CORONA UPDATE
The global toll: There are 382,108 cases of novel coronavirus and 16,574 deaths globally, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking figures from the World Health Organization and additional sources.
Hubei ending restrictions: The central Chinese province at ground zero for the novel coronavirus pandemic plans to lift nearly all lockdown restrictions on Wednesday. Measures will remain in place in the provincial capital, Wuhan, until April 8.
More curfews and restrictions: Several Australian states are enacting border checkpoints on Tuesday and Wednesday. Albania has entered a strict 16-hour daily curfew. Countries across mainland Europe remain under lockdown, and the UK has banned people from leaving home except for “very limited” reasons.
43% of US population told to stay at home: At least 16 states have issued stay-at-home orders, which, once in effect, will impact 142 million people, or 43% of the US population, according to data compiled by CNN using US Census population estimates. There are over 42,600 cases, including at least 540 deaths.
IMF loans: A dozen countries in the Middle East and Central Asia have reached out to the International Monetary Fund requesting financial support due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Calls to postpone Olympics: New Zealand athletes became the latest to voice their support for postponing the 2020 Olympic Games, and are backed by the country’s Olympic committee. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to hold a call with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach this evening.
The situation in Asia: Thailand reported three more deaths and 106 new cases today, taking the national tally to 827 confirmed cases. Thai officials are discussing imposing emergency measures. Singapore reported its biggest one-day surge in cases since the outbreak began. Tokyo’s governor warned that Japan’s capital could be placed under lockdown if the number of coronavirus cases spike. Myanmar reported its first two cases. Beijing will quarantine and test all international arrivals, regardless of destination and Macao will ban most non-residents from entering.
