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Coronavirus news: global death toll passes 15,000 as total of confirmed cases nears 350,000 - live updates Coronavirus news: global death toll passes 15,000 as total confirmed cases go above 350,000 - live updates
(32 minutes later)
France likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being consideredFrance likely to extend lockdown; Norway to set up UN fund for poorer countries; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being considered
In response to calls by Emmanuel Macron and other French leaders to calls for “national solidarity” during the coronavirus crisis, the France’s luxury fashion houses are turning their hand to making protective equipment for essential health staff, writes Kim Willsher in Paris. Zimbabwe has recorded its first death from coronavirus.
The latest big name companies to heed the appeal are haute couture labels Balenciaga, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent who are turning their ateliers into production of face masks and medical coats. The death comes after the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported that the first individual to be diagnosed with Covid-19 in the country was “showing signs of recovery” and was in self-isolation at home.
Singapore has confirmed 54 new cases of Covid-19, the overwhelming majority of whom had returned to the Asian city state from overseas, the Straits Times reports.
Of the total, which is a record for the number of new cases detected in Singapore in a single day, 48 arrived in the city already infected.
Together they bring the total number of infected patients in Singapore to 509, 15 of whom are in intensive care. So far 152 in the country people have recovered.
Singapore is still carrying out rigorous contact tracing and quarantine measures in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. At the moment 2,529 people are in quarantined after being in contact with a confirmed carrier of the virus, while 5,822 have completed their quarantine.
Singapore has banned short-term visitors, including tourists, from entry.
Su Xin, who alerted the Guardian to the news report, said it is important to highlight how many of those who make up the recent spike in Singapore seem to be returning students. She writes:
The number of people confirmed infected with coronavirus around the world has passed 350,000, according to statistics collected by Johns Hopkins university.
According to the tally kept by the university, 350,536 people have been diagnosed with the virus, of whom 15,328 have died and 100,182 have recovered.
The country with the highest number of confirmed infections remains China, with 81,496, followed by Italy, Europe’s worst hit country, with 59,138, then the US with 35,225, Spain with 33,089, and Germany with 26,220.
In an act of international solidarity, Cuba has sent a brigade of more than 50 medics to Italy to help them in their fight against coronavirus.
The Caribbean island, one of the world’s last remaining communist states, has a long history of sending medical assistance to countries in need.
According to the Cuban news agency, Prensa Latina, the group arriving in Italy includes 36 doctors, 15 graduate nurses and a logistics specialist. They will work in a field hospital built in Crema, a city of about 34,000 people, located in the province of Cremona, Lombardy, the region hardest hit by the epidemic.
Prensa Latina quoted the national coordinator of the Cuban Residents in Italy group as saying:
In response to calls by Emmanuel Macron and other French leaders for “national solidarity” during the coronavirus crisis, France’s luxury fashion houses are turning their hand to making protective equipment for essential health staff, writes Kim Willsher in Paris.
The latest big-name companies to heed the appeal are haute couture labels Balenciaga, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent who are turning their ateliers into production of face masks and medical coats.
Parent company Kering said in a statement that the masks would be made “respecting the strictest health protection measures”. It is also donating 3 million masks bought from China.Parent company Kering said in a statement that the masks would be made “respecting the strictest health protection measures”. It is also donating 3 million masks bought from China.
Gucci expects to make 1.1 million masks and 55,000 hospital coats in the coming weeks that will be sent to Tuscany in Italy, which has been particularly hit by the coronavirus.Gucci expects to make 1.1 million masks and 55,000 hospital coats in the coming weeks that will be sent to Tuscany in Italy, which has been particularly hit by the coronavirus.
Last week, the world’s largest luxury goods group LVMH announced it had found a supplier to provide 40 million surgical masks to the health authorities in France, which it was buying from China in batches of 10 million. LVMH has also been using its cosmetics factories to produce antibacterial hand gel, which it is distributing for free to health workers. Last week, the world’s largest luxury goods group LVMH announced it had found a supplier to provide 40m surgical masks to the health authorities in France, which it was buying from China in batches of 10 million. LVMH has also been using its cosmetics factories to produce antibacterial hand gel, which it is distributing for free to health workers.
In New York, fashion designer Chirstian Siriano said his company would make as many masks as possible to donate to the city’s hospitals that are running dangerously low on supplies.In New York, fashion designer Chirstian Siriano said his company would make as many masks as possible to donate to the city’s hospitals that are running dangerously low on supplies.
Bernard Arnault, the head of LVMH and France’s richest man, and François Pinault, head of Kering, are business and philanthropic rivals. After the fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in April last year, Arnault announced he was donating €200m to the rebuilding operation, doubling the €100m pledged by Pinault. Bernard Arnault, the head of LVMH and France’s richest man, and François Pinault, head of Kering, are business and philanthropic rivals. After the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in April last year, Arnault announced he was donating €200m to the rebuilding operation, doubling the €100m pledged by Pinault.
This is Damien Gayle taking over on the world coronavirus news live blog now for the next few hours, with the latest updates from the Guardian’s global network of correspondents, the news wires and social media.This is Damien Gayle taking over on the world coronavirus news live blog now for the next few hours, with the latest updates from the Guardian’s global network of correspondents, the news wires and social media.
As usual, please do get in touch with news and tips from your part of the world. You can reach me on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.As usual, please do get in touch with news and tips from your part of the world. You can reach me on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
A sombre warning to Americans has been issued by the US surgeon general who said: “This week it’s going to get bad.”A sombre warning to Americans has been issued by the US surgeon general who said: “This week it’s going to get bad.”
Dr Jerome Adams, the operational head of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), was speaking to NBC News’ Today programme, where he said: “I want America to understand this week it’s going to get bad. We really need to come together as a nation … we really really need everyone to stay at home.”Dr Jerome Adams, the operational head of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), was speaking to NBC News’ Today programme, where he said: “I want America to understand this week it’s going to get bad. We really need to come together as a nation … we really really need everyone to stay at home.”
Three doctors have died in France after contracting the coronavirus, according to the AFP news agency.Three doctors have died in France after contracting the coronavirus, according to the AFP news agency.
The French health minister, Olivier Véran, confirmed a hospital doctor died on Sunday. He was an accident and emergency medic working at a hospital in Compiègne, north of Paris, in an area that was first hit by a Covid-19 cluster.The French health minister, Olivier Véran, confirmed a hospital doctor died on Sunday. He was an accident and emergency medic working at a hospital in Compiègne, north of Paris, in an area that was first hit by a Covid-19 cluster.
Today, news is breaking that a 66-year-old gynaecologist and a 60-year-old GP have also died, both from eastern France where hospitals have also been overwhelmed with patients.Today, news is breaking that a 66-year-old gynaecologist and a 60-year-old GP have also died, both from eastern France where hospitals have also been overwhelmed with patients.
Russia may be forced to put off a public vote on amendments allowing Vladimir Putin to hold office until 2036, as the coronavirus threatens to upend a busy political season in Russia.Russia may be forced to put off a public vote on amendments allowing Vladimir Putin to hold office until 2036, as the coronavirus threatens to upend a busy political season in Russia.
The Kremlin so far has not rescheduled 22 April vote that was intended as a public endorsement for Putin’s surprise plan to “reset” his term limits, allowing him to run for a fifth and even sixth term as president under a revised constitution.The Kremlin so far has not rescheduled 22 April vote that was intended as a public endorsement for Putin’s surprise plan to “reset” his term limits, allowing him to run for a fifth and even sixth term as president under a revised constitution.
But as Moscow and other Russian cities introduce stricter preventative measures against the coronavirus, election officials have discussed the possibility of home voting or other ways to pull off a nationwide plebiscite in a country of 140 million when health officials desperately want to reduce face-to-face contact.But as Moscow and other Russian cities introduce stricter preventative measures against the coronavirus, election officials have discussed the possibility of home voting or other ways to pull off a nationwide plebiscite in a country of 140 million when health officials desperately want to reduce face-to-face contact.
“The vote is set for 22 April, but the health of the country’s citizens is most important,” said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Putin. “If the growth of the epidemiological situation gives cause to reschedule then it will be done.”“The vote is set for 22 April, but the health of the country’s citizens is most important,” said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Putin. “If the growth of the epidemiological situation gives cause to reschedule then it will be done.”
Global coronavirus death toll passes 15,000Global coronavirus death toll passes 15,000
The number of people across the world who have died after contracting coronavirus stands at 15,308, according to Johns Hopkins University, which has been collating global data. The worldwide number of confirmed cases currently stands at 349,211.The number of people across the world who have died after contracting coronavirus stands at 15,308, according to Johns Hopkins University, which has been collating global data. The worldwide number of confirmed cases currently stands at 349,211.
In Spain, one of Europe’s worst-hit countries, the coronavirus death toll has reached 2,182, the total growing by 462 overnight. The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in 24 hours.In Spain, one of Europe’s worst-hit countries, the coronavirus death toll has reached 2,182, the total growing by 462 overnight. The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in 24 hours.
Upwards curve in infections ‘may be flattening’ in GermanyUpwards curve in infections ‘may be flattening’ in Germany
There were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections in Germany is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute has said. However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.There were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections in Germany is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute has said. However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.
Postponement of Tokyo Olympics under considerationPostponement of Tokyo Olympics under consideration
The head of the Japan Olympic committee (JOC) said on Monday he had to consider postponing the Games among his options amid increasing calls from committees around the world to delay the Olympics due to the coronavirus outbreak. “From the athletes’ point of view of safety and security, we have to come to a stage where we cannot help but consider things including postponement,” the JOC president, Yasuhiro Yamashita, told reporters on Monday. However, he said too long a delay would be a burden to athletes given the possibility of having to qualify again, for example.The head of the Japan Olympic committee (JOC) said on Monday he had to consider postponing the Games among his options amid increasing calls from committees around the world to delay the Olympics due to the coronavirus outbreak. “From the athletes’ point of view of safety and security, we have to come to a stage where we cannot help but consider things including postponement,” the JOC president, Yasuhiro Yamashita, told reporters on Monday. However, he said too long a delay would be a burden to athletes given the possibility of having to qualify again, for example.
Britain warns tougher measures on movement may be on wayBritain warns tougher measures on movement may be on way
Britain’s health minister has accused those still socialising of “very selfish” behaviour that risks the lives of NHS workers and others, as he signalled tougher restrictions on movement are likely to be on the way. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said stricter rules such as curfews or further closures could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures.”Britain’s health minister has accused those still socialising of “very selfish” behaviour that risks the lives of NHS workers and others, as he signalled tougher restrictions on movement are likely to be on the way. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said stricter rules such as curfews or further closures could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures.”
French parliament votes for two-month ‘health state of emergency’French parliament votes for two-month ‘health state of emergency’
The move legalises the restrictive measures already taken – including the confinement introduced on 16 March – and gives the government power to legislate other emergency measures by decree. Indications are the French government will announce that the confinement to home regulations that were initially due to last two weeks, will be extended on Monday following recommendations from the country’s Covid-19 scientific committee.The move legalises the restrictive measures already taken – including the confinement introduced on 16 March – and gives the government power to legislate other emergency measures by decree. Indications are the French government will announce that the confinement to home regulations that were initially due to last two weeks, will be extended on Monday following recommendations from the country’s Covid-19 scientific committee.
Markets slump as US Senate deadlocked over Covid-19 stimulusMarkets slump as US Senate deadlocked over Covid-19 stimulus
After stocks slumped in Asia overnight, European markets headed into a rocky start. Among them was the UK-focused FTSE 250 share index, which was down 4.5% after nearly two hours of trading. This latest sell-off has been triggered by the news, overnight, that the US Senate failed to approve a massive funding package to combat the impact of coronavirus.After stocks slumped in Asia overnight, European markets headed into a rocky start. Among them was the UK-focused FTSE 250 share index, which was down 4.5% after nearly two hours of trading. This latest sell-off has been triggered by the news, overnight, that the US Senate failed to approve a massive funding package to combat the impact of coronavirus.
Syria confirms first case of Covid-19 after weeks of denials.Syria confirms first case of Covid-19 after weeks of denials.
The patient is a 20-year-old woman who recently returned to Syria from an unspecified country and appropriate measures have been taken, health minister Nizar Yaziji said. Fears are mounting of an outbreak that will have catastrophic consequences on the war-torn country.The patient is a 20-year-old woman who recently returned to Syria from an unspecified country and appropriate measures have been taken, health minister Nizar Yaziji said. Fears are mounting of an outbreak that will have catastrophic consequences on the war-torn country.
Philippines isolates hundreds of health workersPhilippines isolates hundreds of health workers
More than 670 Filipino health workers have been quarantined over fears they were exposed to coronavirus, while others have resorted to using bin bags for protection as case numbers rise across much of south-east Asia. More than 50 million people in the Philippines remain under lockdown, while the country’s medical facilities struggle with a lack of testing kits and shortages of protective equipment.More than 670 Filipino health workers have been quarantined over fears they were exposed to coronavirus, while others have resorted to using bin bags for protection as case numbers rise across much of south-east Asia. More than 50 million people in the Philippines remain under lockdown, while the country’s medical facilities struggle with a lack of testing kits and shortages of protective equipment.
Wuhan’s residents start to emerge from crisisWuhan’s residents start to emerge from crisis
Residents living in the city of 11 million people at the heart of the virus outbreak have been allowed to leave their residential compounds in small groups for the first time in weeks. Public transport is resuming and people are being allowed to return to work if the are certified healthy. Non-residents, stranded there since stringent travel restrictions went into effect on 23 January, can also begin applying to leave the city. China reported 39 fresh virus cases from Sunday, all imported from overseas.Residents living in the city of 11 million people at the heart of the virus outbreak have been allowed to leave their residential compounds in small groups for the first time in weeks. Public transport is resuming and people are being allowed to return to work if the are certified healthy. Non-residents, stranded there since stringent travel restrictions went into effect on 23 January, can also begin applying to leave the city. China reported 39 fresh virus cases from Sunday, all imported from overseas.
A German website can tell you how long your toilet roll supply will last.A German website can tell you how long your toilet roll supply will last.
It comes as loo roll becomes one of the commodities shoppers across the world have hoarded amid the coronavirus outbreak. The website Blitzrechner.de can help reassure shoppers that they have enough. Just tell it how many rolls you have and how often you go to the toilet. You can adjust the settings for the number of wipes per trip, the number of paper squares per wipe, the number of family members in your household and how long you plan to stay home.It comes as loo roll becomes one of the commodities shoppers across the world have hoarded amid the coronavirus outbreak. The website Blitzrechner.de can help reassure shoppers that they have enough. Just tell it how many rolls you have and how often you go to the toilet. You can adjust the settings for the number of wipes per trip, the number of paper squares per wipe, the number of family members in your household and how long you plan to stay home.
Authorities in Montenegro have begun publishing a list of all the people currently in quarantine in the country, in the hope of shaming citizens into not breaking the rules. A government website has published lists divided by city, which give the names and addresses of those who are meant to be confined to their homes, either because they have returned to Montenegro from abroad or because they came into contact with someone later diagnosed with coronavirus.Authorities in Montenegro have begun publishing a list of all the people currently in quarantine in the country, in the hope of shaming citizens into not breaking the rules. A government website has published lists divided by city, which give the names and addresses of those who are meant to be confined to their homes, either because they have returned to Montenegro from abroad or because they came into contact with someone later diagnosed with coronavirus.
Criminal charges can be filed for those who break quarantine, but authorities said there was still a large number of people not complying. A statement on the website said the decision to publish names had been deemed preferable to enforcing a lockdown for the whole country.Criminal charges can be filed for those who break quarantine, but authorities said there was still a large number of people not complying. A statement on the website said the decision to publish names had been deemed preferable to enforcing a lockdown for the whole country.
Montenegro’s first coronavirus cases were confirmed last week, making it one of the last European countries to declare a case. However, strict measures are already in place, including a ban on flights and the closure of restaurants, pubs and most shops. So far there are 22 confirmed cases in the small coastal country, with the first death from the virus announced on Monday morning, a 65-year-old man.Montenegro’s first coronavirus cases were confirmed last week, making it one of the last European countries to declare a case. However, strict measures are already in place, including a ban on flights and the closure of restaurants, pubs and most shops. So far there are 22 confirmed cases in the small coastal country, with the first death from the virus announced on Monday morning, a 65-year-old man.
Japan’s Olympic organising committee plans to dramatically scale back the torch relay until a formal decision on the Games is made, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday. The event, which was due to start on March 26 will now use lanterns to carry the Olympic flame and will be more of a “tour” than a relay, NHK said.Japan’s Olympic organising committee plans to dramatically scale back the torch relay until a formal decision on the Games is made, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday. The event, which was due to start on March 26 will now use lanterns to carry the Olympic flame and will be more of a “tour” than a relay, NHK said.
Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday.Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday.
It comes a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating Covid-19 patients.It comes a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating Covid-19 patients.
One of the doctors, a 66-year-old gynaecologist in Mulhouse near the border with Switzerland and Germany, was infected by a patient during a consultation, according to his clinic.One of the doctors, a 66-year-old gynaecologist in Mulhouse near the border with Switzerland and Germany, was infected by a patient during a consultation, according to his clinic.
The other was a 60-year-old general practitioner at a hospital in Saint-Avold near Metz, further north along the German frontier, according to the town’s mayor.The other was a 60-year-old general practitioner at a hospital in Saint-Avold near Metz, further north along the German frontier, according to the town’s mayor.
Both died on Sunday when officials announced the death of a 67-year-old doctor who was among the first to treat coronavirus cases in the northern Oise department, which has been badly hit by the outbreak.Both died on Sunday when officials announced the death of a 67-year-old doctor who was among the first to treat coronavirus cases in the northern Oise department, which has been badly hit by the outbreak.
According to an AFP tally, more than one billion people around the world have now been asked to stay home in line with mandatory or recommended measures rolled out by governments trying to slow the tide of the pandemic.According to an AFP tally, more than one billion people around the world have now been asked to stay home in line with mandatory or recommended measures rolled out by governments trying to slow the tide of the pandemic.
The Tokyo Olympics due to start in July looked increasingly likely to be postponed, with Canada pulling out and Australia saying it was preparing for a one-year delay.The Tokyo Olympics due to start in July looked increasingly likely to be postponed, with Canada pulling out and Australia saying it was preparing for a one-year delay.
World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe joined calls for the Games to be postponed after Japan’s prime minister admitted a delay could be “inevitable”.World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe joined calls for the Games to be postponed after Japan’s prime minister admitted a delay could be “inevitable”.
In Bangladesh a 10-days general holiday has been declared from 26 March to 4 April, to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.In Bangladesh a 10-days general holiday has been declared from 26 March to 4 April, to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.
The army will be deployed throughout the country to help the local administration ensure social distancing. The cabinet secretary made the announcements in a press conference this afternoon.The army will be deployed throughout the country to help the local administration ensure social distancing. The cabinet secretary made the announcements in a press conference this afternoon.
Hello everyone. I am stepping in for a bit while my colleague Ben takes a break. Please do share any news tips or insight from where you are with me via any of the channels below.Hello everyone. I am stepping in for a bit while my colleague Ben takes a break. Please do share any news tips or insight from where you are with me via any of the channels below.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
In Stockholm, where transport authorities have reduced the frequency of bus services, there has been anger that the result is that passengers are more closely packed together.In Stockholm, where transport authorities have reduced the frequency of bus services, there has been anger that the result is that passengers are more closely packed together.
Here is a piece in Aftonbladet in which health workers using the service expressed their astonishment.Here is a piece in Aftonbladet in which health workers using the service expressed their astonishment.
It comes as similar concerns have been raised in London, with particular reference to packed underground trains carrying health workers alongside others.It comes as similar concerns have been raised in London, with particular reference to packed underground trains carrying health workers alongside others.
A British MP tweeted this earlier:A British MP tweeted this earlier:
Belgium’s coronavirus lockdown could last for a further eight weeks, the country’s health minister has said, as official figures showed slowing growth in the number of people being admitted to hospital.Belgium’s coronavirus lockdown could last for a further eight weeks, the country’s health minister has said, as official figures showed slowing growth in the number of people being admitted to hospital.
Since 18 March, Belgian residents have only been allowed to go out for work deemed essential, visiting supermarkets or pharmacies, or to exercise while respecting 1.5 metres of social distancing.Since 18 March, Belgian residents have only been allowed to go out for work deemed essential, visiting supermarkets or pharmacies, or to exercise while respecting 1.5 metres of social distancing.
Asked how long the measures could last, health minister Maggie De Block said:Asked how long the measures could last, health minister Maggie De Block said:
That’s the million dollar question. We are now heading towards the peak of the epidemic, after which the curve will descend. I think this situation will last for at least another eight weeks. It would be the normal curve.That’s the million dollar question. We are now heading towards the peak of the epidemic, after which the curve will descend. I think this situation will last for at least another eight weeks. It would be the normal curve.
She was speaking before Belgium’s federal crisis centre released its latest data on Monday, showing slowing growth in the number of people admitted to hospitals.She was speaking before Belgium’s federal crisis centre released its latest data on Monday, showing slowing growth in the number of people admitted to hospitals.
As of 11am CET on Monday, Belgium had recorded 3,743 coronavirus cases, an increase of 10% on the previous day, a slower rate of increase than Saturday to Sunday. A total of 88 people had died, an increase of 13 on the previous day.As of 11am CET on Monday, Belgium had recorded 3,743 coronavirus cases, an increase of 10% on the previous day, a slower rate of increase than Saturday to Sunday. A total of 88 people had died, an increase of 13 on the previous day.