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 17 Version 18
Coronavirus Live Updates: Virus Keeps Spreading as Governments Clamp Down Coronavirus Live Updates: Virus Keeps Spreading as Governments Clamp Down
(30 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Italy began one of the largest-ever attempts to restrict the movement of people in a democracy, with a lockdown of a northern region affecting about 16 million people and fueling questions about whether citizens would comply.Italy began one of the largest-ever attempts to restrict the movement of people in a democracy, with a lockdown of a northern region affecting about 16 million people and fueling questions about whether citizens would comply.
Saudi Arabia on Monday closed off air and sea travel to nine countries. 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. The kingdom also sent a shock through the global economy by boosting oil output, causing prices to plummet.
And 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 said that tighter restrictions on people’s movements might be needed.And 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 said that tighter restrictions on people’s movements might be needed.
“I don’t think it would be as draconian as ‘nobody in and nobody out,’” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the leading American expert on infectious diseases, 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. Anthony S. Fauci, the leading American expert on infectious diseases, 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.”
Oblivious to politics, the virus continued its march across the country, with more than 580 cases. California, New York, Oregon and Washington State have all declared emergencies.Oblivious to politics, the virus continued its march across the country, with more than 580 cases. California, New York, Oregon and Washington State have all declared emergencies.
Global stocks plunged on Monday, as did oil prices.Global stocks plunged on Monday, as did oil prices.
In Europe, where Italy is the hardest-hit country, the number of confirmed infections more than doubled in three days, with significant outbreaks in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Britain and the Netherlands.In Europe, where Italy is the hardest-hit country, the number of confirmed infections more than doubled in three days, with significant outbreaks in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Britain and the Netherlands.
In China, where the disease began and most cases have occurred, the authorities continue to tout their success in beating back its spread.In China, where the disease began and most cases have occurred, the authorities continue to tout their success in beating back its spread.
The first schools reopened in China on Monday, but 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, but 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 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, and on Monday, the national total approached 600.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, and on Monday, the national total approached 600.
While many of the cases have been tied to international travel, a number of new cases have raised concerns about transmission in public places.While many of the cases have been tied to international travel, a number of new cases have raised concerns about transmission in public places.
In Kentucky, a patient who tested positive for the virus had worked at a Walmart in Cynthiana, outside of Lexington, officials said. In Washington, D.C., a church rector who gave out communion and shook hands with parishioners at Christ Church Georgetown was identified as a patient. In Kentucky, a patient who tested positive had worked at a Walmart in Cynthiana, near Lexington, officials said. In Washington, D.C., a church rector who gave communion and shook hands with parishioners at Christ Church Georgetown was identified as a patient.
With the center 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. 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, companies are telling 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.A global health conference in Orlando, Fla., planned for Monday, with President Trump as a speaker, has been called off.
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. U.S. officials are not yet talking about locking down whole cities, as China and Italy have done. But the specter of isolation hovers over affected communities.
“I don’t think you want to have folks shutting down cities like in northern Italy — we are not at that level,” Dr. Fauci said in an interview. “Social distancing like in Seattle is the way to go.”“I don’t think you want to have folks shutting down cities like in northern Italy — we are not at that level,” Dr. Fauci said in an interview. “Social distancing like in Seattle is the way to go.”
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,” he added.
“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. C.D.C. officials said on Monday said that older people and those with chronic illnesses — groups with high fatality rates — should take immediate precautions. They should ensure they have groceries and adequate medical supplies, the agency said, and should avoid crowds in poorly ventilated areas. Those receiving care from relatives and aides should have back-up plans.
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.
C.D.C. officials said on Monday said that older people and those with chronic illnesses should take new precautions against the spread of the coronavirus. Fatality rates are much higher in these groups, studies have shown. They should ensure there are groceries in the home and adequate medical supplies now, the agency said, and should avoid crowds in poorly ventilated areas. Those receiving care from relatives and aides should have a back-up plan in place. The Justice Department warned makers of health care products on Monday against seizing on the crisis to illegally profit from the sale of face masks, sterile gloves and other items.
“The Department of Justice stands ready to make sure that bad actors do not take advantage of emergency response efforts, health care providers or the American people during this crucial time,” Attorney General William P. Barr said in a statement.
The department said it would criminally prosecute anyone who violated antitrust laws and pledged to hold accountable companies that collude to fix prices on health care products.
Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region’s major airports, bridges, tunnels and bus terminals, has tested positive for the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York announced on Monday.Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region’s major airports, bridges, tunnels and bus terminals, has tested positive for the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York announced on Monday.
Mr. Cotton is one of the most prominent public officials in the United States to have contracted the virus. On Monday morning, the governor said 142 cases had been confirmed statewide, including Mr. Cotton. Of those cases, 98 were in Westchester County and 19 were in New York City, and 8 of the total had been hospitalized.Mr. Cotton is one of the most prominent public officials in the United States to have contracted the virus. On Monday morning, the governor said 142 cases had been confirmed statewide, including Mr. Cotton. Of those cases, 98 were in Westchester County and 19 were in New York City, and 8 of the total had been hospitalized.
“He has been at the airports, obviously, when many people were coming back with the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said at a news conference, referring to Mr. Cotton. Mr. Cuomo suggested that Mr. Cotton might have been infected as part of his work on behalf of the authority at Kennedy International Airport, noting that it “was one of the main airports for people coming in on those overseas flights.”“He has been at the airports, obviously, when many people were coming back with the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said at a news conference, referring to Mr. Cotton. Mr. Cuomo suggested that Mr. Cotton might have been infected as part of his work on behalf of the authority at Kennedy International Airport, noting that it “was one of the main airports for people coming in on those overseas flights.”
Reached at his New York City apartment on Monday morning, Mr. Cotton, who is in his mid-70s, said that he had no obvious symptoms of the virus but declined to comment further. “I’m in self-quarantine at home at the moment,” he said.Reached at his New York City apartment on Monday morning, Mr. Cotton, who is in his mid-70s, said that he had no obvious symptoms of the virus but declined to comment further. “I’m in self-quarantine at home at the moment,” he said.
In addition to Mr. Cotton, senior officials at the Port Authority who had worked near him were also being tested for the coronavirus, the governor said.In addition to Mr. Cotton, senior officials at the Port Authority who had worked near him were also being tested for the coronavirus, the governor said.
On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio 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.On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio 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. Princeton University in New Jersey announced that it would move its classes online on March 23, after its spring break, for at least two weeks.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. Princeton University in New Jersey announced that it would move its classes online on March 23, after its spring break, for at least two weeks.
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 drop in the S&P 500 hit 7 percent, prompting an automatic trading halt for 15 minutes. The benchmark recovered some ground after trading resumed, and at mid-day was down more than 5 percent.Five minutes into the trading day in the United States, the drop in the S&P 500 hit 7 percent, prompting an automatic trading halt for 15 minutes. The benchmark recovered some ground after trading resumed, and at mid-day was down more than 5 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.
Mr. Trump blamed Monday’s collapse of the stock markets on falling oil prices and the news media, again dismissing the widening fear over coronavirus as he faced one of the most rattling days of his presidency.Mr. Trump blamed Monday’s collapse of the stock markets on falling oil prices and the news media, again dismissing the widening fear over coronavirus as he faced one of the most rattling days of his presidency.
Mr. Trump, arriving in Orlando on Monday morning for a campaign fund-raiser after spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate, did not respond to reporters who shouted questions about the tumbling markets, but he made his views known on Twitter account.Mr. Trump, arriving in Orlando on Monday morning for a campaign fund-raiser after spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate, did not respond to reporters who shouted questions about the tumbling markets, but he made his views known on Twitter account.
“Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil,” he wrote while Air Force One was landing in Orlando. “That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop!” He sought to cast the decline in oil prices in positive terms. “Good for the consumer, gasoline prices coming down!” he wrote. As for the coronavirus, he tried to reassure Americans by once again emphasizing that it remained a relatively low risk for most.“Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil,” he wrote while Air Force One was landing in Orlando. “That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop!” He sought to cast the decline in oil prices in positive terms. “Good for the consumer, gasoline prices coming down!” he wrote. As for the coronavirus, he tried to reassure Americans by once again emphasizing that it remained a relatively low risk for most.
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.
Princess Cruises offered the passengers, who have been trapped in their rooms since Thursday, full refunds for their trips, including airfare and most purchases on board. They were also offered credit for a future cruise.Princess Cruises offered the passengers, who have been trapped in their rooms since Thursday, full refunds for their trips, including airfare and most purchases on board. They were also offered credit for a future cruise.
Ireland canceled St. Patrick’s Day parades, Italian prison inmates rioted after being denied family visits, Germany recorded its first death and Britain’s government warned that rapid spread of the new coronavirus was inevitable.Ireland canceled St. Patrick’s Day parades, Italian prison inmates rioted after being denied family visits, Germany recorded its first death and Britain’s government warned that rapid spread of the new coronavirus was inevitable.
The number of infections on the continent continued to surge at an alarming pace, more than doubling in three days to about 12,000 confirmed on Sunday. Italy, with almost 7,400 cases, surpassed South Korea to become the country with the second-largest outbreak, after China.The number of infections on the continent continued to surge at an alarming pace, more than doubling in three days to about 12,000 confirmed on Sunday. Italy, with almost 7,400 cases, surpassed South Korea to become the country with the second-largest outbreak, after China.
Protests were staged in at least two dozen Italian prisons on Sunday and Monday, Italian news outlets reported, after the government halted almost all visits and cut down day-release programs, replacing them with more phone calls and video chats.Protests were staged in at least two dozen Italian prisons on Sunday and Monday, Italian news outlets reported, after the government halted almost all visits and cut down day-release programs, replacing them with more phone calls and video chats.
In Ireland, the central government decided on Monday to call off the St. Patrick’s parade in Dublin, the public broadcaster RTE and other news media reported. That came just after the city of Cork decided to cancel its parade, a move already made by several other cities.In Ireland, the central government decided on Monday to call off the St. Patrick’s parade in Dublin, the public broadcaster RTE and other news media reported. That came just after the city of Cork decided to cancel its parade, a move already made by several other cities.
France announced a ban on almost all public gatherings with more than 1,000 people, and said that the Champions League soccer game between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday would be played without fans in the stadium. A France-Ireland ruby game scheduled for Saturday was postponed.France announced a ban on almost all public gatherings with more than 1,000 people, and said that the Champions League soccer game between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday would be played without fans in the stadium. A France-Ireland ruby game scheduled for Saturday was postponed.
Germany’s status as the only country with a large outbreak but no deaths came to an end, with the death of an 89-year-old woman in Essen.Germany’s status as the only country with a large outbreak but no deaths came to an end, with the death of an 89-year-old woman in Essen.
In Britain, after a meeting of its emergency management committee, the government said that while it had not given up on containing the virus, it now accepts that the disease will spread quickly and lead to a significant outbreak. The country has not closed schools or canceled public gatherings, but the emergency committee discussed more aggressive measures it might take soon.In Britain, after a meeting of its emergency management committee, the government said that while it had not given up on containing the virus, it now accepts that the disease will spread quickly and lead to a significant outbreak. The country has not closed schools or canceled public gatherings, but the emergency committee discussed more aggressive measures it might take soon.
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.
Mr. 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.Mr. 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, the president said he was “not concerned at all” about the outbreak getting closer to the White House.On Saturday, the president 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,” he told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he was spending the weekend.“We’re going to have tremendous rallies,” he 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 Mitch Smith, Peter Baker, Roni Caryn Rabin, Elisabetta Povoledo, Declan Walsh, Matthew Haag, 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 Mitch Smith, Peter Baker, Roni Caryn Rabin, Elisabetta Povoledo, Declan Walsh, Matthew Haag, 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.