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Coronavirus news: 53 more people die in UK, taking toll to 233 Coronavirus news: Johnson urges people not to visit parents on Mothers' Day
(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
Prime minister Conte has said that supermarkets, pharmacies, postal and banking services will continue to remain open. Essential public services and transport will also remain in place, he added.
Italian prime minister Guiseppe Conte has said businesses should close all operations apart from essential supply chains, according to Reuters.
In Argentina’s nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, one magical being has been handed a presidential exemption: the tooth fairy.
President Alberto Fernandez earlier this week ordered all but essential workers to stay home and off the streets. But he was forced to amend the list of exceptions after receiving a message from the mother of a seven-year old boy who had recently lost his first tooth.
“Dear @alferdez, I need to ask if the tooth fairy is among those exempted from quarantine? Joaquin has lost his first tooth and we don’t know if we should leave him a letter (we can’t find the tooth). We don’t want to cause the tooth fairy problems or for the police to detain him.”
Fernandez reassured the boy an hour later that the tooth fairy was indeed on the official list of exceptions.
“@littlekbz Cecilita! The tooth fairy can leave rewards for fallen teeth because he is not under quarantine. But the rest of us are... Joaquin should leave the tooth beneath his pillow and enjoy the prize,” Fernandez wrote on Twitter.
Aside from the tooth fairy, Argentina has also exempted key agricultural and export industry workers from the lockdown, and allows people on the streets to buy groceries and medicine, and for urgent medical needs.
The country thus far has confirmed 158 cases of coronavirus and four deaths from the disease.
Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) suspended its domestic flights until further notice to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the state news agency said on Saturday.Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) suspended its domestic flights until further notice to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the state news agency said on Saturday.
The Kingdom has reported 96 cases of the flu-like disease.The Kingdom has reported 96 cases of the flu-like disease.
Boris Johnson has warned the coronavirus outbreak is “accelerating”, as he urged people not to visit their parents on Mothers’ Day.Boris Johnson has warned the coronavirus outbreak is “accelerating”, as he urged people not to visit their parents on Mothers’ Day.
In stark message to the country, he said the NHS was in danger of being “overwhelmed” in the same way as the Italian healthcare system unless people heeded government advice on “social distancing”.In stark message to the country, he said the NHS was in danger of being “overwhelmed” in the same way as the Italian healthcare system unless people heeded government advice on “social distancing”.
It came as ministers urged the 1.5 million people in England considered to be most at risk from the disease due to their health conditions to begin “shielding” themselves by staying at home.It came as ministers urged the 1.5 million people in England considered to be most at risk from the disease due to their health conditions to begin “shielding” themselves by staying at home.
Letters will go out this week to those concerned, “strongly advising” them not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.Letters will go out this week to those concerned, “strongly advising” them not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.
At the same time, the government announced a new local support system to ensure people self-isolating at home without the support of family or friends can get basic groceries delivered.At the same time, the government announced a new local support system to ensure people self-isolating at home without the support of family or friends can get basic groceries delivered.
Military planners, already helping councils and local resilience forums in their responses to the outbreak, have been centrally involved in setting up the new network.Military planners, already helping councils and local resilience forums in their responses to the outbreak, have been centrally involved in setting up the new network.
It follows the dramatic announcement on Friday that all pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres are to shut in the latest move to combat the disease.It follows the dramatic announcement on Friday that all pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres are to shut in the latest move to combat the disease.
Mr Johnson said that while “everyone’s strongest instinct” was to visit their mother on Mother’s Day, the best single present they could give her was to stay away and spare her the risk of becoming infected.Mr Johnson said that while “everyone’s strongest instinct” was to visit their mother on Mother’s Day, the best single present they could give her was to stay away and spare her the risk of becoming infected.
He added:He added:
The Scottish Government has issued a travel warning and criticised the “irresponsible behaviour” of those travelling to the Highlands in a bid to isolate from coronavirus. The Scottish government has issued a travel warning and criticised the “irresponsible behaviour” of those travelling to the Highlands in a bid to isolate themselves from coronavirus.
People with second homes and campervans have reportedly been travelling to the area in recent days despite warnings to stay at home. People with second homes and camper vans have reportedly been travelling to the area in recent days despite warnings to stay at home.
The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford posted on social media saying he had been contacted by the Nevis Range Centre in Fort William who “had to turn away around 30 camper vans”. The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, posted on social media saying he had been contacted by the Nevis Range Centre in Fort William who “had to turn away around 30 camper vans”.
He added: “I urge everyone to do the right thing; follow the Government advice and please do not travel here. He added: “I urge everyone to do the right thing; follow the government advice and please do not travel here.
“If these warnings are not heeded and people need to be stopped from travelling, then I am afraid that is what will have to happen.“Those in camper vans please go home.” “If these warnings are not heeded and people need to be stopped from travelling, then I am afraid that is what will have to happen. Those in camper vans, please go home.”
It comes a day after Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes - MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch - said the continuing flow of traffic which appears to be “escaping the cities is not helping”. It comes a day after Scottish finance secretary, Kate Forbes – MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – said the continuing flow of traffic which appears to be “escaping the cities is not helping”.
Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing is now urging people to stop travelling to the area, and indeed at all, in a bid to avoid the outbreak. Rural economy and tourism secretary Fergus Ewing is now urging people to stop travelling to the area, and indeed at all, in a bid to avoid the outbreak.
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies of coronavirusFormer Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies of coronavirus
The former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, La Liga has announced.The former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, La Liga has announced.
Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.
Here is the full report:Here is the full report:
Rihanna pledges $5m to curb coronavirusRihanna pledges $5m to curb coronavirus
Rihanna has become the latest celebrity to join the effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.Rihanna has become the latest celebrity to join the effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The singer’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it has donated $5million to a number of organisations responding to the outbreak.The singer’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it has donated $5million to a number of organisations responding to the outbreak.
The organisations include Direct Relief, Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the International Rescue Committee.The organisations include Direct Relief, Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the International Rescue Committee.
According to a statement, the funds will support:According to a statement, the funds will support:
Local food banks serving at-risk communities and the elderly in the United States;Local food banks serving at-risk communities and the elderly in the United States;
Acceleration of testing and care in countries like Haiti and Malawi, as well as the mobilisation of resources and additional capacity and support for Native communities;Acceleration of testing and care in countries like Haiti and Malawi, as well as the mobilisation of resources and additional capacity and support for Native communities;
Protective equipment for frontline health workers and diagnostic labs, the establishment and maintenance of intensive care units, and acceleration of the development of vaccines and other therapies across the globe;Protective equipment for frontline health workers and diagnostic labs, the establishment and maintenance of intensive care units, and acceleration of the development of vaccines and other therapies across the globe;
Healthcare worker training, virus prevention and containment in countries that will be on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response; and,Healthcare worker training, virus prevention and containment in countries that will be on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response; and,
Distribution of critical respiratory supplies.Distribution of critical respiratory supplies.
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.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.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.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.“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.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, 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.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.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.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.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.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 ditheredCoronavirus: 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.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: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.
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.
Six footballers – including the Juventus forward Paulo Dybala – tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
Here is the full report:
‘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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
UK 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.
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: