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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 records almost 800 new deaths in a single day; more US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 pointsItaly records almost 800 new deaths in a single day; more US states, including New York, tell people to stay home; Dow Jones falls 900 points
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he was nearing a power-sharing deal with his centrist political rivals, but they swiftly denied it.
The goal, according to the veteran conservative leader, was a government empowered to confront the coronavirus crisis and end an unprecedented political deadlock that has seen Israel hold three inconclusive elections in less than a year.
He would head the government for 18 months, Netanyahu said, after which former general Benny Gantz would take over.
“The details have all been agreed,” Netanyahu said in an interview to Israel’s Channel 12 News. “I will evacuate (office) on the date we decide, there will be no tricks, no shticks. Millions of citizens are waiting for us to save Israel.”“This is the last call for unity,” Netanyahu added.
Gantz’s Blue and White Party immediately cast doubt on the sincerity of Netanyahu’s offer.
“Netanyahu, anyone who wants unity doesn’t impose ultimatums, use partial leaks and most certainly does not hurt democracy or the citizens and does not paralyse parliament,” Gantz said on Twitter.
Netanyahu’s critics have accused him of compromising democracy while spearheading the country’s fight against the coronavirus.
Last week Netanyahu bypassed parliament and enacted emergency regulations to allow Israel’s security forces to use anti-terrorist cyber-tracking of coronavirus patients in an effort to fight the epidemic’s spread.
Netanyahu’s Likud and Blue and White have also been at loggerheads over the formation of legislative committees, including one that would address the phone-tracking issue.
At least 883 coronavirus cases and one fatality have so far been confirmed in Israel. Netanyahu tightened a national stay-at-home policy this week which also limits any gatherings to 10 people.
Netanyahu floated a proposal on Saturday to have mass blood tests to check people for antibodies of the virus, so that they can go back to work.
Coronavirus: how Asian countries acted while the west dithered
The first coronavirus cases in Taiwan and Italy came only 10 days apart. On Sunday Taiwan, which has deep cultural and economic ties to China, has recorded just 153 cases and two deaths. Italy has more than 47,000 cases and 4,032 people have died.
My colleague Emma Graham-Harrison has the full report:
Bolivian presidential elections postponed amid coronavirus outbreak
Bolivia’s interim government announced on Saturday it would postpone presidential elections originally slated for May 3 and institute a mandatory countrywide quarantine for 14 days as coronavirus spread across the Andean nation.
The country’s electoral authority said in a statement it would “suspend the elections calendar” for 14 days to match the quarantine, but did not set a new date for the vote.
The tribunal said it would work together with all of the country’s political parties and organisations to determine when to hold the election.
Interim president Jeanine Anez earlier in the day told reporters the quarantine measure would begin Sunday and extend until April 4.
Bolivia earlier this week closed its borders and canceled all international flights.
Anez said supermarkets, hospitals, banks and pharmacies would continue to operate as normal during the quarantine. The government would provide cash payments to needy families with children beginning in April, she said.
Bolivia has confirmed 19 cases of coronavirus.
The Costa Rican president Carlos Alvarado has announced that only four new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours in the Central American country, urging people not to “drop their guard”.
Saturday’s announcement comes during an almost total lockdown across the country following a steady rise in confirmed cases throughout the week and the first deaths from the virus.
President Alvarado said the lull in new cases, which centre around the capital San Jose, means measures to control the virus should be intensified and Costa Ricans should stay at home.
Costa Rica has the second largest outbreak in Central America with 117 confirmed cases, behind Panama which has 200 after 63 new cases were recorded on Friday.
There are concerns that healthcare systems in the region are unprepared to deal with a major outbreak and Central America countries have taken dramatic measures to contain the virus at an early stage.
On Sunday, an eight-day curfew will begin in Guatemala as part of efforts to contain the virus after 17 people were infected, President Alejandro Giammattei announced on Saturday.
The father of British actress Sophia Myles has died after being treated for coronavirus.
Myles, best known for roles in Underworld, Doctor Who and Moonlight, confirmed the news in a tweet on Saturday.
The 40-year-old, from London, had posted messages and videos on Twitter updating her followers about her father’s illness and subsequent treatment in hospital.
Earlier on Saturday, she shared a photo of her father on a respirator, along with the caption:
And in a video message, she thanked people for their support, saying:
Uganda has confirmed its first coronavirus case, the country’s health minister has said.Uganda has confirmed its first coronavirus case, the country’s health minister has said.
Kuwait has imposed a 12-hour nationwide curfew to fight the coronavirus outbreak, according to the country’s state news agency.Kuwait has imposed a 12-hour nationwide curfew to fight the coronavirus outbreak, according to the country’s state news agency.
Donald Trump has sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as part of efforts to “engage global leaders during the ongoing pandemic,” a senior official in the president’s administration told Reuters.Donald Trump has sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as part of efforts to “engage global leaders during the ongoing pandemic,” a senior official in the president’s administration told Reuters.
Six footballers – including the Juventus forward Paulo Dybala – tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.Six footballers – including the Juventus forward Paulo Dybala – tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
Here is the full report:Here is the full report:
‘We have a responsibility to confront Covid-19’ – London mayor‘We have a responsibility to confront Covid-19’ – London mayor
The responsibility to tackle Covid-19 has fallen to Britain and Europe, with Donald Trump “rejecting the traditional leadership role of the US”, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said.The responsibility to tackle Covid-19 has fallen to Britain and Europe, with Donald Trump “rejecting the traditional leadership role of the US”, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said.
In a column for the Guardian, Khan urges the UK public to adhere to the expert advice on social distancing and self-isolation.In a column for the Guardian, Khan urges the UK public to adhere to the expert advice on social distancing and self-isolation.
He writes:He writes:
Read the full article here:Read the full article here:
Allergy UK, the patient charity for millions of people living with allergic conditions, is urging shoppers who are panic buying to think about those who rely on “free from” foods.Allergy UK, the patient charity for millions of people living with allergic conditions, is urging shoppers who are panic buying to think about those who rely on “free from” foods.
The charity said it is receiving reports that shoppers are stripping “free from” fixtures bare as they buy up alternatives such as oat milk and gluten-free bread, pasta and biscuits when standard products are sold out.The charity said it is receiving reports that shoppers are stripping “free from” fixtures bare as they buy up alternatives such as oat milk and gluten-free bread, pasta and biscuits when standard products are sold out.
A mother of a young child with an allergy to cow’s milk has told the charity that she could not buy the oat milk her child needed because the shelves had been emptied. Allergy UK said such families did not have the luxury of an alternative; a food allergy means complete avoidance of the allergen and they rely on certain “free from” products to keep their children safe from reactions that can be serious and even fatal.A mother of a young child with an allergy to cow’s milk has told the charity that she could not buy the oat milk her child needed because the shelves had been emptied. Allergy UK said such families did not have the luxury of an alternative; a food allergy means complete avoidance of the allergen and they rely on certain “free from” products to keep their children safe from reactions that can be serious and even fatal.
Carla Jones, chief executive of Allergy UK, said: “Of course we understand how anxious people are in the current circumstances.Carla Jones, chief executive of Allergy UK, said: “Of course we understand how anxious people are in the current circumstances.
“We are all living through unprecedented times with a high degree of uncertainty, but we are asking people to please consider the needs of a large group of people who do not have the luxury of choice.”“We are all living through unprecedented times with a high degree of uncertainty, but we are asking people to please consider the needs of a large group of people who do not have the luxury of choice.”
UK prisons ‘could see 800 deaths’ from coronavirus without protective measuresUK prisons ‘could see 800 deaths’ from coronavirus without protective measures
Failure to protect the most vulnerable inmates in the UK prison system from coronavirus could result in more than 800 deaths, experts have warned.Failure to protect the most vulnerable inmates in the UK prison system from coronavirus could result in more than 800 deaths, experts have warned.
Prisons have been a flashpoint in many countries’ battles against the virus, with several, including Spain, the US and Iran, ordering the release of many inmates to lessen the risk of transmission among detainees and jail staff.Prisons have been a flashpoint in many countries’ battles against the virus, with several, including Spain, the US and Iran, ordering the release of many inmates to lessen the risk of transmission among detainees and jail staff.
My colleagues Mark Townsend and Jamie Doward have the full report:My colleagues Mark Townsend and Jamie Doward have the full report:
Angola has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, as the outbreak spreads in Africa.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Disney+ 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
My colleague in Washington, David Smith, has the full report on today’s White House briefing: