the virus was detectable for three hours in the air.
The study was first posted on a medical pre-print website last week before it was peer-reviewed, and attracted much attention, including some criticism from scientists who said that it may have overstated the airborne threat.
The virus is predominantly transmitted by respiratory droplets and in this form it is viable for only a few seconds after a person coughs or sneezes.
Critics questioned whether a nebulizer accurately mimicked a human cough or sneeze.
The team behind the NEJM study performed similar tests on the SARS virus, finding the two viruses behave similarly.
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US leads huge economic fightback against virus, EU shuts borders
But their similar viability fails to explain why the novel coronavirus pandemic has infected close to 200,000 people and caused almost 8,000 deaths, while the SARS epidemic infected about 8,000 and killed nearly 800.
“This indicates that differences in the epidemiologic characteristics of these viruses probably arise from other factors, including high viral loads in the upper respiratory tract and the potential for persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 to shed and transmit the virus while asymptomatic,” wrote the researchers.
SARS-CoV-2 is the technical name for the new coronavirus.
The findings affirm guidance from public health professionals regarding social distancing, avoiding touching the face, covering your cough or sneeze, and frequently disinfecting objects using cleaning sprays or wipes.
කිත්සිරි ද සිල්වාTop contributor
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Australia lab may have found Covid-19 cure
Wed Mar 18, 2020 7:14 pm
Australia lab may have found Covid-19 cure
spw19721Active Member
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Wed Mar 18, 2020 8:51 pm
Thanks for the updates...
nihal123Top contributor- Posts : 6327
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Age : 58
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Thu Mar 19, 2020 3:58 am
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8117045/Experts-warn-150-000-Australians-die-coronavirus-nation-makes-mistake-Italy.html?fbclid=IwAR0nSh81kBABdXbRz5upTEBlOY0WESf_-O2-lJYtMSJz9-LTR_c0qVbju-0
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Thu Mar 19, 2020 9:10 am
Disaster in Italy already. Sri Lanka count went up to 50 by yesterday.
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Thu Mar 19, 2020 9:33 am
Sri Lanka private hospitals to admit Coronavirus patients, do PCR test
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s health ministry has issued guidelines for private hospitals to test patients for COVID19 Coronavirus, expanding available health facilities, but they have to be admitted to hospital, Director General of Health Anil Jasinghe said.
“This is not a screening test. It is a diagnostic test,” Jasinghe told reporters in Colombo. “So the patient has to be admitted to hospital.”
Jasinghe had earlier raised concerns over diagnostic tests carried out by a private hospital where the patient had gone home, raising the possibility of spreading the disease.
The the Epidimiology Unit of the government has to be informed on all test carried out whether they were positive or not, Jasinghe said.
A ceiling price of 6000 rupees had been set for the test, he said.
Private hospitals that admit patients that did not have their own facilities could ask for the test to be done at a government hospital also for 6000 rupees, he said.
Sri Lanka had so far confirmed 51 patients including a Chinese tourist. Most of the rest had been people who had been infected while abroad.
Sri Lanka has nearly two dozen state hospitals which are designated to treat Coronavirus patients. (Colombo/Mar18/2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s health ministry has issued guidelines for private hospitals to test patients for COVID19 Coronavirus, expanding available health facilities, but they have to be admitted to hospital, Director General of Health Anil Jasinghe said.
“This is not a screening test. It is a diagnostic test,” Jasinghe told reporters in Colombo. “So the patient has to be admitted to hospital.”
Jasinghe had earlier raised concerns over diagnostic tests carried out by a private hospital where the patient had gone home, raising the possibility of spreading the disease.
The the Epidimiology Unit of the government has to be informed on all test carried out whether they were positive or not, Jasinghe said.
A ceiling price of 6000 rupees had been set for the test, he said.
Private hospitals that admit patients that did not have their own facilities could ask for the test to be done at a government hospital also for 6000 rupees, he said.
Sri Lanka had so far confirmed 51 patients including a Chinese tourist. Most of the rest had been people who had been infected while abroad.
Sri Lanka has nearly two dozen state hospitals which are designated to treat Coronavirus patients. (Colombo/Mar18/2020)
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Thu Mar 19, 2020 9:36 am
Local coronavirus transmission likely in New South Wales
NSW has seen a huge spike in cases of coronavirus transmitted locally.
The state now has 307 confirmed cases of COVID-19 after 40 new cases were reported overnight.
Watch the video above
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said about 45 of those cases were believed to be from local transmission and 73 are still under investigation with the source unknown.
“We have also observed an increase in the number of cases where we haven’t been able to find a source of that infection,” she said.
NSW has close to double the amount of coronavirus cases reported in Victoria.
https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/local-coronavirus-transmission-likely-in-new-south-wales-c-752775
NSW has seen a huge spike in cases of coronavirus transmitted locally.
The state now has 307 confirmed cases of COVID-19 after 40 new cases were reported overnight.
Watch the video above
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said about 45 of those cases were believed to be from local transmission and 73 are still under investigation with the source unknown.
“We have also observed an increase in the number of cases where we haven’t been able to find a source of that infection,” she said.
NSW has close to double the amount of coronavirus cases reported in Victoria.
https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/local-coronavirus-transmission-likely-in-new-south-wales-c-752775
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Thu Mar 19, 2020 9:40 am
Coronavirus Cases:
219,243
Deaths:
8,968
Recovered:
85,745
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 176 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan). The day is reset after midnight GMT+0. The "New" columns for China display the previous day changes (as China reports after the day is over). For all other countries, the "New" columns display the changes for the current day while still in progress.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:00 am
As of now,
Coronavirus Cases:
245,532
Deaths:
10,048
Recovered:
88,437
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Coronavirus Cases:
245,532
Deaths:
10,048
Recovered:
88,437
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Sat Mar 21, 2020 9:45 am
Sri Lanka confirms over 70 Coronavirus cases
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has confirmed 70 Covid-19 Coronavirus cases by March 20, government data showed as authorities clamped full day country-wide curfews over the weekend to arrest the pandemic.
Late evening on March 20, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was quoted on private television as saying another two persons have been confirmed with the disease.
According to the Epidemiology Unit of the government’s Ministry of Health as of 10 March 20, 18 of the confirmed cases are from Gampaha, 17 are from Colombo and 12 are from Puttalam.
Kurunegala and Kalutara reported 4 cases each, 3 are from Ratnapura while Galle, Kegalle, Matara, Batticaloa and Badulla reported one case each.
These statistics are drawn from where these patients are in residence and not where they were found, the Ministry said.
The oldest patient is a 73-year-old man from Galle who is now under treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
In addition, 218 patients are currently under observation in hospitals in major urban centres across the country.
Three of the confirmed cases are foreigners. (Colombo/Mar18/2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has confirmed 70 Covid-19 Coronavirus cases by March 20, government data showed as authorities clamped full day country-wide curfews over the weekend to arrest the pandemic.
Late evening on March 20, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was quoted on private television as saying another two persons have been confirmed with the disease.
According to the Epidemiology Unit of the government’s Ministry of Health as of 10 March 20, 18 of the confirmed cases are from Gampaha, 17 are from Colombo and 12 are from Puttalam.
Kurunegala and Kalutara reported 4 cases each, 3 are from Ratnapura while Galle, Kegalle, Matara, Batticaloa and Badulla reported one case each.
These statistics are drawn from where these patients are in residence and not where they were found, the Ministry said.
The oldest patient is a 73-year-old man from Galle who is now under treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
In addition, 218 patients are currently under observation in hospitals in major urban centres across the country.
Three of the confirmed cases are foreigners. (Colombo/Mar18/2020)
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Sat Mar 21, 2020 10:02 am
As of now...
Coronavirus Cases:
276,123
Deaths:
11,404
Recovered:
91,952
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Coronavirus Cases:
276,123
Deaths:
11,404
Recovered:
91,952
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
- The Invisible
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Sun Mar 22, 2020 7:57 am
As of now...
Coronavirus Cases:
307,627
Deaths:
13,050
Recovered:
95,797
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
New deaths - 1,646
New infections - 31,504
New deaths from Italy 793
As I warned yesterday in SAMP thread USA has surpassed both Iran & Spain to climb to the third spot in terms of total cases
Coronavirus Cases:
307,627
Deaths:
13,050
Recovered:
95,797
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
New deaths - 1,646
New infections - 31,504
New deaths from Italy 793
As I warned yesterday in SAMP thread USA has surpassed both Iran & Spain to climb to the third spot in terms of total cases
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:00 am
Jaffna Philadelphia Church parishioners asked to self-quarantine after Pastor gets COVID19
ECONOMYNEXT – The authorities in the northern city of Jaffna have asked all those who participated in a service in the Philadelphia Church in Ariyalai on March 15 to self-quarantine as they believe the attendees may have been exposed to COVID19.
Governor of the Northern Province P S M Charles told EconomyNext that around 150 people are believed to have attended the service.
She said that after the Pastor returned to his home in Switzerland his wife had told the parishioners to pray for him as he is unwell with the coronavirus.
Governor Charles said that after that she asked that “all those who attended the service to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.”
She said that there is no list of the people who attended the service.
“Some say that the devotees came from different provinces, even all over the country,” she said.
Charles added that two families who came for the service have been found in Vavuniya. “The GA Kilinochchi is also looking for some people,” she said.
She added that the Jaffna Teaching Hospital has been requested to test all those who are registered and for their test results to be provided as soon as possible.
At least three people who attended the service have been admitted to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital with symptoms.
Officials said that the Pastor had appeared to be unwell when he conducted the service.
See Also
Sri Lanka military medic among new Coronavirus infections: Army Chief
Nearly one billion confined to homes as virus toll nears 13,000
Sri Lankan hotels offer to set up quarantine facilities
Sri Lanka turning ex-Voice of America relay station into COVID-19 hospital
Prisoner dead two injured in Anuradhapura prison
After the service the Pastor had “hugged and blessed all the people who were there,” Charles said.
The Church is in Ariyalai in the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha area and the celebration was held despite requests from the government to halt religious and other gatherings.
Officials in the North are concerned as most of the hospitals in the region are under-staffed and a major crisis could overwhelm the health services quickly. (Colombo March 21, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – The authorities in the northern city of Jaffna have asked all those who participated in a service in the Philadelphia Church in Ariyalai on March 15 to self-quarantine as they believe the attendees may have been exposed to COVID19.
Governor of the Northern Province P S M Charles told EconomyNext that around 150 people are believed to have attended the service.
She said that after the Pastor returned to his home in Switzerland his wife had told the parishioners to pray for him as he is unwell with the coronavirus.
Governor Charles said that after that she asked that “all those who attended the service to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.”
She said that there is no list of the people who attended the service.
“Some say that the devotees came from different provinces, even all over the country,” she said.
Charles added that two families who came for the service have been found in Vavuniya. “The GA Kilinochchi is also looking for some people,” she said.
She added that the Jaffna Teaching Hospital has been requested to test all those who are registered and for their test results to be provided as soon as possible.
At least three people who attended the service have been admitted to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital with symptoms.
Officials said that the Pastor had appeared to be unwell when he conducted the service.
See Also
Sri Lanka military medic among new Coronavirus infections: Army Chief
Nearly one billion confined to homes as virus toll nears 13,000
Sri Lankan hotels offer to set up quarantine facilities
Sri Lanka turning ex-Voice of America relay station into COVID-19 hospital
Prisoner dead two injured in Anuradhapura prison
After the service the Pastor had “hugged and blessed all the people who were there,” Charles said.
The Church is in Ariyalai in the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha area and the celebration was held despite requests from the government to halt religious and other gatherings.
Officials in the North are concerned as most of the hospitals in the region are under-staffed and a major crisis could overwhelm the health services quickly. (Colombo March 21, 2020)
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:02 am
Sri Lanka military medic among new Coronavirus infections: Army Chief
ECONOMYNEXT – New infections confirmed on March 21, were all from quarantine centres and one was a military medic Sri Lanka’s army chief Shavendra Silva told a privately run television station as the country remains under curfew to stop the spread of the virus.
General Silva told Sri Lanka’s Derana TV that six persons were confirmed on March 21, and five were from returnees from abroad.
There were now 45 quarantine centers run by the military of which 41 was run by the army, 02 by the Sri Lanka Air Force and 01 by the Navy.
“One of the six persons found yesterday was a health assistant,” General Silva said. “It was the first time
There were 3,361 including in quarantine centres with returning Buddhist pilgrims also added to the total.
From India 798 Buddhist pilgrims had returned, he said. They were being allowed in after arrivals were halted on March 19, on a request by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa he said.
A total of 30 infections so far were from quarantine centres, General Silva said.
Sri Lank confirmed 77 infection on March 21. The country remains under curfew till Monday, with Colombo, Puttalam and Gampaha to be under curfew till Tuesday morning.
Farmers are however allowed to go to fields and harvest. (Colombo/Mar20/2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – New infections confirmed on March 21, were all from quarantine centres and one was a military medic Sri Lanka’s army chief Shavendra Silva told a privately run television station as the country remains under curfew to stop the spread of the virus.
General Silva told Sri Lanka’s Derana TV that six persons were confirmed on March 21, and five were from returnees from abroad.
There were now 45 quarantine centers run by the military of which 41 was run by the army, 02 by the Sri Lanka Air Force and 01 by the Navy.
“One of the six persons found yesterday was a health assistant,” General Silva said. “It was the first time
There were 3,361 including in quarantine centres with returning Buddhist pilgrims also added to the total.
From India 798 Buddhist pilgrims had returned, he said. They were being allowed in after arrivals were halted on March 19, on a request by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa he said.
A total of 30 infections so far were from quarantine centres, General Silva said.
Sri Lank confirmed 77 infection on March 21. The country remains under curfew till Monday, with Colombo, Puttalam and Gampaha to be under curfew till Tuesday morning.
Farmers are however allowed to go to fields and harvest. (Colombo/Mar20/2020)
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Mon Mar 23, 2020 7:26 am
As of now...
Coronavirus Cases:
337,042
Deaths:
14,641
1,591 new deaths during last 24 hours.
Italy has 651 new deaths
USA reported its highest deaths per day recording 117 new deaths
Recovered:
98,627
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Coronavirus Cases:
337,042
Deaths:
14,641
1,591 new deaths during last 24 hours.
Italy has 651 new deaths
USA reported its highest deaths per day recording 117 new deaths
Recovered:
98,627
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
- The Invisible
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Mon Mar 23, 2020 7:32 am
Nearly one billion confined to homes as virus toll nears 13,000
AFP – Nearly one billion people around the world were confined to their homes Saturday as US states implemented stay-at-home orders similar to those in Europe, and as deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic surged towards 13,000.
More than a third of Americans were adjusting to life in various phases of lockdown — including in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, three of the country’s most populous cities — with more states expected to ramp up restrictions.
New Jersey became the latest US state to restrict movement as the fast-spreading pandemic upends lives across the planet, closing businesses, shutting schools and forcing millions to work from home.
“This is a time of shared national sacrifice, but also a time to treasure our loved ones,” US President Donald Trump told a press conference. “We’re going to have a great victory.”
The virus death toll soared to 12,725 worldwide as worst-hit Italy reported a one-day record number of deaths — nearly 800, with the country’s overall toll shooting past 4,800 — and Spain reported a 32 percent spike in new deaths.
France’s toll jumped by 112 to 562, as police officials said helicopters and drones were being deployed to boost the government’s attempts to keep people in their homes.
“The helicopters will give us a larger vision and a panoramic view of the situation in real time to help guide the patrols on the ground,” a national police source said.
Nearly one billion people are now confined to their homes in 35 countries, including 600 million hemmed in by mandatory government lockdown orders, according to an AFP tally.
The measures came as pressure mounted on Olympic organizers to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Games — and as the US Congress thrashes out an emergency economic package that could top $1 trillion.
– ‘Months, not weeks’ –
See Also
Sri Lanka ramps up chloroquine output, public warned not to take as preventive drug
Sri Lanka banks to open 2 hours when Coronavirus curfew lifts, online banking urged
As Coronavirus curfew lifts Sri Lanka retailers to restrict entry limit panic buying
Person who hosted Swiss Pastor infected with COVID19
Sri Lanka asks telecos to give emergency credit to keep in touch in Coronavirus fight
With virus fears gripping the world’s number one economy, New Jersey followed several other states, including California, New York and Illinois, in telling residents to stay indoors.
Governor Phil Murphy ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical stores from 9:00 PM (0100 GMT Sunday).
And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo warned Saturday that the disruption is likely to last for months, not weeks.
“I don’t think it’s possible in a city of this size for people to maintain it for much longer than three weeks before they start losing it,” said Yona Corn, a 35-year-old singer living in New York.
“I think there’s going to be a big mental health crisis. I worry about what’s going to happen to people,” she told AFP.
China reported no new local infections for a third straight day Saturday, and the WHO said the central city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged late last year, offered a glimmer of “hope for the rest of the world.”
But there are growing concerns of a new wave of “imported” infections in the region, with Hong Kong reporting 48 suspected cases on Friday –- its biggest daily jump since the crisis began.
Italy, a nation of 60 million, now accounts for more than a third of the world’s coronavirus deaths. It has a death rate of 8.6 percent among confirmed COVID-19 infections, significantly higher than in most other countries.
France, Italy, Spain and other European countries have ordered people to stay at home, threatening fines in some cases, while Bavaria became the first region in Germany to order a lockdown.
Britain told pubs, restaurants and theaters to close and warned citizens to stop panic-buying.
While the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are the hardest hit by the virus, the WHO has warned that young people are also vulnerable.
Australia’s famed Bondi beach and Rio de Janeiro’s beaches were ordered shut, and the normally bustling US-Mexico border was deserted as a shutdown took effect Saturday.
In the US Congress, lawmakers expressed hope of striking an agreement on a $1 trillion emergency aid package, amid fears of widespread economic fallout because of the pandemic.
Vice President Mike Pence said he and his wife would be tested for the coronavirus after one of his office staff contracted the illness.
And the US Food and Drug Administration also approved the first coronavirus test that can be conducted entirely at the point of care for a patient — and deliver results in 45 minutes.
In sports, the USA Track and Field became the latest influential athletic body to ask for the Summer Olympics to be called off.
“The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone’s health and safety,” chief Max Siegel said in a letter to the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
– China help –
The strict confinement measures follow the template set by China, as a lockdown imposed in Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital, appeared to have paid off.
Europe now accounts for more than half of the world’s fatalities linked to COVID-19.
However accurate figures are difficult to reach because many of the victims suffered from other illnesses, and infection rates are uncertain because of a lack of testing in many countries.
The shadow of the novel coronavirus is lengthening across Africa and the Middle East as well.
Cases stand at more than 1,000 across Africa, where health care systems are fragile and social distancing is difficult in many crowded cities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Finland, Lithuania and Mauritius all reported their first virus deaths Saturday.
In Iran, which reported 123 new deaths Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani promised the country would overcome the outbreak — but refused to join the rest of the world in imposing heavy restrictions.
Iran has had more than 1,500 deaths and some 20,000 infections linked to COVID-19.
In Latin America, Bolivia ordered citizens to stay at home starting Sunday, and Colombia said it would begin mandatory isolation from Tuesday.
AFP – Nearly one billion people around the world were confined to their homes Saturday as US states implemented stay-at-home orders similar to those in Europe, and as deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic surged towards 13,000.
More than a third of Americans were adjusting to life in various phases of lockdown — including in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, three of the country’s most populous cities — with more states expected to ramp up restrictions.
New Jersey became the latest US state to restrict movement as the fast-spreading pandemic upends lives across the planet, closing businesses, shutting schools and forcing millions to work from home.
“This is a time of shared national sacrifice, but also a time to treasure our loved ones,” US President Donald Trump told a press conference. “We’re going to have a great victory.”
The virus death toll soared to 12,725 worldwide as worst-hit Italy reported a one-day record number of deaths — nearly 800, with the country’s overall toll shooting past 4,800 — and Spain reported a 32 percent spike in new deaths.
France’s toll jumped by 112 to 562, as police officials said helicopters and drones were being deployed to boost the government’s attempts to keep people in their homes.
“The helicopters will give us a larger vision and a panoramic view of the situation in real time to help guide the patrols on the ground,” a national police source said.
Nearly one billion people are now confined to their homes in 35 countries, including 600 million hemmed in by mandatory government lockdown orders, according to an AFP tally.
The measures came as pressure mounted on Olympic organizers to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Games — and as the US Congress thrashes out an emergency economic package that could top $1 trillion.
– ‘Months, not weeks’ –
See Also
Sri Lanka ramps up chloroquine output, public warned not to take as preventive drug
Sri Lanka banks to open 2 hours when Coronavirus curfew lifts, online banking urged
As Coronavirus curfew lifts Sri Lanka retailers to restrict entry limit panic buying
Person who hosted Swiss Pastor infected with COVID19
Sri Lanka asks telecos to give emergency credit to keep in touch in Coronavirus fight
With virus fears gripping the world’s number one economy, New Jersey followed several other states, including California, New York and Illinois, in telling residents to stay indoors.
Governor Phil Murphy ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical stores from 9:00 PM (0100 GMT Sunday).
And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo warned Saturday that the disruption is likely to last for months, not weeks.
“I don’t think it’s possible in a city of this size for people to maintain it for much longer than three weeks before they start losing it,” said Yona Corn, a 35-year-old singer living in New York.
“I think there’s going to be a big mental health crisis. I worry about what’s going to happen to people,” she told AFP.
China reported no new local infections for a third straight day Saturday, and the WHO said the central city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged late last year, offered a glimmer of “hope for the rest of the world.”
But there are growing concerns of a new wave of “imported” infections in the region, with Hong Kong reporting 48 suspected cases on Friday –- its biggest daily jump since the crisis began.
Italy, a nation of 60 million, now accounts for more than a third of the world’s coronavirus deaths. It has a death rate of 8.6 percent among confirmed COVID-19 infections, significantly higher than in most other countries.
France, Italy, Spain and other European countries have ordered people to stay at home, threatening fines in some cases, while Bavaria became the first region in Germany to order a lockdown.
Britain told pubs, restaurants and theaters to close and warned citizens to stop panic-buying.
While the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are the hardest hit by the virus, the WHO has warned that young people are also vulnerable.
Australia’s famed Bondi beach and Rio de Janeiro’s beaches were ordered shut, and the normally bustling US-Mexico border was deserted as a shutdown took effect Saturday.
In the US Congress, lawmakers expressed hope of striking an agreement on a $1 trillion emergency aid package, amid fears of widespread economic fallout because of the pandemic.
Vice President Mike Pence said he and his wife would be tested for the coronavirus after one of his office staff contracted the illness.
And the US Food and Drug Administration also approved the first coronavirus test that can be conducted entirely at the point of care for a patient — and deliver results in 45 minutes.
In sports, the USA Track and Field became the latest influential athletic body to ask for the Summer Olympics to be called off.
“The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone’s health and safety,” chief Max Siegel said in a letter to the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
– China help –
The strict confinement measures follow the template set by China, as a lockdown imposed in Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital, appeared to have paid off.
Europe now accounts for more than half of the world’s fatalities linked to COVID-19.
However accurate figures are difficult to reach because many of the victims suffered from other illnesses, and infection rates are uncertain because of a lack of testing in many countries.
The shadow of the novel coronavirus is lengthening across Africa and the Middle East as well.
Cases stand at more than 1,000 across Africa, where health care systems are fragile and social distancing is difficult in many crowded cities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Finland, Lithuania and Mauritius all reported their first virus deaths Saturday.
In Iran, which reported 123 new deaths Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani promised the country would overcome the outbreak — but refused to join the rest of the world in imposing heavy restrictions.
Iran has had more than 1,500 deaths and some 20,000 infections linked to COVID-19.
In Latin America, Bolivia ordered citizens to stay at home starting Sunday, and Colombia said it would begin mandatory isolation from Tuesday.
- The Invisible
- Posts : 3116
Join date : 2016-11-28
Age : 44
Re: Coronavirus Updates
Mon Mar 23, 2020 7:33 am
Person who hosted Swiss Pastor infected with COVID19
Among the four new cases of COVID19 detected today in Sri Lanka is a person who associated with the Switzerland-based Christian Pastor who conducted a service at the Philadelphia Church in Ariyalai, near Nallur in the Jaffna District last week.
The Pastor has been confirmed as a COVID19 case by health authorities in Switzerland.
Director-General Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe said today that this person had not attended the service conducted by this pastor but had hosted him in his house.
He had been warded in the Anuradhapura Hospital and had been tested and confirmed as a coronavirus patient on Sunday the country’s top Health Official said.
The danger posed by the visiting Pastor has caused the authorities to extend the curfew in force in the country for a further 24 hours in the Districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi to limit any further spread of the novel coronavirus and trace those who attended the service at the Philadelphia church.
Army Commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva who heads the Presidential Task Force on COVID19 said that between 150 and 180 congregants had attended services at this church. They had mostly been from Jaffna but smaller groups from Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu had been there.
The Army Chief appealed to those who had attended these services to report to the nearest police stations and identify themselves.
“They should also return to their homes and self-quarantine,” he added.
The authorities had been alerted to the situation surrounding the Philadelphia Church after the Pastor’s wife had called parishioners and asked them to pray for her husband as he had contracted the virus.
People who attended the service had noticed the Pastor was ill. However, officials in Jaffna said the preacher had “hugged and blessed” many who had attended the ceremonies.
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Officials said that the Pastor had left Sri Lanka on the 16th being driven straight to the airport. He had been screened and detected when he landed in Switzerland they added.
Among the four new cases of COVID19 detected today in Sri Lanka is a person who associated with the Switzerland-based Christian Pastor who conducted a service at the Philadelphia Church in Ariyalai, near Nallur in the Jaffna District last week.
The Pastor has been confirmed as a COVID19 case by health authorities in Switzerland.
Director-General Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe said today that this person had not attended the service conducted by this pastor but had hosted him in his house.
He had been warded in the Anuradhapura Hospital and had been tested and confirmed as a coronavirus patient on Sunday the country’s top Health Official said.
The danger posed by the visiting Pastor has caused the authorities to extend the curfew in force in the country for a further 24 hours in the Districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi to limit any further spread of the novel coronavirus and trace those who attended the service at the Philadelphia church.
Army Commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva who heads the Presidential Task Force on COVID19 said that between 150 and 180 congregants had attended services at this church. They had mostly been from Jaffna but smaller groups from Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu had been there.
The Army Chief appealed to those who had attended these services to report to the nearest police stations and identify themselves.
“They should also return to their homes and self-quarantine,” he added.
The authorities had been alerted to the situation surrounding the Philadelphia Church after the Pastor’s wife had called parishioners and asked them to pray for her husband as he had contracted the virus.
People who attended the service had noticed the Pastor was ill. However, officials in Jaffna said the preacher had “hugged and blessed” many who had attended the ceremonies.
See Also
Sri Lanka ramps up chloroquine output, public warned not to take as preventive drug
Sri Lanka banks to open 2 hours when Coronavirus curfew lifts, online banking urged
As Coronavirus curfew lifts Sri Lanka retailers to restrict entry limit panic buying
Sri Lanka asks telecos to give emergency credit to keep in touch in Coronavirus fight
Elections Commission tells parties dont campaign, fight the virus
Officials said that the Pastor had left Sri Lanka on the 16th being driven straight to the airport. He had been screened and detected when he landed in Switzerland they added.
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Re: Coronavirus Updates
Mon Mar 23, 2020 10:26 am
Sri Lanka lifts coronavirus curfew in many areas, COVID-19 count 87
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka temporarily lifted a novel coronavirus curfew in many parts of the island Monday morning for people to purchase groceries and attend to their banking needs, as latest health ministry data showed confirmed COVID-19 cases going up to 87. Banks will open for two hours, authorities said.
Sri Lanka’s government warned families not to send older people out shopping and requested that only one person per house venture out. Shoppers are also advised to maintain a one-meter distance with other customers, at least while standing in a queue, and spend as little time as possible inside the store’s premises.
With the exception of Colombo, Puttalam, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Mullativu, curfew will be lifted in all other areas from 0600 to 1400 hours.
Sri Lanka’s health ministry said 87 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, with 222 were under observation by 2300 hours Sunday. Nine cases added during the day.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniaracchi said four cases were from the Kaluthara area. Wanniarachchi told privately-owned Derana TV that nine new cases were confirmed with the four from Kaluthara.
One of these was a person who had been with a pastor from Switzerland who had visited Sri Lanka’s north. Another was from the National Hospital Colombo while one other from Welikanda was a quarantined returnee from Italy.
At the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Colombo, a tourist guide was confirmed as having contracted the virus. Two others also reported from IDH.
Minister Wanniaracchi said there were a mother and daughter confirmed in the Kalutara hospital. A tourist driver and his father were also reported from the Kalutara hospital.
Sri Lanka’s central bank asked banks to remain open for at least two hours in areas where curfew was lifted. The head offices of all banks are in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s state information office quoted the acting police chief as saying bankers could go to work using their office identification as a curfew pass.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka temporarily lifted a novel coronavirus curfew in many parts of the island Monday morning for people to purchase groceries and attend to their banking needs, as latest health ministry data showed confirmed COVID-19 cases going up to 87. Banks will open for two hours, authorities said.
Sri Lanka’s government warned families not to send older people out shopping and requested that only one person per house venture out. Shoppers are also advised to maintain a one-meter distance with other customers, at least while standing in a queue, and spend as little time as possible inside the store’s premises.
With the exception of Colombo, Puttalam, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Mullativu, curfew will be lifted in all other areas from 0600 to 1400 hours.
Sri Lanka’s health ministry said 87 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, with 222 were under observation by 2300 hours Sunday. Nine cases added during the day.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniaracchi said four cases were from the Kaluthara area. Wanniarachchi told privately-owned Derana TV that nine new cases were confirmed with the four from Kaluthara.
One of these was a person who had been with a pastor from Switzerland who had visited Sri Lanka’s north. Another was from the National Hospital Colombo while one other from Welikanda was a quarantined returnee from Italy.
At the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Colombo, a tourist guide was confirmed as having contracted the virus. Two others also reported from IDH.
Minister Wanniaracchi said there were a mother and daughter confirmed in the Kalutara hospital. A tourist driver and his father were also reported from the Kalutara hospital.
Sri Lanka’s central bank asked banks to remain open for at least two hours in areas where curfew was lifted. The head offices of all banks are in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s state information office quoted the acting police chief as saying bankers could go to work using their office identification as a curfew pass.
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