Britain is on police-enforced lockdown alongside one-third of the global population, after Boris Johnson said families should stay at home to counter the spread of coronavirus. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has said that creating a package of aid for self-employed and gig economy workers is very difficult and that he had no new measures of that kind to announce.
It came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned the Covid-19 pandemic was accelerating, having taken 67 days to reach 100,000 cases worldwide but just four to go from 200,000 to 300,000. However, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted that “we are not helpless bystanders” and that “we can change the trajectory of this pandemic”.
In the US, Donald Trump claimed he would “re-open” the country after 15 days, attempting to play down the coronavirus death toll by comparing it to flu and car crashes. Meanwhile, senators still have not passed the $2tn (£1.7tn) stimulus package. In Japan, the government has asked the IOC to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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UK wakes up to lockdown
If you need to catch up, here's what's new:
Boris Johnson has imposed an unprecedented three-week nationwide lockdown across the UK in an attempt to bring a halt to the coronavirus outbreak, writes Andrew Woodcock.
All British households have been told to stay at home except for a strictly limited set of reasons – with police having powers to enforce the instructions with fines.
Shops selling non-essential goods have been ordered to close, along with libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.
If you need to catch up, here's what's new:
Boris Johnson has imposed an unprecedented three-week nationwide lockdown across the UK in an attempt to bring a halt to the coronavirus outbreak, writes Andrew Woodcock.
All British households have been told to stay at home except for a strictly limited set of reasons – with police having powers to enforce the instructions with fines.
Shops selling non-essential goods have been ordered to close, along with libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.
View from across the pond
Donald Trump said he intends to re-open the United States from its coronavirus shutdown sooner than in three or four months, as some experts have predicted the lockdown should last, even saying he might consider such an order when a White House-mandated 15-day period to shutter much of the economy ends next week, writes John T Bennett.
However, it is unclear if state and local officials would even follow such presidential guidance – especially in hard-hit areas.
"Our country wasn't built to be shut down," Mr Trump said during an evening briefing at the White House. Once medical officials signal it is "okay," he added, "Let's get back to work."
Donald Trump said he intends to re-open the United States from its coronavirus shutdown sooner than in three or four months, as some experts have predicted the lockdown should last, even saying he might consider such an order when a White House-mandated 15-day period to shutter much of the economy ends next week, writes John T Bennett.
However, it is unclear if state and local officials would even follow such presidential guidance – especially in hard-hit areas.
"Our country wasn't built to be shut down," Mr Trump said during an evening briefing at the White House. Once medical officials signal it is "okay," he added, "Let's get back to work."
Hubei eases restrictions
Hubei province in China will lift travel restrictions on people leaving the region, evan as other areas tighten controls
The Hubei Health Commission announced it would lift curbs on outgoing travellers beginning on Wednesday, provided they had a clearance code.
Wuhan, the region's capital and the pandemic epicentre, has been on total lockdown since 23 January, and restrictions there will not be lifted until 8 April.
However, the risk from overseas infections appears to be on the rise, prompting tougher screening and quarantine measures in major cities like Beijing.
China logged 78 new cases on Monday, the National Health Commission said, a two-fold increase from Sunday. Of the new cases, 74 were imported infections, up from 39 imported cases a day earlier.
Hubei province in China will lift travel restrictions on people leaving the region, evan as other areas tighten controls
The Hubei Health Commission announced it would lift curbs on outgoing travellers beginning on Wednesday, provided they had a clearance code.
Wuhan, the region's capital and the pandemic epicentre, has been on total lockdown since 23 January, and restrictions there will not be lifted until 8 April.
However, the risk from overseas infections appears to be on the rise, prompting tougher screening and quarantine measures in major cities like Beijing.
China logged 78 new cases on Monday, the National Health Commission said, a two-fold increase from Sunday. Of the new cases, 74 were imported infections, up from 39 imported cases a day earlier.
Kyrgyzstan emergency
Kyrgyzstan declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in its three biggest cities, including the capital Bishkek.
It will allow authorities to lock the hubs down after the central Asian nation's tally of coronavirus cases more than doubled.
In addition to the cities of Bishkek, Osh and Jalal-Abad, local emergencies were also declared in three provincial districts, which will open the way for measures from banning layoffs to imposing curfews, the government said.
Kyrgyzstan, which shares a border with China, said it had confirmed 42 cases of Covid-19 infection, up from just 16 a day earlier.
Kyrgyzstan declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in its three biggest cities, including the capital Bishkek.
It will allow authorities to lock the hubs down after the central Asian nation's tally of coronavirus cases more than doubled.
In addition to the cities of Bishkek, Osh and Jalal-Abad, local emergencies were also declared in three provincial districts, which will open the way for measures from banning layoffs to imposing curfews, the government said.
Kyrgyzstan, which shares a border with China, said it had confirmed 42 cases of Covid-19 infection, up from just 16 a day earlier.
Thailand follows suit
Thailand is the latest country to declare a state of emergency over coronavirus.
Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said his cabinet had agreed on Tuesday to put a one-month state of emergency into effect on Thursday.
It will give the government enforcement powers not normally available to it.
Thailand is the latest country to declare a state of emergency over coronavirus.
Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said his cabinet had agreed on Tuesday to put a one-month state of emergency into effect on Thursday.
It will give the government enforcement powers not normally available to it.
Sports Direct 'should close'
Mike Ashley has been urged to "take responsibility" and close his Sports Direct shops after he claimed they were an essential service and vowed to keep them open despite the UK lockdown.
Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles, wrote to all workers within 30 minutes of Boris Johnson's decision to shut down all non-essential retailers.
Mike Ashley has been urged to "take responsibility" and close his Sports Direct shops after he claimed they were an essential service and vowed to keep them open despite the UK lockdown.
Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct and Evans Cycles, wrote to all workers within 30 minutes of Boris Johnson's decision to shut down all non-essential retailers.
Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery questioned the decision, tweeting: "Who on earth does Mike Ashley think he is? He's prepared to endanger the life of his employees and the public at large."
The Wansbeck MP added that selling sports equipment "is not an essential service", while Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said Sports Direct staying open could potentially be "putting vulnerable people at risk".
"Take some responsibility SHUT UP SHOP" Mr Lavery concluded.
The Wansbeck MP added that selling sports equipment "is not an essential service", while Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said Sports Direct staying open could potentially be "putting vulnerable people at risk".
"Take some responsibility SHUT UP SHOP" Mr Lavery concluded.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Michael Gove also said the fitness chain was not essential and should review its policy.
Construction advice
Michael Gove, responding to questions over government advice for builders, told Good Morning Britain that all major construction work should go ahead but jobs carried out at close quarters in someone's home would not be appropriate.
Michael Gove, responding to questions over government advice for builders, told Good Morning Britain that all major construction work should go ahead but jobs carried out at close quarters in someone's home would not be appropriate.
Britain to join calls to cancel Olympics
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is expected to add its voice to the growing calls for this summer’s Tokyo Games to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The BOA, the British Paralympic Association and funding body UK Sport will hold a conference call today with bosses from the summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and it is anticipated they will make a collective call for the Games to be rescheduled and advise athletes to prepare on that basis.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound says the organisation has already decided to postpone the showpiece event.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is expected to add its voice to the growing calls for this summer’s Tokyo Games to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The BOA, the British Paralympic Association and funding body UK Sport will hold a conference call today with bosses from the summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and it is anticipated they will make a collective call for the Games to be rescheduled and advise athletes to prepare on that basis.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound says the organisation has already decided to postpone the showpiece event.
Rush hour
Non-essential workers who must still attend their place of work should not use public transport during rush hour, Sadiq Khan told Today.
Non-essential workers who must still attend their place of work should not use public transport during rush hour, Sadiq Khan told Today.
Children of divorced parents
Children under 18 whose parents are separated can still see both of them under the UK lockdown, Michael Gove has told breakfast television.
Children under 18 whose parents are separated can still see both of them under the UK lockdown, Michael Gove has told breakfast television.
TfL staff off sick
One-fifth of Transport for London staff are off work because they are ill or self-isolating, Sadiq Khan has said, in an attempt to explain the scenes of Tube trains packed to the gills despite social distancing rules.
"That includes many of our critical staff that we need to provide a safe, reliable public transport system," he told Today.
The staff shortage makes it impossible easily to increase the number of Tube trains running, the London mayor said.
One-fifth of Transport for London staff are off work because they are ill or self-isolating, Sadiq Khan has said, in an attempt to explain the scenes of Tube trains packed to the gills despite social distancing rules.
"That includes many of our critical staff that we need to provide a safe, reliable public transport system," he told Today.
The staff shortage makes it impossible easily to increase the number of Tube trains running, the London mayor said.
'Support gig economy workers'
The government should immediately announce a package of financial help for gig economy workers, freelancers and the self-employed in order to reduce the number of Londoners crowding onto public transport, Sadiq Khan has said.
He told Today that he had lobbied the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on the issue last night.
The government should immediately announce a package of financial help for gig economy workers, freelancers and the self-employed in order to reduce the number of Londoners crowding onto public transport, Sadiq Khan has said.
He told Today that he had lobbied the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on the issue last night.
Police actively patrolling shopping centres and Tube stations?
Sadiq Khan has said he does not want to see police actively screening people entering Tube stations or other areas, and turning back and fining those who should not be outside - but waffled sufficiently in the rest of his answer to suggested that this was something he expected could happen nonetheless.
He said he would rather police officers had the time to deal with violent crime and other problems, than enforce rules on social distancing.
Sadiq Khan has said he does not want to see police actively screening people entering Tube stations or other areas, and turning back and fining those who should not be outside - but waffled sufficiently in the rest of his answer to suggested that this was something he expected could happen nonetheless.
He said he would rather police officers had the time to deal with violent crime and other problems, than enforce rules on social distancing.
Plague prepared this village for coronavirus
In the Peak District village of Eyam, signs of the coronavirus are everywhere, writes Colin Drury.
Yet, if there is anywhere on the planet that understands just what is needed to defeat a deadly illness, it is surely this tiny Derbyshire community of 900 people.
In the Peak District village of Eyam, signs of the coronavirus are everywhere, writes Colin Drury.
Yet, if there is anywhere on the planet that understands just what is needed to defeat a deadly illness, it is surely this tiny Derbyshire community of 900 people.
Pharmacy plea
Pharmacies have begged people only to buy medicines they need now to avoid "creating difficulties" for others - ie, don't stockpile.
Mark Lyonette, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents independent community pharmacy professionals, said providers were doing everything possible to maintain the supply of medicines.
Although there are currently sufficient medicines to meet demand in the UK, there has been an increase in demand for all types of product.
Pharmacies have begged people only to buy medicines they need now to avoid "creating difficulties" for others - ie, don't stockpile.
Mark Lyonette, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents independent community pharmacy professionals, said providers were doing everything possible to maintain the supply of medicines.
Although there are currently sufficient medicines to meet demand in the UK, there has been an increase in demand for all types of product.
Sports Direct U-turn
Sports Direct has U-turned on its insistence that shops will stay open today despite the UK being on lockdown.
The chain had written to employees on Monday afternoon to say its shops would open as normal because they were "essential".
But on Tuesday morning, following backlash from politicians, it changed its tune.
Frasers Group chief financial officer, Chris Wootton, said in a statement: "We will not open our Sports Direct or Evans Stores to the public, even though government policy excludes “bicycle shops” from closure, until we are given the go ahead by the government.
"Please note we are contacting them at all levels including attempting to get confirmation from the prime minister."
It was not immediately clear whether employees had already left for work by the time the U-turn was announced.
Sports Direct has U-turned on its insistence that shops will stay open today despite the UK being on lockdown.
The chain had written to employees on Monday afternoon to say its shops would open as normal because they were "essential".
But on Tuesday morning, following backlash from politicians, it changed its tune.
Frasers Group chief financial officer, Chris Wootton, said in a statement: "We will not open our Sports Direct or Evans Stores to the public, even though government policy excludes “bicycle shops” from closure, until we are given the go ahead by the government.
"Please note we are contacting them at all levels including attempting to get confirmation from the prime minister."
It was not immediately clear whether employees had already left for work by the time the U-turn was announced.
Plumbers still OK for call-outs
Workers like plumbers can still attend emergency call-outs to vulnerable people - as long as they maintain a 2m distance from the customer.
Michael Gove said it "should be appropriate" for utilities workers who were helping to provide essential and basic services to "people who need them" to accept call-outs for work like boiler repairs.
Workers like plumbers can still attend emergency call-outs to vulnerable people - as long as they maintain a 2m distance from the customer.
Michael Gove said it "should be appropriate" for utilities workers who were helping to provide essential and basic services to "people who need them" to accept call-outs for work like boiler repairs.
Non-essential shopping deliveries also OK
Deliveries of items like clothes and toys can still take place despite the lockdown, Mr Gove says.
Deliveries of items like clothes and toys can still take place despite the lockdown, Mr Gove says.
Help for self-employed on the way
Help for workers on zero-hours contracts and the self-employed is on the way, Michael Gove has told Today after being questioned on people who have rent and bills to pay crowding onto public transport.
He said: "We will be seeing more in due course about additional support for every sector of the economy."
Asked what "due course" meant, he added: "The chancellor will be saying more later.
"But I think the most important thing is that wherever possible - and I appreciate that for people in tough economic circumstances these are not easy times - but wherever possible people should stay at home.
"I think it's also important to stress that steps have already been taken, measures have already been taken by the chancellor in order to support the economy."
Help for workers on zero-hours contracts and the self-employed is on the way, Michael Gove has told Today after being questioned on people who have rent and bills to pay crowding onto public transport.
He said: "We will be seeing more in due course about additional support for every sector of the economy."
Asked what "due course" meant, he added: "The chancellor will be saying more later.
"But I think the most important thing is that wherever possible - and I appreciate that for people in tough economic circumstances these are not easy times - but wherever possible people should stay at home.
"I think it's also important to stress that steps have already been taken, measures have already been taken by the chancellor in order to support the economy."
