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Coronavirus Live Updates: W.H.O. Declares Pandemic as Number of Infected Countries Grows Coronavirus Live Updates: W.H.O. Declares Pandemic as Number of Infected Countries Grows
(30 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy on Wednesday ordered almost all businesses nationwide to close as infections and deaths from the new coronavirus continued to soar two days after he announced stringent travel restrictions, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy on Wednesday ordered almost all businesses nationwide to close as infections and deaths from the new coronavirus continued to soar, two days after he announced stringent travel restrictions.
Pharmacies and grocery stores will be allowed to operate. Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks and public transit will be allowed to operate, but any other commercial enterprise that is not vital — restaurants, bars, most stores, cafes, beauty salons — must close to limit the contagion, Mr. Conte said in an evening address to the nation.
Italy had already imposed controls unlike anything seen in a modern democracy, banning public gatherings and telling a nation of 60 million people to halt travel except for work or emergencies. But in Italy and across Europe, the epidemic has spread at a speed that has left countries scrambling to come up with containment plans.Italy had already imposed controls unlike anything seen in a modern democracy, banning public gatherings and telling a nation of 60 million people to halt travel except for work or emergencies. But in Italy and across Europe, the epidemic has spread at a speed that has left countries scrambling to come up with containment plans.
At the center of the crisis in Europe, Italy reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, driving its total to more than 12,000, with 827 deaths — the second-worst outbreak in the world, after China. Italy has more than half the cases in Europe. Mr. Conte did not say when the new order would go into effect, but many businesses had already closed, either based on their own judgments or in expectation of a government decree.
Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, said Italy’s sacrifices would serve the entire continent. “If the numbers keep going up, which is not at all improbable,” Mr. Conte said, it would mean not that new measures were needed, but that Italians shock stick to those already imposed. “We must be lucid, measured, rigorous, responsible.”
“Today, the red zone is Italy,” he said, but if containment measures fail, “the red zone will be Europe.” The benefits of Italy’s sacrifice will not be seen for weeks, he warned.
Italy reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, driving its total to more than 12,000, with 827 deaths — the second-worst outbreak in the world, after China. Italy has more than half the cases in Europe.
Across Europe, the number of confirmed infections jumped by almost a quarter from Tuesday to Wednesday, reaching more than 22,000.Across Europe, the number of confirmed infections jumped by almost a quarter from Tuesday to Wednesday, reaching more than 22,000.
France, with almost 2,300 infections, and Spain, with almost 2,200, each reported an increase of about 500 from Tuesday. Germany had about 1,600.France, with almost 2,300 infections, and Spain, with almost 2,200, each reported an increase of about 500 from Tuesday. Germany had about 1,600.
Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.
Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.
Poland, which on Wednesday had 25 confirmed cases, will also shut down theaters, museums and art galleries for two weeks starting Friday.
In an unusual three-hour teleconference on Tuesday night, the European Council, which comprises the heads of government of the European Union states, decided to set up a $28 billion investment fund and to relax rules governing airlines.
But the leaders failed to overcome disagreements among bloc members about sharing medical equipment like face masks and respirators, given that health issues are the responsibility of national governments.
After the meeting, President Emmanuel Macron of France said: “What we are living is a true world crisis.”
Financial markets tumbled again Wednesday as the economic threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak came into stark relief — and as policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic appeared unwilling or unable to mount an aggressive response.Financial markets tumbled again Wednesday as the economic threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak came into stark relief — and as policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic appeared unwilling or unable to mount an aggressive response.
The S&P 500 was down nearly 6 percent on Wednesday afternoon, bringing an end to an 11-year bull market. On Tuesday, the benchmark index had posted its best single-day performance in over a year, rising almost 5 percent.The S&P 500 was down nearly 6 percent on Wednesday afternoon, bringing an end to an 11-year bull market. On Tuesday, the benchmark index had posted its best single-day performance in over a year, rising almost 5 percent.
“If the Trump administration and Congress can’t get it together quickly and put together a sizable and responsible package, then a recession seems like a real possibility here,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. He said he saw a roughly 50 percent chance of a recession in the next year.“If the Trump administration and Congress can’t get it together quickly and put together a sizable and responsible package, then a recession seems like a real possibility here,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. He said he saw a roughly 50 percent chance of a recession in the next year.
In Europe, major indexes in Frankfurt, London and Paris fell, giving up early gains that had come after the Bank of England said it would cut interest rates to help British businesses. Shares in Asia also fell.In Europe, major indexes in Frankfurt, London and Paris fell, giving up early gains that had come after the Bank of England said it would cut interest rates to help British businesses. Shares in Asia also fell.
The economic damage is only beginning to emerge from disruptions in supply chains, travel and entertainment, worsened by a price war in the oil industry.The economic damage is only beginning to emerge from disruptions in supply chains, travel and entertainment, worsened by a price war in the oil industry.
President Trump said that he planned to make a formal statement to the nation, from the Oval Office, at 9 p.m. Eastern time.President Trump said that he planned to make a formal statement to the nation, from the Oval Office, at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
“We are going to get the problem solved,” Mr. Trump told reporters earlier in the day, ahead of a White House meeting with banking executives. “If we get rid of the problem quickly everything solved itself.”“We are going to get the problem solved,” Mr. Trump told reporters earlier in the day, ahead of a White House meeting with banking executives. “If we get rid of the problem quickly everything solved itself.”
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President Trump said he favored a payroll tax holiday. Another possibility he has weighed is extending the American tax filing deadline past April 15.President Trump said he favored a payroll tax holiday. Another possibility he has weighed is extending the American tax filing deadline past April 15.
Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy, including about $6.5 billion for Britain’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies.Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy, including about $6.5 billion for Britain’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy announced that his government was developing a plan to spend about $28 billion to confront the coronavirus emergency. Italy is the hardest hit country outside of China. But China’s new cases have dwindled, while Italy’s are escalating.In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy announced that his government was developing a plan to spend about $28 billion to confront the coronavirus emergency. Italy is the hardest hit country outside of China. But China’s new cases have dwindled, while Italy’s are escalating.
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“We will do everything necessary,” Mr. Conte said.“We will do everything necessary,” Mr. Conte said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.
The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.
Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term to describe the epidemic leapfrogging across the world, for fear of giving the impression that it was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it. The organization had said earlier in the outbreak that it no longer officially declared when an epidemic reaches pandemic proportions, preferring instead to declare global public health emergencies.Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term to describe the epidemic leapfrogging across the world, for fear of giving the impression that it was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it. The organization had said earlier in the outbreak that it no longer officially declared when an epidemic reaches pandemic proportions, preferring instead to declare global public health emergencies.
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.
“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”
But now there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300, and by most scientific measures the spread qualifies as a pandemic. The designation itself is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.But now there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300, and by most scientific measures the spread qualifies as a pandemic. The designation itself is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.
According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”
The W.H.O. had not declared a pandemic since 2009, when it gave that designation to a new strain of H1N1 influenza.The W.H.O. had not declared a pandemic since 2009, when it gave that designation to a new strain of H1N1 influenza.
As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose slowly on Wednesday to more than 1,080, a day after jumping by more than one-third.As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose slowly on Wednesday to more than 1,080, a day after jumping by more than one-third.
Officials around the country have begun taking increasingly drastic measures to try to slow the virus’s spread. People in 40 states and Washington D.C. have tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths.Officials around the country have begun taking increasingly drastic measures to try to slow the virus’s spread. People in 40 states and Washington D.C. have tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths.
In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students between them, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, including Michigan State University and Georgetown University. Some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students between them, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, including Michigan State University and Georgetown University. Some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, which could disrupt the opening of the baseball season. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.
“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March. Seattle officials followed with a decision to close the city’s public schools for two weeks, starting tomorrow.“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March. Seattle officials followed with a decision to close the city’s public schools for two weeks, starting tomorrow.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a deeply religious state.Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a deeply religious state.
“I know that’s a big step,” Mr. Beshear said. “I know that some won’t agree with it.“I know that’s a big step,” Mr. Beshear said. “I know that some won’t agree with it.
But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”
New York plans to shut down schools and other gathering places in New Rochelle, a suburban area with one of the country’s biggest case clusters. And New York City scrambled to alert the theater-going public and clean venues after a positive test for a Broadway usher who had worked in recent days at “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Six.”New York plans to shut down schools and other gathering places in New Rochelle, a suburban area with one of the country’s biggest case clusters. And New York City scrambled to alert the theater-going public and clean venues after a positive test for a Broadway usher who had worked in recent days at “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Six.”
In California, which after Washington State and New York has the highest caseload, passengers continued to disembark from the Grand Princess, a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus. As of Tuesday evening, about 1,406 people had been able to leave the ship, going into a mandatory two-week quarantine.In California, which after Washington State and New York has the highest caseload, passengers continued to disembark from the Grand Princess, a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus. As of Tuesday evening, about 1,406 people had been able to leave the ship, going into a mandatory two-week quarantine.
Among the newly announced cases are those of three Transportation Security Administration agents who work at Mineta San Jose International Airport.Among the newly announced cases are those of three Transportation Security Administration agents who work at Mineta San Jose International Airport.
A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.
“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.
“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu or previous outbreaks, such as the H1N1 flu strain.“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu or previous outbreaks, such as the H1N1 flu strain.
“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.
The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump.The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump.
The hearing had a sharper tone than others, in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were not attending because they were in self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.The hearing had a sharper tone than others, in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were not attending because they were in self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.
A supply shortage is looming that could keep laboratories around the United States from meeting the ballooning demand for coronavirus testing.A supply shortage is looming that could keep laboratories around the United States from meeting the ballooning demand for coronavirus testing.
For weeks, doctors and labs have complained that there weren’t nearly enough test kits to take samples from all the patients who showed signs of infection. That shortfall is easing after a botched rollout, though not gone.For weeks, doctors and labs have complained that there weren’t nearly enough test kits to take samples from all the patients who showed signs of infection. That shortfall is easing after a botched rollout, though not gone.
But laboratories warn that they are running low on supplies used to extract viral RNA from nasal swabs — supplies that are not included in the kits.But laboratories warn that they are running low on supplies used to extract viral RNA from nasal swabs — supplies that are not included in the kits.
RNA extraction supplies “are usually things we wouldn’t ever even wonder if they were running out, because they’re always around,” said Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “But in this case, because everyone in the world is trying to extract RNA right now, they seem to be low.”RNA extraction supplies “are usually things we wouldn’t ever even wonder if they were running out, because they’re always around,” said Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “But in this case, because everyone in the world is trying to extract RNA right now, they seem to be low.”
Some lab directors have also had trouble getting the virus samples needed to validate their tests. And many are worried about a possible shortage of reagents, the chemicals used in the tests.Some lab directors have also had trouble getting the virus samples needed to validate their tests. And many are worried about a possible shortage of reagents, the chemicals used in the tests.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that labs could test one swab per patient, rather than two, cutting the chemical demand in half.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that labs could test one swab per patient, rather than two, cutting the chemical demand in half.
Qiagen, a major manufacturer of the RNA extraction kits, said in a statement this week that because of the coronavirus outbreak, demand is “challenging our capacity to supply certain products” and that it was increasing production in sites in Germany, Spain and Maryland.Qiagen, a major manufacturer of the RNA extraction kits, said in a statement this week that because of the coronavirus outbreak, demand is “challenging our capacity to supply certain products” and that it was increasing production in sites in Germany, Spain and Maryland.
The C.D.C. and the Food and Drug Administration have said they are aware of potential shortages and are monitoring supplies, but it is not clear what they might do to address such problems.The C.D.C. and the Food and Drug Administration have said they are aware of potential shortages and are monitoring supplies, but it is not clear what they might do to address such problems.
The grandest annual exhibition in U.S. college sports — the N.C.A.A. men’s and women’s basketball tournaments — will be played with “only essential staff and limited family attendance,” the organization announced on Wednesday.The grandest annual exhibition in U.S. college sports — the N.C.A.A. men’s and women’s basketball tournaments — will be played with “only essential staff and limited family attendance,” the organization announced on Wednesday.
“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how Covid-19 is progressing in the United States,” Mark Emmert, the N.C.A.A. president, said in a statement.“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how Covid-19 is progressing in the United States,” Mark Emmert, the N.C.A.A. president, said in a statement.
The move will allow the games to go on for the benefit of television audiences, but in a dramatically different playing atmosphere that is certain to change the tenor of the tournaments.The move will allow the games to go on for the benefit of television audiences, but in a dramatically different playing atmosphere that is certain to change the tenor of the tournaments.
The N.C.A.A. privately reckoned with the virus’s implications for week. The men’s tournament had been expected to culminate in a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on April 6, while the women’s competition had been expected to draw thousands of spectators in New Orleans on April 5.The N.C.A.A. privately reckoned with the virus’s implications for week. The men’s tournament had been expected to culminate in a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on April 6, while the women’s competition had been expected to draw thousands of spectators in New Orleans on April 5.
Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio all but forced the issue on Wednesday afternoon, when he said that the state authorities would issue sweeping restrictions on indoor gatherings, like the N.C.A.A. games that were planned for next week in Dayton and Cleveland.Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio all but forced the issue on Wednesday afternoon, when he said that the state authorities would issue sweeping restrictions on indoor gatherings, like the N.C.A.A. games that were planned for next week in Dayton and Cleveland.
Pressure had already been rising. On Tuesday, the Ivy League canceled its basketball tournaments, and the Big West and Mid-American Conferences both closed their tournaments to the public.Pressure had already been rising. On Tuesday, the Ivy League canceled its basketball tournaments, and the Big West and Mid-American Conferences both closed their tournaments to the public.
This season’s men’s tournament was scheduled to take place in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Spokane, Wash. The women’s tournament, planned to run through cities like Dallas and Portland, Ore., was even more complicated because the venues for its first- and second-round games are not set until the top 16 seeds are selected.This season’s men’s tournament was scheduled to take place in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Spokane, Wash. The women’s tournament, planned to run through cities like Dallas and Portland, Ore., was even more complicated because the venues for its first- and second-round games are not set until the top 16 seeds are selected.
The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.
But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.
At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”
The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.
“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”
“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”
That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.
“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.
Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators.Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators.
The Indian government acted to close the country’s borders on Wednesday, suspending virtually all visas to enter the country until April 15.The Indian government acted to close the country’s borders on Wednesday, suspending virtually all visas to enter the country until April 15.
It is one of the strongest measures on international travel that any government has taken. This week, Israel said it would require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days. On Wednesday, Guatemala said it would bar Europeans and citizens of China, Iran and North and South Korea beginning on Thursday.It is one of the strongest measures on international travel that any government has taken. This week, Israel said it would require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days. On Wednesday, Guatemala said it would bar Europeans and citizens of China, Iran and North and South Korea beginning on Thursday.
Russia’s coronavirus crisis center said the country would suspend most of the regular flights to Italy, Germany, Spain and France. Flights from Moscow to Rome, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris will continue, but only from one terminal of the city’s main Sheremetyevo airport, which is also handling China flights. Starting Friday, tourist visas will no longer be issued to Italian nationals.Russia’s coronavirus crisis center said the country would suspend most of the regular flights to Italy, Germany, Spain and France. Flights from Moscow to Rome, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris will continue, but only from one terminal of the city’s main Sheremetyevo airport, which is also handling China flights. Starting Friday, tourist visas will no longer be issued to Italian nationals.
The decision in India came as the number of the country’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 60.The decision in India came as the number of the country’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 60.
Under the new rules, visas for tourists and business travelers are suspended until April 15. In addition, more than 3 million foreigners of Indian descent who hold a special lifetime visa cannot enter the country until April 15.Under the new rules, visas for tourists and business travelers are suspended until April 15. In addition, more than 3 million foreigners of Indian descent who hold a special lifetime visa cannot enter the country until April 15.
The new rules do not apply to diplomats, people who work for international organizations like the United Nations, and foreign workers with existing employment visas.The new rules do not apply to diplomats, people who work for international organizations like the United Nations, and foreign workers with existing employment visas.
The country also announced mandatory 14-day quarantines for all incoming travelers, including Indian citizens, who arrive from China, Italy, Iran, Korea, France, Spain and Germany.The country also announced mandatory 14-day quarantines for all incoming travelers, including Indian citizens, who arrive from China, Italy, Iran, Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
The government discouraged Indians from nonessential travel abroad, warning that they might be subject to quarantine on re-entry.The government discouraged Indians from nonessential travel abroad, warning that they might be subject to quarantine on re-entry.
In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?
Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.
To repurpose the samples for coronavirus testing, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China. Repurposing the samples for coronavirus testing required the support of state and federal officials — who, interviews and emails show, would not give it . Weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.
By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected. By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected.
In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days. In fact, officials would later discover that the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.
Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.
The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.
Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, still recovering from a major Ebola outbreak, reported its first case of the coronavirus on Tuesday evening, officials announced. Ivory Coast did the same on Wednesday.
While cases of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa have been limited so far — the World Health Organization reported fewer than 20 cases in the region as of Wednesday, with the largest cluster in South Africa — global health officials worry about the impact a potential outbreak could have on the already stretched health care systems in many nations.
Eteni Longondo, the Congolese health minister, announced in a televised address to the nation that a 52-year-old national who had been in France had tested positive for the virus after arriving in the capital, Kinshasa, last week.
“We are working at tracing and identifying all the people who have had contact with the patient,” Dr. Longondo said, and urged citizens not to panic.
The country just last week announced that its final Ebola patient from an outbreak that began in August 2018 had been released from the hospital, and was preparing to declare itself Ebola-free in the coming weeks. Health officials warned that continued vigilance will be needed to ensure the virus does not re-emerge.
Ivory Coast’s first patient is a 45-year-old Ivorian man who had recently traveled to Italy, Reuters reported, citing the country’s health ministry.
Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Annie Karni, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ivan Nechepurenko, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh, Isabel Kershner and Katie Thomas.Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Annie Karni, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ivan Nechepurenko, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh, Isabel Kershner and Katie Thomas.