Queen Elizabeth II heading to Windsor Castle as a precaution
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is leaving London and heading to Windsor Castle as a precaution because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Buckingham Palace said the 93-yearold monarch will move to the castle, 20 miles west of London, on Thursday, a week earlier than she usually does for Easter.
The palace said it had decided to cancel or postpone public royal events with large numbers of people in the coming months but the queen will still hold her weekly audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The queen’s spring garden parties also have been postponed. The fate of future royal events — including commemorations for the end of World War II and a state visit by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakois — is up in the air.
Shanghai to quarantine travelers from 16 nations
China’s financial hub of Shanghai is expanding the number of countries whose citizens must undergo 14-day quarantine rules to cover passengers entering the city from more countries and regions.
Passengers who have traveled or lived in 16 countries, 14 days prior to entering Shanghai, are required to be quarantined at home or in designated facilities, the local government said at a news conference.
The 16 countries are the Republic of Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, France, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria.
Beijing officials have similarly made it clear that all travelers will have to pay for their own quarantine.
China’s capital’s measures are even stricter than Shanghai’s, mandating quarantine for all incoming international travelers and only allowing self-isolation in limited circumstances.
Ontario declares state of emergency, suspends flights
Canada’s largest province is declaring a state of emergency amid the pandemic.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said all organized events of over 50 people are prohibited.
Ford said all restaurants and bars will be closed except for takeout or delivery. Grocery stores, pharmacies, corner stores and public transit will remain open. Schools, child care centers and theaters also are closed.
On Monday, Canada’s second largest airline is suspending all commercial international and trans-border flights for a 30-day period as it helps operate rescue and repatriation flights in partnership with the Canadian government.
Westjet said it will suspend normal service on Sunday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said now is the time for Canadians to come home.
The government is mandating airlines to screen passengers for symptoms of the virus before allowing anyone to board a plane.