vchal/iStock(NEW YORK) — Over 1.5 billion people across the globe — more than one-fifth of the world’s population — have been ordered or urged to stay home amid a deadly pandemic of the novel coronavirus, which the World Health Organization has warned “is accelerating.”
The new respiratory virus, known officially as COVID-19, has killed at least 16,587 people worldwide since emerging in the Chinese city of Wuhan back in December. There are more than 382,000 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 spanning across every continent except Antartica, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
With more than 46,000 diagnosed cases, the United States has the third-highest national total behind Italy and China. The virus has spread to every U.S. state as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, claiming the lives of at least 593 people.
Here’s how the news is developing Tuesday. All times Eastern:
5:37 a.m. Thailand decrees state of emergency to control coronavirus
Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced Tuesday that his cabinet has agreed to declare a state of emergency to implement stricter measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The one-month state of emergency, which takes effect Thursday, will give Thailand’s government enforcement powers that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
There were just under 900 diagnosed cases of the virus in the Southeast Asian country as of Tuesday afternoon local time.
5:10 a.m. Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Finnish president tests positive
Martti Ahtisaari, a Nobel laureate and former Finnish president, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The office of Finland’s current president, Saul Niinisto, said in a press release Tuesday that Ahtisaari, 82, was diagnosed with the virus on Monday and that he was “doing well under the circumstances.” His wife also tested positive just three days earlier.
Ahtisaari, a United Nations diplomat and mediator who was awarded the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve international conflicts, served as Finland’s head of state for one six-year term from 1994 until 2000.
3:43 a.m. Hawaii governor issues statewide stay-at-home order
Hawaii residents will soon join the millions of other Americans who are being ordered to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a proclamation on Monday night, ordering the entire state to stay at home and work from home, starting Wednesday after midnight and lasting through the end of April. Essential workers are exempt.
“The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and requires aggressive action,” Ige said in a statement. “I have been in discussions with our county mayors who are developing their own plans to meet the unique needs of their counties. We also agree that a statewide order is necessary for cohesion and consistency.”
Residents can leave their homes for various needs, including to seek healthcare, purchase food, take care of the elderly, minors and those with disabilities, and to exercise outdoors.
Those who do not comply with the order could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or a jail sentence of up to one year behind bars, or both.
At least 21 U.S. states have implemented or announced statewide closures of non-essential businesses.
2:52 a.m. China to lift lockdown on Wuhan on April 8
Chinese authorities plan to lift the draconian travel restrictions imposed on the city of Wuhan next month.
The city, in China’s central Hubei province, was placed under lockdown on Jan. 23 as thousands of residents became infected with the novel coronavirus before it spread to other parts of the world.
The Hubei provincial government announced Tuesday that those control measures will be lifted on April 8 and cleared residents will finally be allowed to leave the city. Those who wish to enter the city will also need clearance, according to a statement from the provincial government.
Officials have already begun to slowly relax some of the strict measures put in place in Wuhan. Road checkpoints are being removed and some private vehicles have returned to the streets. The city’s subway system remains shut down but has begun trial runs as workers disinfect the subway trains and stations in preparation for the restoration of public transport.
After several consecutive days without any local transmission of the virus, Wuhan reported one new case of confirmed infection on Monday, according to China’s National Health Commission.
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