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Coronavirus news: 53 more people die in UK, taking toll to 233 Coronavirus news: 53 more people die in UK, taking toll to 233
(32 minutes later)
Italy deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latestItaly deaths pass 4,000; More US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points. Follow the latest
Hundreds of UK British nationals stranded in Peru due to the coronavirus pandemic could be flown home early next week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said.
More than 400 British and Irish citizens are believed to be in the South American country, with some fearing they would be unable to leave following a Government lockdown.
But the FCO said on Saturday that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had secured permission for a UK-organised flight to leave Peru for “early next week” following a call with his Peruvian counterpart.
In a Twitter post, Mr Raab said: “Amidst all the challenges of tackling Coronavirus, we committed to working together in the coming days to enable UK nationals in Peru and Peruvian nationals in the UK to return home.”
The FCO said it would continue to work with the Peruvian government to arrange further flights in coming days.
UK nationals in Peru earlier said they felt “let down” by the government’s efforts to help them return home.
The coronavirus death toll in Turkey has increased by 12 to 21, the country’s health ministry has said.
The UK’s National Trust has announced that it will close its parks and gardens from midnight on Saturday, to help “restrict the spread of the coronavirus”.
The decision has been taken ahead of Mother’s Day, which the Trust predicts will attract more people to its parks despite government advice on social distancing.
Houses, cafes and shops belonging to the charity were closed earlier this week.
But following Boris Johnson’s announcement on Friday that all pubs, clubs and restaurants would be closed, the Trust has ramped up precautions.
Director general Hilary McGrady said:
McGrady added that the Trust would be taking measures to ensure that people did not lose their connection with nature, and that sites of natural beauty remained open “virtually”.
Jeremy Corbyn is urging the UK government to go further to ensure the economic security of everyone affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Labour leader welcomed plans set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to underwrite the wages of millions of workers who otherwise stood to be laid off as economic activity dried up.
But in a letter to Boris Johnson, he said the government needed to extend that support to cover the five million self-employed.
He also called for protection for workers from losing their jobs, more support for renters, improved social security, and an increase in statutory sick pay.
Mr Corbyn said Labour would continue to work “constructively” with the Government and that its proposals were intended to strengthen its response to the crisis.
He wrote:
A doctor who spent nine hours moving critically ill Covid-19 patients around London has issued a plea to the British public.
Anaesthetic registrar Natalie Silvey posted the image of her face – reddened after hours spent wearing personal protective equipment – to Twitter on Saturday.
She said: “Those red/purple marks across my face are from my mask and are deeper than you think. Today I have seen just what Covid-19 is doing and now I just want to scream at people to listen to us.
“I volunteered to do this. The consultant anaesthetist I was with volunteered. This is bringing out the best of us. Now can the rest of the country please bring out their best and listen! #covid19”
Spain could use robots to boost coronavirus testingSpain could use robots to boost coronavirus testing
Spain has said it considering enlisting the help of robots to boost its coronavirus testing as the country’s toll surpassed 1,300 deaths.Spain has said it considering enlisting the help of robots to boost its coronavirus testing as the country’s toll surpassed 1,300 deaths.
Europe’s second-worst outbreak showed no sign of improvement as the single-day death toll jumped to 1,326 from 1,002 the day before, according to Health Ministry data released on Saturday.Europe’s second-worst outbreak showed no sign of improvement as the single-day death toll jumped to 1,326 from 1,002 the day before, according to Health Ministry data released on Saturday.
The number of cases rose to 24,926 from 19,980.The number of cases rose to 24,926 from 19,980.
Last week the government imposed a 15-day state of emergency nationwide – barring all but essential outings.Last week the government imposed a 15-day state of emergency nationwide – barring all but essential outings.
The government announced on Saturday that testing is set to increase. It has acquired over 640,000 testing devices and said that number could quickly reach a million.The government announced on Saturday that testing is set to increase. It has acquired over 640,000 testing devices and said that number could quickly reach a million.
Raquel Yotti, director of Carlos III Public Health Institute, said the first devices were being distributed on Saturday and added the government was working on acquiring four robots that could bring the daily number of daily tests to 80,000. That would be up from 15,000-20,000 a day at the moment.Raquel Yotti, director of Carlos III Public Health Institute, said the first devices were being distributed on Saturday and added the government was working on acquiring four robots that could bring the daily number of daily tests to 80,000. That would be up from 15,000-20,000 a day at the moment.
Robots are helpful as they can conduct automated testing, she said.Robots are helpful as they can conduct automated testing, she said.
Disney+ follows Netflix in downgrading its qualityDisney+ follows Netflix in downgrading its quality
Disney+ has become the latest streaming service to downgrade its quality, just a day ahead of its UK launch on Monday.Disney+ has become the latest streaming service to downgrade its quality, just a day ahead of its UK launch on Monday.
The Walt Disney Company’s chairman of direct-to-consumer and international Kevin Mayer said the decision was made in response to a request from the European Commission. The Walt Disney Company’s chairman of direct-to-consumer and international, Kevin Mayer, said the decision had been taken in response to a request from the European Commission.
Disney+ will be home to films and shows from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as Disney, when it launches in the UK on Tuesday.Disney+ will be home to films and shows from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as Disney, when it launches in the UK on Tuesday.
It comes after Netflix said it would temporarily reduce the quality of videos on its platform to ease pressure on internet service providers during the coronavirus outbreak.It comes after Netflix said it would temporarily reduce the quality of videos on its platform to ease pressure on internet service providers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Mayer said:Mr Mayer said:
My colleague Helena Smith has the latest from Greece:My colleague Helena Smith has the latest from Greece:
Greek authorities are increasingly raising the prospect of a curfew being imposed amid reports of citizens failing to adhere to restrictive measures to curb the novel virus.Greek authorities are increasingly raising the prospect of a curfew being imposed amid reports of citizens failing to adhere to restrictive measures to curb the novel virus.
A lockdown that has limited movement and social interaction drastically may not be enough, the government spokesman Stelios Petsas warned tonight.A lockdown that has limited movement and social interaction drastically may not be enough, the government spokesman Stelios Petsas warned tonight.
Speaking shortly after the latest rise in coronavirus cases was officially announced – at 530 confirmed cases, an increase of 35 in the space of 24 hours – Petsas said officials wouldn’t hesitate, if needed, to apply the measure to ensure that Greece remained “on a better path than other European countries.” To date, 13 people, the vast majority men, have died from Covid-19.Speaking shortly after the latest rise in coronavirus cases was officially announced – at 530 confirmed cases, an increase of 35 in the space of 24 hours – Petsas said officials wouldn’t hesitate, if needed, to apply the measure to ensure that Greece remained “on a better path than other European countries.” To date, 13 people, the vast majority men, have died from Covid-19.
The government has expressed alarm at the exodus from Athens and other urban centres to villages in the countryside – seen in the dramatic jump in traffic through toll stations. The sight of packed ferries departing the port of Piraeus en route to islands has also raised concern.The government has expressed alarm at the exodus from Athens and other urban centres to villages in the countryside – seen in the dramatic jump in traffic through toll stations. The sight of packed ferries departing the port of Piraeus en route to islands has also raised concern.
“Unfortunately, yesterday, we saw extreme anti-social behaviour,” the spokesman told local TV. “We are living in an emergency situation and again we appeal to everyone: if they have chosen to leave Athens and other urban centres to go to their villages, they must stay in their homes. They must not come in contact with local communities, they must not transmit the virus to regions that, until now, have had no cases. It would be catastrophic.”“Unfortunately, yesterday, we saw extreme anti-social behaviour,” the spokesman told local TV. “We are living in an emergency situation and again we appeal to everyone: if they have chosen to leave Athens and other urban centres to go to their villages, they must stay in their homes. They must not come in contact with local communities, they must not transmit the virus to regions that, until now, have had no cases. It would be catastrophic.”
While the centre right government had not “until now” entertained the notion of total lockdown – denying people the right to circulate at all – “if required, we will do that as well,” he said.While the centre right government had not “until now” entertained the notion of total lockdown – denying people the right to circulate at all – “if required, we will do that as well,” he said.
Police have been arresting those violating measures, On Saturday the Bishop of Kythera, Serafeim, was arrested for conducting a church service on the island despite prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanding that all liturgies stop and the government banning gatherings of more than ten people.Police have been arresting those violating measures, On Saturday the Bishop of Kythera, Serafeim, was arrested for conducting a church service on the island despite prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanding that all liturgies stop and the government banning gatherings of more than ten people.
The average age of those who have tested positive for coronavirus is aged 76 with the vast majority of cases being reported in the Greek capital, professor Sotiris Tsiodras, heath’s ministry spokesman on coronavirus told reporters this evening.The average age of those who have tested positive for coronavirus is aged 76 with the vast majority of cases being reported in the Greek capital, professor Sotiris Tsiodras, heath’s ministry spokesman on coronavirus told reporters this evening.
Of the total number one hundred have been hospitalised and 18 are in intensive care, although those requiring life support is expected to rise.Of the total number one hundred have been hospitalised and 18 are in intensive care, although those requiring life support is expected to rise.
Greece was among the first EU countries to close schools and restrict movement to contain transmissions. From the outset, officials have voiced fears over the ability of a health system still reeling from years of budget cuts – the legacy of the country’s long-running debt crisis - to cope with large numbers falling seriously sick.Greece was among the first EU countries to close schools and restrict movement to contain transmissions. From the outset, officials have voiced fears over the ability of a health system still reeling from years of budget cuts – the legacy of the country’s long-running debt crisis - to cope with large numbers falling seriously sick.
The deputy civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias, who updates reporters alongside Tsiodras, said Greeks should be mindful that, 24 days ago, Italy had the same number of confirmed cases and deaths that Greece has today.The deputy civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias, who updates reporters alongside Tsiodras, said Greeks should be mindful that, 24 days ago, Italy had the same number of confirmed cases and deaths that Greece has today.
Trump dismisses report on early coronavirus warnings as ‘inaccurate’Trump dismisses report on early coronavirus warnings as ‘inaccurate’
Donald Trump has dismissed a report that he ignored early warnings from US intelligence agencies about the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak in China and repeated recent attacks on the press.Donald Trump has dismissed a report that he ignored early warnings from US intelligence agencies about the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak in China and repeated recent attacks on the press.
My colleague in Washington, David Smith, has the full report on today’s White House briefing:My colleague in Washington, David Smith, has the full report on today’s White House briefing:
Rainbow paintings are adorning windows across the UK as schools encourage their pupils to spread cheer under the cloud of Covid-19.Rainbow paintings are adorning windows across the UK as schools encourage their pupils to spread cheer under the cloud of Covid-19.
From North Lanarkshire to Swinton, children have been busy painting pictures after school closures came into effect on Friday.From North Lanarkshire to Swinton, children have been busy painting pictures after school closures came into effect on Friday.
Here is a selection of images shared on Twitter:Here is a selection of images shared on Twitter:
The Dutch government on Saturday said it would halt all passenger flights from Spain to the Netherlands until at least April 4 in an effort to limit the coronavirus outbreak.The Dutch government on Saturday said it would halt all passenger flights from Spain to the Netherlands until at least April 4 in an effort to limit the coronavirus outbreak.
The government said it would only make an exception for flights to repatriate Dutch people from Spain and for medical staff.The government said it would only make an exception for flights to repatriate Dutch people from Spain and for medical staff.
A temporary halt on flights arriving at New York City airports and Philadelphia on Saturday has been lifted.A temporary halt on flights arriving at New York City airports and Philadelphia on Saturday has been lifted.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it issued a ground stop after a trainee at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center tested positive for Covid-19.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it issued a ground stop after a trainee at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center tested positive for Covid-19.
That forced the FAA to close some air space sectors and reroute flights.That forced the FAA to close some air space sectors and reroute flights.
The order cited staffing issues at the New York Air Traffic Control Center before allowing flights to resume.The order cited staffing issues at the New York Air Traffic Control Center before allowing flights to resume.
Amazon.com will stop shipping non-essential products to consumers in Italy and France, according to an announcement the company published in Chinese on the WeChat social media platform on Saturday.Amazon.com will stop shipping non-essential products to consumers in Italy and France, according to an announcement the company published in Chinese on the WeChat social media platform on Saturday.
The world’s largest online retailer said merchants on Amazon were open to sell and ship directly to customers in the region.The world’s largest online retailer said merchants on Amazon were open to sell and ship directly to customers in the region.
“Effective immediately, Amazon will stop receiving FBA (fulfilment by Amazon) orders from customers on non-essential products on its Italy (Amazon.it) and France (Amazon.fr) site, so that operations employees can focus on fulfilling and delivering on the orders that consumers need the most now,” Amazon.com said in a statement translated from Chinese.“Effective immediately, Amazon will stop receiving FBA (fulfilment by Amazon) orders from customers on non-essential products on its Italy (Amazon.it) and France (Amazon.fr) site, so that operations employees can focus on fulfilling and delivering on the orders that consumers need the most now,” Amazon.com said in a statement translated from Chinese.
Ireland has reported 102 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 785, the country’s health department has said.Ireland has reported 102 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 785, the country’s health department has said.
In England, poultry producer Bernard Matthews is seeking an extra 200 new staff to fill jobs at its processing plants after demand for its turkey meat products soared by 35% since the outbreak of the coronavirus.In England, poultry producer Bernard Matthews is seeking an extra 200 new staff to fill jobs at its processing plants after demand for its turkey meat products soared by 35% since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The company is hiring temporary staff - predominantly to fill roles in its factories - at its sites in Great Witchingham in Norfolk and Holton in Suffolk - and will extend contracts on a week-by-week basis as needed.The company is hiring temporary staff - predominantly to fill roles in its factories - at its sites in Great Witchingham in Norfolk and Holton in Suffolk - and will extend contracts on a week-by-week basis as needed.
HR director Andrew Sherwood said demand for its turkey had soared due to consumers eating more at home as a result of the restrictions on going and dining out, and amid stockpiling of frozen and fresh chicken.HR director Andrew Sherwood said demand for its turkey had soared due to consumers eating more at home as a result of the restrictions on going and dining out, and amid stockpiling of frozen and fresh chicken.
“You don’t need any prior experience in factory work to apply” he said. “We know there are a lot of people in the hospitality sector who may be looking for a job, and this could provide a stop-gap for them.”“You don’t need any prior experience in factory work to apply” he said. “We know there are a lot of people in the hospitality sector who may be looking for a job, and this could provide a stop-gap for them.”
Eritrea has confirmed its first coronavirus case, the country’s information minister, Yemane Meskel, said on Saturday.Eritrea has confirmed its first coronavirus case, the country’s information minister, Yemane Meskel, said on Saturday.
The patient is a traveller who arrived in the country from Norway.The patient is a traveller who arrived in the country from Norway.
He added that the 39-year-old was an Eritrean national with permanent residence in Norway and was undergoing treatment.He added that the 39-year-old was an Eritrean national with permanent residence in Norway and was undergoing treatment.
If you’re only tuning in just now, here’s is a round-up of some of the biggest coronavirus developments as of 6pm on Saturday.If you’re only tuning in just now, here’s is a round-up of some of the biggest coronavirus developments as of 6pm on Saturday.
I am Aaron Walawalkar – bringing you the latest updates.I am Aaron Walawalkar – bringing you the latest updates.
If there’s anything I’ve missed, please DM me on Twitter @AaronWala. I’ll try to read everything but due to overwhelming interest I may not be able to reply.If there’s anything I’ve missed, please DM me on Twitter @AaronWala. I’ll try to read everything but due to overwhelming interest I may not be able to reply.
The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday is 5,018, up from 3,983 at 9am on Friday, the Department of Health said.The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday is 5,018, up from 3,983 at 9am on Friday, the Department of Health said.
A total of 72,818 people have been tested, with 67,800 negative results.A total of 72,818 people have been tested, with 67,800 negative results.
New York’s airspace has been partially closed after a trainee at an air traffic control tower tested positive for coronavirus.New York’s airspace has been partially closed after a trainee at an air traffic control tower tested positive for coronavirus.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop for New York airports as it adjusts its staffing to reopen the airspace.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop for New York airports as it adjusts its staffing to reopen the airspace.