This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/world/coronavirus-news.html

The article has changed 65 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Coronavirus Live Updates: Governments Clamp Down but Virus Still Spreads Coronavirus Live Updates: Governments Clamp Down but Virus Still Spreads
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Global stocks plunged on Monday, including on Wall Street, as the spread of coronavirus led governments around the world to take increasingly stringent measures to try to slow the outbreak.Global stocks plunged on Monday, including on Wall Street, as the spread of coronavirus led governments around the world to take increasingly stringent measures to try to slow the outbreak.
Italy began one of the largest-ever attempts to restrict the movement of people in a Western democracy, with a lockdown of the country’s northern region affecting about 16 million people and fueling questions about whether citizens would comply with the restrictions.Italy began one of the largest-ever attempts to restrict the movement of people in a Western democracy, with a lockdown of the country’s northern region affecting about 16 million people and fueling questions about whether citizens would comply with the restrictions.
Saudi Arabia on Monday closed off air and sea travel to nine countries in an effort to slow transmission. The kingdom also sent a shock through the global economy by boosting oil output, causing prices to plummet.Saudi Arabia on Monday closed off air and sea travel to nine countries in an effort to slow transmission. The kingdom also sent a shock through the global economy by boosting oil output, causing prices to plummet.
In the United States, where the Trump administration has come under criticism for sending conflicting messages on the crisis and failing to prepare adequately for its arrival, some government officials gave briefings on the more extreme measures that might be needed to limit the outbreak.In the United States, where the Trump administration has come under criticism for sending conflicting messages on the crisis and failing to prepare adequately for its arrival, some government officials gave briefings on the more extreme measures that might be needed to limit the outbreak.
The leading American expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, said that officials might have to order regional lockdowns in the near future.The leading American expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, said that officials might have to order regional lockdowns in the near future.
“I don’t think it would be as draconian as ‘nobody in and nobody out,’” Dr. Fauci said on “Fox News Sunday.” “But there’ll be, if we continue to get cases like this, particularly at the community level, there will be what we call mitigation.”“I don’t think it would be as draconian as ‘nobody in and nobody out,’” Dr. Fauci said on “Fox News Sunday.” “But there’ll be, if we continue to get cases like this, particularly at the community level, there will be what we call mitigation.”
President Trump took to Twitter to rail against his critics and the media.President Trump took to Twitter to rail against his critics and the media.
He also personally attacked Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who denounced the federal government for sending mixed messages and criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for delays in allowing private laboratories in New York State to test for the coronavirus.He also personally attacked Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who denounced the federal government for sending mixed messages and criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for delays in allowing private laboratories in New York State to test for the coronavirus.
“There are no mixed messages, only political weaponization by people like you and your brother, Fredo!” Mr. Trump wrote. The president was referring to Fredo Corleone, the most ineffectual of the fictional brothers in the movie “The Godfather” in his response to Mr. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, an anchor on CNN. (An earlier version of this post incorrectly said he was the youngest brother.)“There are no mixed messages, only political weaponization by people like you and your brother, Fredo!” Mr. Trump wrote. The president was referring to Fredo Corleone, the most ineffectual of the fictional brothers in the movie “The Godfather” in his response to Mr. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, an anchor on CNN. (An earlier version of this post incorrectly said he was the youngest brother.)
Oblivious to politics, the virus continued its steady march across the country, with at least 545 cases. California, New York, Oregon and Washington State have all declared emergencies.Oblivious to politics, the virus continued its steady march across the country, with at least 545 cases. California, New York, Oregon and Washington State have all declared emergencies.
In Europe, France, Germany and Spain saw new cases double in just the past few days.In Europe, France, Germany and Spain saw new cases double in just the past few days.
Italy remains the epicenter of the epidemic on the Continent, accounting for more than 7,350 of the world’s 109,400 cases, which are spread across at least 95 countries.Italy remains the epicenter of the epidemic on the Continent, accounting for more than 7,350 of the world’s 109,400 cases, which are spread across at least 95 countries.
In China, where the outbreak was first reported late last year and which has recorded the vast majority of cases, the authorities continued to tout their success in beating back the spread of the pathogen.In China, where the outbreak was first reported late last year and which has recorded the vast majority of cases, the authorities continued to tout their success in beating back the spread of the pathogen.
The first schools reopened in China on Monday, a sign that the country could soon get back to normal. However, experts cautioned that until very stringent restrictions on movement were lifted, it would be hard to gauge how successful the measures had been in defeating the virus.The first schools reopened in China on Monday, a sign that the country could soon get back to normal. However, experts cautioned that until very stringent restrictions on movement were lifted, it would be hard to gauge how successful the measures had been in defeating the virus.
The United States faces an accelerating pace of new coronavirus case reports — each of the last six days has brought more than the day before — as well as the prospect of more sweeping measures to fight the spread of the virus. Over the weekend, more than 230 cases were added, bringing the national total to well over 500. The United States faces an accelerating pace of new coronavirus case reports as well as the prospect of more sweeping measures to fight the spread of the virus. Over the weekend, more than 230 cases were added, bringing the national total to well over 500.
In Washington State, with the epicenter in the Seattle area, Gov. Jay Inslee said he was considering mandatory measures to help keep people apart. Public school districts in several states have shut down, universities are moving classes online and canceling large gatherings, companies are telling many employees to work from home, and houses of worship are limiting services. A global health conference in Orlando, Fla., planned for Monday, with President Trump as a speaker, has been called off. With the epicenter in the Seattle area, Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington said he was considering mandatory measures to keep people apart. Public school districts in several states have shut down, universities are moving classes online and canceling large gatherings, companies are telling employees to work from home, and houses of worship are limiting services.
Officials are not yet talking about locking down whole American cities, as China and Italy have done. But the specter of isolation — of telling people in affected areas not to go out — is hovering in communities where the infection has taken hold. A global health conference in Orlando, Fla., planned for Monday, with President Trump as a speaker, has been called off.
“I don’t think you want to have folks shutting down cities like in northern Italy — we are not at that level,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview. “Social distancing like in Seattle is the way to go. I’m not talking about locking down anything. There’s a big difference between voluntary social distancing and locking anything down.” U.S. officials are not yet talking about locking down whole cities, as China and Italy have done. But the specter of isolation — telling people in affected areas not to go out — is hovering in affected communities.
Get an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirusGet an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirus
newsletter. newsletter.
Dr. Fauci and other officials have been signaling that, with many new cases popping up that have no known link to foreign travel, the spread of the virus in the United States may have reached the point where it can no longer be completely contained by isolating the sick and quarantining their contacts. “I don’t think you want to have folks shutting down cities like in northern Italy — we are not at that level,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview. “Social distancing like in Seattle is the way to go.”
“Don’t go to crowded places, think twice before a long plane trip, and for goodness’ sake, don’t go on any cruises,” Dr. Fauci said. For people who are particularly vulnerable, he said: “Don’t wait for community spread. Now is the time to do social distancing, whether there is spread in your community or not. Dr. Fauci and other experts have been signaling that, with many new cases popping up that have no known link to foreign travel, the spread of the virus in the United States may have reached the point where it can no longer be completely contained by isolating the sick and quarantining their contacts.
“Don’t go to crowded places, think twice before a long plane trip, and for goodness’ sake, don’t go on any cruises,” Dr. Fauci said.
Oil markets crashed and stocks plunged on Monday as a sudden clash among the world’s biggest oil producers gave already rattled investors another reason to worry about the global economy.Oil markets crashed and stocks plunged on Monday as a sudden clash among the world’s biggest oil producers gave already rattled investors another reason to worry about the global economy.
Five minutes into the trading day in the United States, the plunge in the S&P 500 hit 7 percent, prompting an automatic trading halt for 15 minutes. The benchmark recovered some ground soon after trading resumed, and was down slightly less than 7 percent.Five minutes into the trading day in the United States, the plunge in the S&P 500 hit 7 percent, prompting an automatic trading halt for 15 minutes. The benchmark recovered some ground soon after trading resumed, and was down slightly less than 7 percent.
Financial markets have whipped around for weeks as investors struggled to quantify the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus: stocks have tumbled, oil prices cratered, and yields on government bonds reflected a sense among investors that there was worse still to come.Financial markets have whipped around for weeks as investors struggled to quantify the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus: stocks have tumbled, oil prices cratered, and yields on government bonds reflected a sense among investors that there was worse still to come.
But over the weekend, two of the world’s major oil producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia, added a new element to the mix by setting off a price war for crude. While low oil prices can be beneficial, they can also disrupt economies that depend heavily on petroleum dollars. The fall in oil prices since the start of the coronavirus also signals a global economic slowdown.But over the weekend, two of the world’s major oil producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia, added a new element to the mix by setting off a price war for crude. While low oil prices can be beneficial, they can also disrupt economies that depend heavily on petroleum dollars. The fall in oil prices since the start of the coronavirus also signals a global economic slowdown.
European shares plunged when they started trading on Monday, with the markets in Frankfurt and London down 8 percent. Paris and other European exchanges were close behind, echoing sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region where markets ended sharply lower.European shares plunged when they started trading on Monday, with the markets in Frankfurt and London down 8 percent. Paris and other European exchanges were close behind, echoing sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region where markets ended sharply lower.
Government bonds signaled that investors wanted the security of a safe harbor, as yields on U.S. government debt fell to new lows. Gold, the tried-and-true indicator of investor skittishness, rose.Government bonds signaled that investors wanted the security of a safe harbor, as yields on U.S. government debt fell to new lows. Gold, the tried-and-true indicator of investor skittishness, rose.
A cruise ship off the coast of California that has failed to find a port to call home amid an outbreak of the coronavirus is expected to dock in Oakland on Monday, and the thousands of people on board will begin to be split up for an additional 14 days of quarantine.A cruise ship off the coast of California that has failed to find a port to call home amid an outbreak of the coronavirus is expected to dock in Oakland on Monday, and the thousands of people on board will begin to be split up for an additional 14 days of quarantine.
Officials were putting together a detailed plan for how to contain coronavirus from the vessel, which is carrying 2,421 passengers and 1,113 crew members. Last week, 45 people on the ship were tested for coronavirus and 21 tested positive, 19 of them crew members.Officials were putting together a detailed plan for how to contain coronavirus from the vessel, which is carrying 2,421 passengers and 1,113 crew members. Last week, 45 people on the ship were tested for coronavirus and 21 tested positive, 19 of them crew members.
It is expected to take two to three days to clear the ship, with priority given to the patients who tested positive and other people who need medical care.It is expected to take two to three days to clear the ship, with priority given to the patients who tested positive and other people who need medical care.
California residents, who make up around 40 percent of the passengers, will be transferred for a 14-day quarantine at military bases across the state, including the nearby Travis Air Force Base, where evacuees from China were quarantined last month.California residents, who make up around 40 percent of the passengers, will be transferred for a 14-day quarantine at military bases across the state, including the nearby Travis Air Force Base, where evacuees from China were quarantined last month.
Other U.S. passengers will be flown to military bases in Georgia and Texas, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said.Other U.S. passengers will be flown to military bases in Georgia and Texas, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said.
Foreign passengers will be sent home on charter flights from a section of Oakland International Airport where they can avoid contact with the general public, officials said at the briefing.Foreign passengers will be sent home on charter flights from a section of Oakland International Airport where they can avoid contact with the general public, officials said at the briefing.
Most of the crew members will remain onboard the cruise ship, which will leave the San Francisco Bay within about three days, Mr. Newsom said.Most of the crew members will remain onboard the cruise ship, which will leave the San Francisco Bay within about three days, Mr. Newsom said.
On Sunday afternoon, advance medical teams were arriving on the ship, Grand Princess, which was about 10 miles offshore, to assess the general health of those onboard. Some passengers, who did not plan to be away from home for so long, were particularly concerned about access to medications.On Sunday afternoon, advance medical teams were arriving on the ship, Grand Princess, which was about 10 miles offshore, to assess the general health of those onboard. Some passengers, who did not plan to be away from home for so long, were particularly concerned about access to medications.
“We cannot be more deeply empathetic to those who are stranded off our coast,” Mr. Newsom said at the news conference. “I know there is a sense of deep frustration.”“We cannot be more deeply empathetic to those who are stranded off our coast,” Mr. Newsom said at the news conference. “I know there is a sense of deep frustration.”
“We’ll have you home soon,” he added.“We’ll have you home soon,” he added.
As much of northern Italy enters a lockdown — with restrictions affecting nearly 16 million people — prisoners across the country have rioted after being denied visits from family members.As much of northern Italy enters a lockdown — with restrictions affecting nearly 16 million people — prisoners across the country have rioted after being denied visits from family members.
Protests were held in at least two dozen prisons across the country on Sunday and Monday after the government banned visits and cut down day-release programs, Italian news outlets reported. Several people managed to escape from a prison in Foggia, a town in southern Italy, according to the news agency ANSA.Protests were held in at least two dozen prisons across the country on Sunday and Monday after the government banned visits and cut down day-release programs, Italian news outlets reported. Several people managed to escape from a prison in Foggia, a town in southern Italy, according to the news agency ANSA.
About a dozen inmates at San Vittore Prison in Milan, the city’s largest, managed to get to the roof on Monday, where they shouted, “We want freedom, we want freedom.”About a dozen inmates at San Vittore Prison in Milan, the city’s largest, managed to get to the roof on Monday, where they shouted, “We want freedom, we want freedom.”
Patrick Gonnella, president of Antigone, an association that monitors prison conditions, said the precautionary measures had not been explained sufficiently to the prisoners before being put in place.Patrick Gonnella, president of Antigone, an association that monitors prison conditions, said the precautionary measures had not been explained sufficiently to the prisoners before being put in place.
“They should have been compensated immediately with more calls, not leaving people in anxiety and solitude,” he said.“They should have been compensated immediately with more calls, not leaving people in anxiety and solitude,” he said.
The restrictions prohibit face-to-face visits, substituting them with phone calls and video chats. In some “exceptional cases,” personal visits can take place as long as the inmate and visitor are kept about six feet apart.The restrictions prohibit face-to-face visits, substituting them with phone calls and video chats. In some “exceptional cases,” personal visits can take place as long as the inmate and visitor are kept about six feet apart.
On Sunday, six inmates died after a riot in a prison in Modena, also in northern Italy, when they apparently overdosed on medicines stolen from the infirmary, Italian news media reported.On Sunday, six inmates died after a riot in a prison in Modena, also in northern Italy, when they apparently overdosed on medicines stolen from the infirmary, Italian news media reported.
“The situation is serious and dramatic,” Daniela Caputo, the secretary of Dirpolpen, an association of penitentiary police officers, said on Sky News Italia.“The situation is serious and dramatic,” Daniela Caputo, the secretary of Dirpolpen, an association of penitentiary police officers, said on Sky News Italia.
Donato Capece, secretary general of Sappe, a union representing guards, said that prisons were unprepared for an outbreak.Donato Capece, secretary general of Sappe, a union representing guards, said that prisons were unprepared for an outbreak.
“It’s a pot that’s boiling,” he said.“It’s a pot that’s boiling,” he said.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday for delays in allowing private laboratories in his state to test for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases in the state has risen to at least 106, but more testing is needed, the governor said.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday for delays in allowing private laboratories in his state to test for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases in the state has risen to at least 106, but more testing is needed, the governor said.
“C.D.C., wake up, let the states test, let private labs test, let’s increase as quickly as possible our testing capacity so we can identify the positive people,” Mr. Cuomo said.“C.D.C., wake up, let the states test, let private labs test, let’s increase as quickly as possible our testing capacity so we can identify the positive people,” Mr. Cuomo said.
President Trump fired back on Twitter overnight, saying that his administration had been consistent in its public statements while attacking the governor of New York and his brother.President Trump fired back on Twitter overnight, saying that his administration had been consistent in its public statements while attacking the governor of New York and his brother.
“There are no mixed messages, only political weaponization by people like you and your brother, Fredo!” Mr. Trump wrote. The president was referring to Fredo Corleone, the most ineffectual of the fictional brothers in the movie “The Godfather” in his response to Mr. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, an anchor on CNN.“There are no mixed messages, only political weaponization by people like you and your brother, Fredo!” Mr. Trump wrote. The president was referring to Fredo Corleone, the most ineffectual of the fictional brothers in the movie “The Godfather” in his response to Mr. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, an anchor on CNN.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday that there were 13 cases of the coronavirus, with “hundreds” expected in the weeks to come. He said the city would offer no-interest loans to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees that could show a 25 percent reduction in sales since the outbreak and grants of as much as $6,000 for businesses with fewer than five employees.In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday that there were 13 cases of the coronavirus, with “hundreds” expected in the weeks to come. He said the city would offer no-interest loans to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees that could show a 25 percent reduction in sales since the outbreak and grants of as much as $6,000 for businesses with fewer than five employees.
The mayor urged New Yorkers to avoid crowded subway cars and to use alternative forms of transportation, like biking, if possible.The mayor urged New Yorkers to avoid crowded subway cars and to use alternative forms of transportation, like biking, if possible.
In Scarsdale, in Westchester County, schools will be closed from Monday through March 18 after a faculty member at the district’s middle school tested positive for the virus.In Scarsdale, in Westchester County, schools will be closed from Monday through March 18 after a faculty member at the district’s middle school tested positive for the virus.
Columbia University and Barnard College in New York canceled classes Monday and Tuesday and will shift to remote classes the rest of the week after a member of its community was quarantined as a result of exposure to the coronavirus.Columbia University and Barnard College in New York canceled classes Monday and Tuesday and will shift to remote classes the rest of the week after a member of its community was quarantined as a result of exposure to the coronavirus.
Two members of Congress said they would enter a period of self-quarantine after interacting last month with a person who attended a conservative conference outside Washington and later tested positive for the virus.Two members of Congress said they would enter a period of self-quarantine after interacting last month with a person who attended a conservative conference outside Washington and later tested positive for the virus.
One of those lawmakers, Senator Ted Cruz, said in a statement on Sunday that he had interacted with the person at the conference. The interaction was less than a minute and consisted of a brief conversation and a handshake, the senator said, adding that he would self-quarantine at his home in Texas this week “out of an abundance of caution.”One of those lawmakers, Senator Ted Cruz, said in a statement on Sunday that he had interacted with the person at the conference. The interaction was less than a minute and consisted of a brief conversation and a handshake, the senator said, adding that he would self-quarantine at his home in Texas this week “out of an abundance of caution.”
The other lawmaker, Representative Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona, said he would take similar measures.The other lawmaker, Representative Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona, said he would take similar measures.
“I was with the individual for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times,” Mr. Gosar said in a statement.“I was with the individual for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times,” Mr. Gosar said in a statement.
The American Conservative Union, which hosts the conference, said the person was exposed to the virus before the four-day event and tested positive for it on Saturday.The American Conservative Union, which hosts the conference, said the person was exposed to the virus before the four-day event and tested positive for it on Saturday.
President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence also spoke at the event, the Conservative Political Action Conference, but they did not interact with the infected person, who never attended the proceedings in the main hall, the union said in a statement.President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence also spoke at the event, the Conservative Political Action Conference, but they did not interact with the infected person, who never attended the proceedings in the main hall, the union said in a statement.
Others who spoke at the conference included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. Also in attendance were Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and adviser, and Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.Others who spoke at the conference included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. Also in attendance were Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and adviser, and Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.
On Saturday, President Trump said he was “not concerned at all” about the outbreak getting closer to the White House.On Saturday, President Trump said he was “not concerned at all” about the outbreak getting closer to the White House.
He also said that he had no plans to curtail his campaign rallies even though other large gatherings of people are being canceled across the country.He also said that he had no plans to curtail his campaign rallies even though other large gatherings of people are being canceled across the country.
“We’re going to have tremendous rallies,” the president told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he was spending the weekend.“We’re going to have tremendous rallies,” the president told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he was spending the weekend.
Egypt limited access to its most famous temples along the Nile at Luxor on Monday amid fears that the city had become a major international transmission point for the coronavirus.Egypt limited access to its most famous temples along the Nile at Luxor on Monday amid fears that the city had become a major international transmission point for the coronavirus.
Tourists were confined to their hotels and inside cruise boats docked on the Nile as government doctors arrived to carry out tests, local officials and guests said.Tourists were confined to their hotels and inside cruise boats docked on the Nile as government doctors arrived to carry out tests, local officials and guests said.
About 136 crew members and guests from one Nile cruiser, the A Sara, have been in quarantine in Luxor, in southern Egypt, since Saturday. Another 45 people aboard the boat who tested positive for the virus, including American and European tourists, have been sent by military plane to an isolation ward at a hospital in northern Egypt.About 136 crew members and guests from one Nile cruiser, the A Sara, have been in quarantine in Luxor, in southern Egypt, since Saturday. Another 45 people aboard the boat who tested positive for the virus, including American and European tourists, have been sent by military plane to an isolation ward at a hospital in northern Egypt.
On Sunday night, the government announced that the total number of coronavirus cases across Egypt had reached 55, with one fatality: a 60-year-old German tourist who died at a hospital at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The German was admitted to the hospital on Friday, after traveling from Luxor.On Sunday night, the government announced that the total number of coronavirus cases across Egypt had reached 55, with one fatality: a 60-year-old German tourist who died at a hospital at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The German was admitted to the hospital on Friday, after traveling from Luxor.
Saudi Arabia on Monday shut off air and sea travel to nine countries in an effort to slow transmission of the virus as the kingdom grappled with a simultaneous blow to its economy from a severe plunge in oil prices.Saudi Arabia on Monday shut off air and sea travel to nine countries in an effort to slow transmission of the virus as the kingdom grappled with a simultaneous blow to its economy from a severe plunge in oil prices.
Effectively isolating itself from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia closed air and sea travel to the Arab states of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, as well as to Italy and South Korea. The kingdom had already closed its land borders, and travel to and from neighboring Qatar has been banned since 2017 because of a political dispute.Effectively isolating itself from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia closed air and sea travel to the Arab states of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, as well as to Italy and South Korea. The kingdom had already closed its land borders, and travel to and from neighboring Qatar has been banned since 2017 because of a political dispute.
Internally, Saudi Arabia on Sunday cordoned off the Shiite-majority towns and villages in the area of the Qatif Governorate, where all 11 of the reported coronavirus cases in the kingdom have been identified. Compared with the Sunni majority of the kingdom’s population, Shiite Saudis are far more likely to have traveled to Shiite-led Iran, which has become a major hub for the transmission of the coronavirus.Internally, Saudi Arabia on Sunday cordoned off the Shiite-majority towns and villages in the area of the Qatif Governorate, where all 11 of the reported coronavirus cases in the kingdom have been identified. Compared with the Sunni majority of the kingdom’s population, Shiite Saudis are far more likely to have traveled to Shiite-led Iran, which has become a major hub for the transmission of the coronavirus.
Shiite Saudis have long complained of discrimination against them by the Sunni Muslim rulers of the kingdom and their ultraconservative clerical allies.Shiite Saudis have long complained of discrimination against them by the Sunni Muslim rulers of the kingdom and their ultraconservative clerical allies.
The kingdom has also suspended pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.The kingdom has also suspended pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia on Monday faced a potentially devastating cut to its revenue from a drop in oil prices. A slowdown in the global economy because of the pandemic has been pushing down oil prices for weeks. Last week, negotiators for the kingdom and OPEC failed to reach an agreement with Russia to curb production.At the same time, Saudi Arabia on Monday faced a potentially devastating cut to its revenue from a drop in oil prices. A slowdown in the global economy because of the pandemic has been pushing down oil prices for weeks. Last week, negotiators for the kingdom and OPEC failed to reach an agreement with Russia to curb production.
Italy reported a huge jump in deaths from the coronavirus on Sunday, a surge of more than 50 percent from the day before, as it ordered an unprecedented peacetime lockdown of its wealthiest region in a sweeping effort to fight the epidemic.Italy reported a huge jump in deaths from the coronavirus on Sunday, a surge of more than 50 percent from the day before, as it ordered an unprecedented peacetime lockdown of its wealthiest region in a sweeping effort to fight the epidemic.
The extraordinary measure restricted movement for a quarter of the country’s population.The extraordinary measure restricted movement for a quarter of the country’s population.
“We are facing an emergency, a national emergency,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in announcing the government decree in a news conference after 2 a.m.“We are facing an emergency, a national emergency,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in announcing the government decree in a news conference after 2 a.m.
The move is tantamount to sacrificing the Italian economy in the short term to save it from the ravages of the virus in the long term. The measures will turn stretches of wealthy northern Italy — including the economic and cultural capital of Milan and prime tourist destinations like Venice — into quarantined red zones until at least April 3.The move is tantamount to sacrificing the Italian economy in the short term to save it from the ravages of the virus in the long term. The measures will turn stretches of wealthy northern Italy — including the economic and cultural capital of Milan and prime tourist destinations like Venice — into quarantined red zones until at least April 3.
They will prevent the free movement of roughly 16 million people.They will prevent the free movement of roughly 16 million people.
Funerals and cultural events are banned. The decree requires that people keep a distance of at least one meter from one another at sporting events, bars, churches and supermarkets.Funerals and cultural events are banned. The decree requires that people keep a distance of at least one meter from one another at sporting events, bars, churches and supermarkets.
Italy’s confirmed coronavirus infections nearly tripled from about 2,500 infections on Tuesday to more than 7,375 on Sunday. Deaths rose to 366.Italy’s confirmed coronavirus infections nearly tripled from about 2,500 infections on Tuesday to more than 7,375 on Sunday. Deaths rose to 366.
On Sunday, Italy’s outbreak surpassed South Korea’s, becoming the second-largest in the world. It has inflicted serious damage on one of Europe’s most fragile economies and prompted the closing of schools.On Sunday, Italy’s outbreak surpassed South Korea’s, becoming the second-largest in the world. It has inflicted serious damage on one of Europe’s most fragile economies and prompted the closing of schools.
More and more countries have adopted or are considering stronger measures to try to keep infected people from entering and to contain outbreaks.More and more countries have adopted or are considering stronger measures to try to keep infected people from entering and to contain outbreaks.
Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Declan Walsh, Carlos Tejada, David Kirkpatrick, Marc Santora, Steven Lee Myers, Claire Fu, Alissa J. Rubin, Gillian Wong, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Ellen Tumposky, Neil Vigdor and Russell Goldman.Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Declan Walsh, Carlos Tejada, David Kirkpatrick, Marc Santora, Steven Lee Myers, Claire Fu, Alissa J. Rubin, Gillian Wong, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Ellen Tumposky, Neil Vigdor and Russell Goldman.