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Coronavirus news: global death toll passes 15,000 as total confirmed cases go above 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)
Zimbabwe records first death from coronavirus; Germany sees first sign exponential infection growth levelling off; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being consideredZimbabwe records first death from coronavirus; Germany sees first sign exponential infection growth levelling off; Japan Olympics chief says postponement being considered
Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ flag carrier, will from Wednesday night suspend all flights to, from and via Abu Dhabi for an initial period of 14 days. The airline said in a statement:
The decision comes after an order by the UAE’s national emergency crisis and disaster management authority, and its general civil aviation authority, to suspend all inbound, outbound, and transit passenger flights in the UAE.
Tony Douglas, the group chief executive officer of the Etihad aviation group, said:
The European Union’s top diplomat has said “fake news” and disinformation are resulting in Europeans being stigmatised for the spread of coronavirus, Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels.
Following a telephone conference with EU foreign ministers on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters there was “clear stigmatisation of European Union citizens abroad”.
He referred to an incident last Thursday when the mayor of Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador blocked an empty European plane from landing “to defend the city” against coronavirus. The Iberia plane, which eventually landed in Quito, was repatriating 190 travellers stranded in Ecuador, after flights were suspended to contain the spread of the virus. Borrell said it had been claimed the plane was “bringing the disease” adding that “spreading disinformation is playing with people’s lives”.
Borrell referred to the EU’s disinformation taskforce, which recently produced a report that said pro-Kremlin media were producing false stories about coronavirus with the aim of “aggravating” the public health crisis in the west.
He said the problem was “not a matter” of declarations by any government, but rather “the wide spread of fake news produces reactions and produces attitudes among people which are very dangerous”.
Separately the EU executive announced that Italy was among four countries to respond to a call of help from Croatia, after Zagreb was struck by its biggest earthquake in 140 years.
Italy, the EU country hardest hit by coronavirus, joined Austria, Hungary and Slovenia in offering to send tents, folding beds and other supplies, after Croatia on Sunday activated the EU’s civil protection mechanism – a call for emergency aid when facing a disaster.
The World Health Organisation is to announce a joint campaign with Fifa, football’s world governing body, to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino will appear at the press conference alongside Tedros Adhanom Ghebeyesus, the WHO’s director general, at the WHO’s headquarters in Geneva to launch the “pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign.
The launch will be followed by the regular WHO briefing on developments in the fight against coronavirus around the world. You can tune in on the player at the top of the live blog.
Like Eve eying the forbidden fruit, Ireland is debating whether to take a mighty bite out of €14bn in disputed taxes paid by Apple, Rory Carroll reports from Dublin.
The money – held in an escrow account pending a court case - could help pay for emergency measures to support workers, companies and a health care system all hit by coronavirus.
Ireland collected the windfall after the European commission ruled in August 2016 that the tech giant had received unfair tax incentives from the Irish government.
Both the Irish government – which does not want to alienate big tech - and Apple are appealing, saying the correct tax was paid.
The appeal ruling could be a decade away – so distant it can be ignored to deal with the current crisis, say some.
“I’m not sure Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, would put up much of a fight if we decided to spend the money now,” Chris Johns, a columnist, wrote in the Irish Times. Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein, has made the same suggestion, saying the money coule be spent “right this minute”.
But the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is not biting. On Monday he accused McDonald of talking rubbish. “The European courts will decide whether that money either belongs to Apple or comes to the Irish revenue commissioners and then has to be distributed out among the counties of Europe. It’s not ours to take and it’s now before the courts. She should know better before coming out with that kind of rubbish.”
While Canada’s shared border with the United States has closed down to any non-essential travel, two Canadian provinces have taken the rare step of closing their own borders stop the spread of the coronavirus, writes Leyland Cecco in Toronto.
Both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have tightened restrictions on their borders, requiring anyone returning to either province to self-isolate for two weeks.
Announcing a state of emergency for the province, premier Stephen McNeil said:
In addition to border restrictions, all non-essential businesses, as well as city and provincial parks have been ordered closed. The province’s justice minister has suggested police enforcement might be used to enforce social distancing and to break up public gatherings.
Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, began monitoring bridges, ferry terminals and airports over the weekend.
While the Maritime provinces— Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island—have documented few cases, there is growing worry their aging population is vulnerable to the quickly-spreading coronavirus.
Denmark has extended its nationwide lockdown until 13 April, Reuters reports.Denmark has extended its nationwide lockdown until 13 April, Reuters reports.
The emergency measures, initially imposed on 11 March for two weeks, have closed schools and restaurants in the Nordic country and kept most public sector workers at home.The emergency measures, initially imposed on 11 March for two weeks, have closed schools and restaurants in the Nordic country and kept most public sector workers at home.
Announcing the extension, prime minister Mette Frederiksen told a news conference:Announcing the extension, prime minister Mette Frederiksen told a news conference:
The country has restricted public assembly to 10 or fewer people and ordered the closure of schools, universities, day cares, restaurants, cafes, libraries, gyms and hair salons.The country has restricted public assembly to 10 or fewer people and ordered the closure of schools, universities, day cares, restaurants, cafes, libraries, gyms and hair salons.
Chile has recorded its second death from coronavirus. The country’s ministry of health said that the victim was an older patient who was already suffering from cancer.Chile has recorded its second death from coronavirus. The country’s ministry of health said that the victim was an older patient who was already suffering from cancer.
Chile is among a number of countries in South America where governments have imposed curfews in an effort to stop the coronavirus spreading unchecked, however it has held back from the kind of lockdown measures imposed in its neighbour Argentina. Chile is among a number of countries in South America where governments have imposed curfews in an effort to stop the coronavirus spreading unchecked; however, it has held back from the kind of lockdown measures imposed in its neighbour Argentina.
The Covid-19 outbreak has dampened months of protests against the Chilean government, Reuters reports.The Covid-19 outbreak has dampened months of protests against the Chilean government, Reuters reports.
Enrique Cruz, a street vendor who said he supported the cause but recognized it was time to put it on hold, told the agency. Enrique Cruz, a street vendor who said he supported the cause but recognised it was time to put it on hold, told the agency.
The country has 632 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins university’s tracker. Eight patients have recovered. The country has 632 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tracker. Eight patients have recovered.
Ethiopa has closed its borders to nearly all visitors, as officials struggle to enforce prevention measures, including bans on large gatherings, according to the AFP news agency.Ethiopa has closed its borders to nearly all visitors, as officials struggle to enforce prevention measures, including bans on large gatherings, according to the AFP news agency.
Soldiers will be empowered “to halt the movement of people along all borders, with the exception of incoming essential goods to the country,” a statement said.Soldiers will be empowered “to halt the movement of people along all borders, with the exception of incoming essential goods to the country,” a statement said.
Ethiopia has kept its main airport open for international flights, although Ethiopian Airlines has been forced to suspend services to destinations in nearly 40 countries, according to its website.Ethiopia has kept its main airport open for international flights, although Ethiopian Airlines has been forced to suspend services to destinations in nearly 40 countries, according to its website.
Just 11 infections have so far been reported in Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country after Nigeria, and no deaths, and has so far held back from the kind of shutdown seen in nearby countries such as Rwanda and Mauritius. Eleven infections have so far been reported in Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country after Nigeria, and no deaths, and has so far held back from the kind of shutdown imposed in nearby countries such as Rwanda and Mauritius.
The president of Tunisia has ordered the army on to the streets to enforce a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, Reuters is reporting.The president of Tunisia has ordered the army on to the streets to enforce a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, Reuters is reporting.
The country has so far confirmed 89 cases of Covid-19, according to the Johns Hopkins university coronavirus map, with three deaths and one recovery.The country has so far confirmed 89 cases of Covid-19, according to the Johns Hopkins university coronavirus map, with three deaths and one recovery.
The North African country confirmed its first death from the virus on Thursday, Turkey’s Anadolu agency reports. The most recent victim, an elderly man, died in the capital, Tunis, yesterday.The North African country confirmed its first death from the virus on Thursday, Turkey’s Anadolu agency reports. The most recent victim, an elderly man, died in the capital, Tunis, yesterday.
The German embassy in Kabul has asked its citizens to leave Afghanistan due to Coronavirus pandemic, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Herat, the country’s worst-affected city, for the Guardian.The German embassy in Kabul has asked its citizens to leave Afghanistan due to Coronavirus pandemic, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Herat, the country’s worst-affected city, for the Guardian.
The embassy said in a statement:The embassy said in a statement:
Afghanistan has reported 40 coronavirus cases so far, with one death.Afghanistan has reported 40 coronavirus cases so far, with one death.
Zimbabwe has recorded its first death from coronavirus.Zimbabwe has recorded its first death from coronavirus.
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.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.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.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.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 quarantine after being in contact with a confirmed carrier of the virus, while 5,822 have completed their quarantine.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 quarantine 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.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 increase in Singapore seem to be returning students. She writes: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 increase 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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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 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.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.”