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In a rapidly evolving situation, we must think ahead and react fast, says a special envoy of the WHO director general Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Covid-19 is a new virus. Its high transmission rate and rapid exponential growth make its effects particularly serious. We are seeing how, in country after country, this is now far more than a public health issue. Politicians everywhere are having to balance their responses to the health consequences of Covid-19 with the needs of their economies and societies. The interactions are complex and can be highly contextual as differences in the strength of the economy, the age of the population and local health systems and society all interact. People and businesses are hurting and fearful for the future. There are many lessons from countries where the disease appeared early in the pandemic, but global leaders also need to be aware of the global context. It is right that we scrutinise our leaders’ actions,...

Latest in flurry of launches draws particular criticism amid coronavirus pandemic North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as “inappropriate” amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Two “short-range projectiles” were launched from the coastal Wonsan area and flew 230km (143 miles) at a maximum altitude of 30km (19 miles), South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/39lSc3i

Ban waived but where ship with fatal outbreak onboard will be allowed to dock remains unclear Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A luxury cruise ship battling a Covid-19 outbreak would be allowed to pass through the Panama canal, the country’s government confirmed, although it remained unclear where it would be allowed to dock. Four passengers have died and dozens have fallen ill on the Zaandam, which was stranded off the coast of Panama after several Latin America countries refused to let it into port. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3dBMptN

Investigation under way to determine cause of death in pandemic where children make up only small fraction of positive cases globally Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The Illinois health department has announced the first known infant death from Covid-19 in the state. The Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, said an investigation was under way to determine the cause of death and whether the child, who was younger than one year, had other health issues. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3443Ejf

Victim in South Island had other health conditions and had been admitted to hospital with suspected influenza, reports say Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage New Zealand has reported its first coronavirus-related death, a woman in her 70s on the west coast of South Island. The woman, who authorities said had underlying health conditions, was reportedly diagnosed with influenza on admittance to hospital. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3406XI8

Fox News Breaking News Alert Trump announces quarantine on New York, parts of New Jersey and Conn. 'will not be necessary;' CDC to issue 'travel advisory' 03/28/20 5:34 PM

New York’s governor says Trump idea of regional quarantine would be ‘federal declaration of war’, and more than 10,000 die in Italy. Follow the latest updates Coronavirus latest: at a glance Deaths in Italy pass 10,000 Patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rate See all our coronavirus coverage 12.35am GMT Donald Trump has now said there will be no need to enforce a regional quarantine on New York and neighbouring states. A few minutes ago the president tweeted that he would instead have the CDC issue “a strong travel advisory”. On the recommendation of the White House CoronaVirus Task Force, and upon consultation with the Governor’s of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, I have asked the @CDCgov to issue a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the.... ....Federal Government. A quarantine will not be necessary. Full details will be released by CDC tonight. Thank you! 12.29am GMT Social genius: Saskia, my niece, has or...