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Coronavirus live updates: Singapore reports first two fatalities, deaths jump in Spain and Italy Coronavirus live updates: Singapore reports first two fatalities, deaths jump in Spain and Italy
(32 minutes later)
Spain death pass 1,000, Italy deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latestSpain death pass 1,000, Italy deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latest
The coronavirus crisis has sparked a ferocious political row in Brazil, pitting far-right president Jair Bolsonaro against a legion of critics from across the political spectrum and sparking nightly protests against what many see as Bolsonaro’s weak response. But there have also been powerful expressions of solidarity and support for the healthcare workers battling the pandemic.
This video was shot last night in one of Latin America’s biggest favelas, Rocinha in Rio, and shows the level of support for Brazil’s doctors and nurses as the situation worsens.
The vast hillside favela is home to upwards of 100,000 Brazilians and is among the low-income Latin American communities experts fear could be worst affected by coronavirus given the high population density.
Spain’s death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared on Saturday to 1,326 according to the country’s Health Ministry latest data. The latest death toll is an increase from 1,002 on Friday.
Reuters reports that the number of registered cases in the country rose to 24,926 on Saturday from 19,980 in the previous tally announced on Friday
Hotels in central London will offer beds to rough sleepers to help protect them against coronavirus, PA reports.
An initial trial will take place over the weekend, offering 300 rooms to vulnerable people known to homelessness charities. The mayor’s office is working with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to block book rooms, at a discounted rate, for the next 12 weeks.
Rough sleepers are significantly more likely to have underlying health conditions - including respiratory problems - than the wider population. They are also far less likely to be able to follow Public Health England advice on self-isolation, social distancing and hand-washing.
On Saturday, national homelessness charity Crisis launched In this together, a campaign to raise funds to support people who are homeless in the outbreak. Money raised will help to keep Crisis’ services running - and those of local grassroots homelessness charities who are struggling in these unprecedented circumstances.
Pakistan and Vietnam have suspended international flights in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Pakistan will suspend international flights for two weeks, the civil aviation authority said. Cargo and diplomatic flights will be exempt.
Vietnam said it would be suspending all inbound international flights, but did not give a timeframe.
The Pakistan civil aviation authority said in a statement:
Pakistan has reported three deaths and 481 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
“[Vietnam] will suspend all the flights carrying foreign passengers to minimise the number of people coming to the country,” Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in the statement. Vietnam’s coronavirus cases rose to 92 on Saturday, with no death, according to the Ministry of Health.
The Scottish finance secretary, Kate Forbes, called on the UK government to scrap tax and excise duties on alcohol that is being used to make hand sanitiser.
Distilleries across the country, such as Brewdog and Leith Gin, have been switching production away from their usual products to make hand-cleaning gels.
Forbes said she was “heartened” to see so many companies playing their part to replenish stocks. She added that in these “exceptional” times “where it is clear that alcohol is being provided for the purpose of hygiene, sanitisation and medical use it should not be subject to excise or tax as a default”.
In her letter to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, Forbes wrote: “I hope you agree the fewest barriers possible should be in place to support the Covid-19 response.
“In this time of uncertainty and national crisis, I am heartened by the many generous offers of support from organisations and industries who believe they can help the NHS.
“There are, for example, offers from the producers of alcoholic drinks, to turn their focus and activities towards the provision of hand sanitiser, and this is my reason for writing to you.”
Forbes added: “Given the exceptional circumstances the country is facing and the need to protect our key workers at this time, we would like to see the greatest flexibility applied - where it is clear that alcohol is being provided for the purpose of hygiene, sanitisation and medical use it should not be subject to excise or tax as a default.”
Air raid sirens echoed across Amman early on Saturday to mark the start of a nationwide curfew affecting 10 million Jordanian citizens to combat the spread of coronavirus.Air raid sirens echoed across Amman early on Saturday to mark the start of a nationwide curfew affecting 10 million Jordanian citizens to combat the spread of coronavirus.
In one of the strictest measures yet, Jordan has ordered all shops to close and everyone to stay off the streets until at least Tuesday, when it plans to announce specific times for shopping. The army said anyone violating the curfew, which restricts movement beyond emergencies and essential services, could be jailed for up to a year.In one of the strictest measures yet, Jordan has ordered all shops to close and everyone to stay off the streets until at least Tuesday, when it plans to announce specific times for shopping. The army said anyone violating the curfew, which restricts movement beyond emergencies and essential services, could be jailed for up to a year.
Wholesale traders at New Covent Garden market in London are launching fruit, veg and essential item boxes for delivery to the public, following a catastrophic collapse in regular orders from restaurant chains and pubs as a result of the closures ordered by the government.Wholesale traders at New Covent Garden market in London are launching fruit, veg and essential item boxes for delivery to the public, following a catastrophic collapse in regular orders from restaurant chains and pubs as a result of the closures ordered by the government.
Normally the market’s 150-plus traders supply the capital’s vast food service network, from Michelin-starred establishments through to airlines, cruise ships, hotels, pubs and even food for the animals at London zoo.Normally the market’s 150-plus traders supply the capital’s vast food service network, from Michelin-starred establishments through to airlines, cruise ships, hotels, pubs and even food for the animals at London zoo.
Companies such as Nature’s Choice, Fresh Connect, LinkClass, EA Williams, IA Harris and Premier Food Service have refocused their efforts, and are seeking to avoid waste, by offering to deliver the freshest and best quality produce direct to homes in and around London.Companies such as Nature’s Choice, Fresh Connect, LinkClass, EA Williams, IA Harris and Premier Food Service have refocused their efforts, and are seeking to avoid waste, by offering to deliver the freshest and best quality produce direct to homes in and around London.
The move comes as traditional national veg box services such as Riverford and Abel & Cole have buckled under the strain of exceptional demand.The move comes as traditional national veg box services such as Riverford and Abel & Cole have buckled under the strain of exceptional demand.
An NHS trust in Cambridge has begun to send patients that have recovered from the coronavirus home, Cambridge News reports.An NHS trust in Cambridge has begun to send patients that have recovered from the coronavirus home, Cambridge News reports.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trusts said they had been “inundated” with offers of support and money amid the coronavirus epidemic.Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trusts said they had been “inundated” with offers of support and money amid the coronavirus epidemic.
Mike More, the chairman of the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, thanked the local community in a statement. “The world is changing around us, both inside and outside of our hospital walls. I would like to publicly recognise the immense efforts of our NHS staff and volunteers. Many have offered to work extra hours to help out, and others have been redeployed to where they are most urgently needed.”Mike More, the chairman of the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, thanked the local community in a statement. “The world is changing around us, both inside and outside of our hospital walls. I would like to publicly recognise the immense efforts of our NHS staff and volunteers. Many have offered to work extra hours to help out, and others have been redeployed to where they are most urgently needed.”
More added the trust has starting to send some patients home – with and without underlying health issues – who had been successfully treated for coronavirus.More added the trust has starting to send some patients home – with and without underlying health issues – who had been successfully treated for coronavirus.
Manchester United and Manchester City have donated a combined £100,000 to local food banks in a joint initiative between the clubs to fight the threat of coronavirus to the most vulnerable.Manchester United and Manchester City have donated a combined £100,000 to local food banks in a joint initiative between the clubs to fight the threat of coronavirus to the most vulnerable.
The move comes after Fans Supporting Foodbanks told the Guardian on Thursday it was launching a fund with MUFC Foodbanks to help schemes in the area.The move comes after Fans Supporting Foodbanks told the Guardian on Thursday it was launching a fund with MUFC Foodbanks to help schemes in the area.
In a joint statement, City and United said: “We are proud of the role our supporters play in helping local food banks and recognise the increased strain likely to be placed on these charities by the impact of coronavirus. We are pleased to come together with our fans to help vulnerable members of society in a City United.”In a joint statement, City and United said: “We are proud of the role our supporters play in helping local food banks and recognise the increased strain likely to be placed on these charities by the impact of coronavirus. We are pleased to come together with our fans to help vulnerable members of society in a City United.”
She told her fans not to panic on TwitterShe told her fans not to panic on Twitter
The 59-year-old breakfast TV star was inundated with messages of support after she made the announcement.The 59-year-old breakfast TV star was inundated with messages of support after she made the announcement.
John Bird, the founder of the Big Issue magazine, has announced that it will be going digital during the coronavirus pandemic due to fears that street vendors could be put at risk.John Bird, the founder of the Big Issue magazine, has announced that it will be going digital during the coronavirus pandemic due to fears that street vendors could be put at risk.
In a post on Twitter on Saturday, Bird wrote: “With heavy heart I have had to say to Big Issue vendors “your wellbeing comes first, so no selling on the streets. You have to be indoors. Out of harm’s way.”In a post on Twitter on Saturday, Bird wrote: “With heavy heart I have had to say to Big Issue vendors “your wellbeing comes first, so no selling on the streets. You have to be indoors. Out of harm’s way.”
He called on people to buy the magazine online to continue to support vendors.He called on people to buy the magazine online to continue to support vendors.
Jake Knowles-Jenssen, a 27-year-old British freelancer, sent a photo from outside the normally bustling Ostbahnhof as Bavaria’s stricter measures come into effect.Jake Knowles-Jenssen, a 27-year-old British freelancer, sent a photo from outside the normally bustling Ostbahnhof as Bavaria’s stricter measures come into effect.
He said that up until midnight last night restaurants could open until 6pm and only non-essential shops were closed, but people were still out in large numbers. Bavarian leader, Markus Söder, responded with stricter restrictions.He said that up until midnight last night restaurants could open until 6pm and only non-essential shops were closed, but people were still out in large numbers. Bavarian leader, Markus Söder, responded with stricter restrictions.
“Now we can only go out for essential food or exercise alone. Police will enforce and you have to justify your reasons for being outside your home,” he said.“Now we can only go out for essential food or exercise alone. Police will enforce and you have to justify your reasons for being outside your home,” he said.
Knowles-Jenssen moved to Germany in January.Knowles-Jenssen moved to Germany in January.
UK supermarket chain Morrisons has announced a number of measures to support frontline staff responding to the coronavirus epidemic and the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis.UK supermarket chain Morrisons has announced a number of measures to support frontline staff responding to the coronavirus epidemic and the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis.
Morrisons said it would take on staff from Marie Curie and CLIC Sargent charity shops, whose doors may close because of the coronavirus. It announced on Saturday that it would take on up to 500 colleagues to help the elderly and vulnerable in stores across the UK.Morrisons said it would take on staff from Marie Curie and CLIC Sargent charity shops, whose doors may close because of the coronavirus. It announced on Saturday that it would take on up to 500 colleagues to help the elderly and vulnerable in stores across the UK.
Matthew Reed, the chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “Every day and night Marie Curie nurses and doctors continue to care for people at the end of the lives. As we face into this national emergency, communities, business and charities need to work together more than ever.”Matthew Reed, the chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “Every day and night Marie Curie nurses and doctors continue to care for people at the end of the lives. As we face into this national emergency, communities, business and charities need to work together more than ever.”
It comes as Lidl announced it would be giving away thousands of bunches of Mother’s Day flowers to NHS workers and worthy causes.It comes as Lidl announced it would be giving away thousands of bunches of Mother’s Day flowers to NHS workers and worthy causes.
Ryan McDonnell, the chief commercial director at Lidl GB, said: “This Mother’s Day, we wanted to redistribute this surplus supply and show our thanks and appreciation to those working tirelessly through these extraordinary times. We hope that our beautiful bunches will help raise the spirits of those who receive them.”Ryan McDonnell, the chief commercial director at Lidl GB, said: “This Mother’s Day, we wanted to redistribute this surplus supply and show our thanks and appreciation to those working tirelessly through these extraordinary times. We hope that our beautiful bunches will help raise the spirits of those who receive them.”
Convenience retailer the Co-op will next week donate £1.5m worth of food to FareShare, to help boost plummeting stocks at food banks which have suffered a huge slump in donations.Convenience retailer the Co-op will next week donate £1.5m worth of food to FareShare, to help boost plummeting stocks at food banks which have suffered a huge slump in donations.
FareShare – the UK’s largest hunger fighting charity - supports over 11,000 charities and community groups, including food banks. The Co-op has pledged £1.5m of essential food products which will be split amongst FareShare’s 23 regional centres and then supplied to a network of local community groups across the country.FareShare – the UK’s largest hunger fighting charity - supports over 11,000 charities and community groups, including food banks. The Co-op has pledged £1.5m of essential food products which will be split amongst FareShare’s 23 regional centres and then supplied to a network of local community groups across the country.
Food banks remain a lifeline for those who rely on the donations to feed their families and demand is set to grow as the number of people who unexpectedly find themselves out of work increases.Food banks remain a lifeline for those who rely on the donations to feed their families and demand is set to grow as the number of people who unexpectedly find themselves out of work increases.
The Co-op has also announced measures to combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by unplanned school closures. Some 6,500 students across 25 Co-op academy schools who currently have free school meals will be given a £20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut.The Co-op has also announced measures to combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by unplanned school closures. Some 6,500 students across 25 Co-op academy schools who currently have free school meals will be given a £20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut.
The European Union commission moved to formalise an agreement reached by EU finance ministers to suspend budget rules that put limits on borrowing so that governments have a free hand in fighting the coronavirus, Reuters reports.The European Union commission moved to formalise an agreement reached by EU finance ministers to suspend budget rules that put limits on borrowing so that governments have a free hand in fighting the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
The European Union executive proposed late on Friday to activate the ‘general escape clause’ in the rules to respond to the pandemic that has caused lockdowns in most EU countries and the closure of Europe’s borders.The European Union executive proposed late on Friday to activate the ‘general escape clause’ in the rules to respond to the pandemic that has caused lockdowns in most EU countries and the closure of Europe’s borders.
“It will allow member states to undertake measures to deal adequately with the crisis, while departing from the budgetary requirements that would normally apply under the European fiscal framework,” the Commission said.“It will allow member states to undertake measures to deal adequately with the crisis, while departing from the budgetary requirements that would normally apply under the European fiscal framework,” the Commission said.
EU rules say that governments have to keep cutting their budget deficits until they reach balance or surplus and have to reduce public debt every year to bring it below 60% of GDP.EU rules say that governments have to keep cutting their budget deficits until they reach balance or surplus and have to reduce public debt every year to bring it below 60% of GDP.
Once the Commission proposal is formally accepted by EU finance ministers at their next meeting, government spending to fight the coronavirus will be excluded from Commission calculations of deficit and debt.Once the Commission proposal is formally accepted by EU finance ministers at their next meeting, government spending to fight the coronavirus will be excluded from Commission calculations of deficit and debt.
UK car parking firm NCP is offering free parking to all NHS staff to help them to get to work at a time when slimmed-down transport networks are offering limited services.UK car parking firm NCP is offering free parking to all NHS staff to help them to get to work at a time when slimmed-down transport networks are offering limited services.
NHS workers can access the offer directly via the NCP website and pre-book their space each time they need to park. The offerapplies to more than 150 locations across the UK and is available to book any time up to an hour before arrival.NHS workers can access the offer directly via the NCP website and pre-book their space each time they need to park. The offerapplies to more than 150 locations across the UK and is available to book any time up to an hour before arrival.
The offer will run until the end of April and then be reviewed. NCP currently already offers discounted rates for NHS workers all year round in many car parks located near a hospital.The offer will run until the end of April and then be reviewed. NCP currently already offers discounted rates for NHS workers all year round in many car parks located near a hospital.
Stephen Barclay, the Treasury chief secretary, said that providing protection for the the self-employed during the coronavirus outbreak would be “operationally” difficult to deliver, following criticism that current UK government plans to underwrite the wages of millions of workers did not cover freelancers, contractors and the self-employed.Stephen Barclay, the Treasury chief secretary, said that providing protection for the the self-employed during the coronavirus outbreak would be “operationally” difficult to deliver, following criticism that current UK government plans to underwrite the wages of millions of workers did not cover freelancers, contractors and the self-employed.
Barclay said the self-employed would benefit from measures such as the deferral of self-assessment tax requirements, holidays for mortgage payers and the strengthening of the welfare “safety net”.Barclay said the self-employed would benefit from measures such as the deferral of self-assessment tax requirements, holidays for mortgage payers and the strengthening of the welfare “safety net”.
“We are looking at operationally what we can roll out to people,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “The main thing we have done is twofold: it is to support the economy as a whole, because the best thing for people who are self-employed as for all people is to sustain the economy and ensure that we can return with those viable businesses, and alongside that strengthen the safety net.”“We are looking at operationally what we can roll out to people,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “The main thing we have done is twofold: it is to support the economy as a whole, because the best thing for people who are self-employed as for all people is to sustain the economy and ensure that we can return with those viable businesses, and alongside that strengthen the safety net.”
When asked whether the government would come forward with measures specifically for the self-employed, he said: “I come back to this underlying point about operationally what is difficult to do and what can be delivered to the timescales were are working to.”When asked whether the government would come forward with measures specifically for the self-employed, he said: “I come back to this underlying point about operationally what is difficult to do and what can be delivered to the timescales were are working to.”
For some comic relief, Guardian media editor Jim Waterson has talked to the man behind the WhatsApp audio clip poking fun at coronavirus misinformation.For some comic relief, Guardian media editor Jim Waterson has talked to the man behind the WhatsApp audio clip poking fun at coronavirus misinformation.
Billy McLean, a 29-year-old Londoner who works in software sales, is the man responsible for a spoof WhatsApp audio clip that claimed the Ministry of Defence was about to requisition Wembley Stadium to cook the world’s biggest lasagne. He told the Guardian that his “viral” success highlighted the risks of believing everything that gets sent to you on the messaging service.Billy McLean, a 29-year-old Londoner who works in software sales, is the man responsible for a spoof WhatsApp audio clip that claimed the Ministry of Defence was about to requisition Wembley Stadium to cook the world’s biggest lasagne. He told the Guardian that his “viral” success highlighted the risks of believing everything that gets sent to you on the messaging service.