(Reuters) – Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
An airforce member is seen with a full cover mask as he sprays disinfectant inside a main railway station, as the number of people tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country increased, in Colombo, Sri Lanka March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte
Coronavirus’ “whatever it takes” moment?
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde may have had some communication misfires at her last news conference but the overnight action from the ECB is being widely seen as the bank’s bid for a “whatever it takes” moment in the coronavirus era. The commitment to buy up assets worth 750 billion euros by year-end comes on top of the “mere” 120 billion announced last week and the 20 billion a month the bank is already feeding into the system. Added up, that’s 1.1 trillion euros for the year.
On top of that was the open-ended commitment to “do everything necessary within the mandate” of the ECB to stabilize the situation. Although not quite as snappy as the three words her predecessor Mario Draghi uttered in 2012 to draw a line under the euro debt crisis, the message was clear. Yet even that has not been enough to put a floor on the market rout of recent days, which continues to smash assets across the board except the dollar.
The spread
There are almost 219,000 cases of coronavirus reported globally, and over 8,900 deaths linked to the virus.
Over 20,000 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, over 5,000 more than China reported during the peak of the virus in Wuhan.
China now accounts for less than 40 percent of global cases, with Italy reporting over 35,000 cases. Germany, Iran and Spain are reporting over 12,000 cases each, while 12 other countries are reporting between 1,000-10,000 cases each.
The virus has now been confirmed in 172 countries and territories, reaching an increasing number of remote and sparsely populated areas, including Bermuda, Iceland and several Caribbean islands.
Almost 40% of cases – around 86,000 – have been reportedly cured, including over 70,000 Chinese patients who were ill during the virus’ initial peak on the mainland in mid-February.
(Open tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser, to see an interactive graphic of the coronavirus spread)
UK braces for lockdown
The United Kingdom is bracing for the virtual shut down of London as underground train stations across the capital close and Prime Minister Boris Johnson mulls tougher measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
After finally ordering the closure of schools across a country that casts itself as a pillar of Western stability, Johnson has said the government – initially reluctant to go down the social distancing route – was ruling nothing out when asked whether he would bring in measures to lock down London.
Malaysia seeking 2,000 Rohingya
Malaysian authorities are scrambling to track down about 2,000 Rohingya men who attended a Muslim religious gathering that has led to a big spike in coronavirus cases across Southeast Asia.
More than 100,000 Rohingya live in Malaysia after fleeing from Myanmar, but they are considered illegal immigrants, which would likely make many of them reluctant to identify themselves to get tested for the coronavirus even if they showed symptoms, other sources in the Rohingya community said.
This search highlights the challenge for governments trying to track the virus among communities living without official papers and wary of authorities.
(Click here to see a selection of curated coverage about the coronavirus outbreak.)
Reporting by Cate Cadell; Compiled by Karishma Singh and Mark John; Editing by Mike Collett-White
291146 942099How considerably of an exciting piece of writing, continue creating companion 831533
710186 833914Its perfect time to make some plans for the future and its time to be happy. Ive read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this post. I want to read even a lot more points about it! 101512
31679 816002The posh distributed could be described as distinctive; customers are really yearning for bags is really a Native aspirations. Which strange surroundings is built that is to market diversity furthermore importance with travel and leisure market trends. hotels particular offers 344793
845456 537194Black Ops Zombies is now available […]Take a look here[…] 975916
596731 765221It shows how you comprehend this subject. Added this page, is for far more. 694976
345843 133031for however one more fantastic informative post, Im a loyal reader to this weblog and I cant stress enough how significantly valuable data Ive learned from reading your content material. I actually appreciate all of the hard work you put into this fantastic blog. 135864
629445 398851articulo agregado a favoritos, lo imprimir cuando llegue a la oficina. 186902
191512 193067Extremely finest individuals messages are meant to charm allow honor toward groom and bride. Newbie speakers in front of excessive locations really should usually our own gold colored dominate in presenting and public speaking, which is to be individual interests home. very best man speach 949149
338042 811130wohh precisely what I was searching for, thankyou for putting up. 126494
766387 365707I really like your post. It is evident which you have a great deal understanding on this subject. Your points are effectively produced and relatable. Thanks for writing engaging and fascinating material. 185203
182075 876573As soon as I identified this internet internet site I went on reddit to share some with the enjoy with them. 124613
497112 752082Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? Im kinda paranoid about losing everything Ive worked hard on. Any recommendations? 382617
826750 793995What platform and theme are you using if I may ask? Exactly where can I buy them? x 899995
406409 680240Really good style and style and fantastic topic matter, extremely little else we want : D. 95355
239915 169551This is how to get your foot inside the door. 393927
992331 26053Some truly good and utilitarian info on this internet web site , besides I think the layout holds wonderful capabilities. 542671
626348 811830Intersting post and site. Very good that Google listed so i was able to get here. This web site will go no in my bookmarks from now. 9257
725786 161143Ive been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to enjoy this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your internet internet site? 783438
957168 496407Hello! I could have sworn Ive been to this web site before but soon after browsing through some with the post I realized its new to me. Nonetheless, Im undoubtedly pleased I located it and Ill be book-marking and checking back often! 307125