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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
South Africa’s coronavirus cases jumped to 402 on Monday, up 128 from the day before, continuing worrying rise in numbers in the continent’s most developed economy, reports Jason Burke in Johannesburg.
There are now 43 countries in Africa hit by Covid-19, 1,600 cases and 54 deaths according to the most recent figures.
Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African president, is expected to speak on Monday evening to the nation about the threat from the disease and is widely expected him to announce new restrictive measures to try to slow its spread.
More than half of South Africa’s total cases are in the populous and relatively prosperous Gauteng province, which include Johannesburg, the country’s largest city with 5.7 million people, and the capital, Pretoria, with 2.4 million, according to the figures released by the government health ministry.
South Africa has overtaken Egypt to become the African country with the highest number of cases of Covid-19, though many believe Cairo is understating its totals. South Africa has yet not registered a death from the disease and the majority of cases are from travellers from Europe and other countries.
Though the number of cases that are locally transmitted is rising in South Africa, there is little evidence so far of drastic change in social behaviour - though the president has declared a national disaster, shut schools and called for the population to forego any non-essential journeys.
Though some shops and businesses are shut, traffic on roads is only slightly diminished and supermarkets and shopping malls remain crowded.
There have been reports of contingents from the South African army mobilising across the country, pending a possible deployment to enforce a lockdown.
British diplomats in Tunisia have failed to find a flight to repatriate British nationals who are stuck in the country, which is on lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier we reported that the Tunisian president had ordered the army on to the streets of the country to enforce the lockdown in the country, which has so far recorded 89 cases of Covid-19 and two deaths.
The British embassy had been trying to charter an Air Tunis flight to return Britons from the country. But earlier today, the ambassador, Louise de Sousa, tweeted a statement saying that it was proving difficult to find Tunisian air crew willing to fly to Europe.
The statement said:
Greece is suspending all flights to the UK and Turkey from today until 15 April, citing concerns over coronavirus, the Guardian’s Athens correspondent, Helena Smith, reports.
The decision, announced in the government gazette on Sunday, came into force as Aegean Airlines, the country’s largest carrier, broke the news that it, too, was halting all its international routes as of Thursday through to 30 April.
The airline said in a statement:
The carrier said it would continue to operate repatriation and other emergency flights, and limited domestic routes “ to facilitate minimum essential connectivity for the island’s needs.”
We ran a piece earlier today about a controversial proposal in Hungary that would allow the far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán to rule by decree, without a clear cut-off point.We ran a piece earlier today about a controversial proposal in Hungary that would allow the far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán to rule by decree, without a clear cut-off point.
This afternoon the Hungarian parliament has rejected changing house rules to pass the bill immediately, as opposition parties refused to vote with Orbán to give him the four-fifths majority he required, Shaun Walker reports from Kiev. This afternoon the Hungarian parliament has rejected changing house rules to pass the bill immediately, as opposition parties refused to vote with Orbán to give him the four-fifths majority he required, Shaun Walker reports from Budapest.
However, Orbán said he would pass the bill next week, when his ruling party’s two-thirds majority will be enough to see it through. “We will solve this crisis, even without you,” Orbán told opposition parties in parliament on Monday.However, Orbán said he would pass the bill next week, when his ruling party’s two-thirds majority will be enough to see it through. “We will solve this crisis, even without you,” Orbán told opposition parties in parliament on Monday.
While many countries are passing emergency legislation to cope with the threat posed by the coronavirus, critics worry that Orbán, who over a decade in power has been accused of flouting democratic norms and eroding rule of law, would abuse the provisions.While many countries are passing emergency legislation to cope with the threat posed by the coronavirus, critics worry that Orbán, who over a decade in power has been accused of flouting democratic norms and eroding rule of law, would abuse the provisions.
One of the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi rebels has asked the United Nations secretary general for mediation between the warring sides in his country to contain spread of coronavirus, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.One of the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi rebels has asked the United Nations secretary general for mediation between the warring sides in his country to contain spread of coronavirus, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.
Mohammad Ali Houthi, the head of “high revolutionary committee” of the Ansar Allah movement asked Antonio Guterres to ask “aggressive forces” to stop their attacks on Yemen. He tweeted:Mohammad Ali Houthi, the head of “high revolutionary committee” of the Ansar Allah movement asked Antonio Guterres to ask “aggressive forces” to stop their attacks on Yemen. He tweeted:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo says the state now has 20,875 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 5,707 cases confirmed today.New York governor Andrew Cuomo says the state now has 20,875 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 5,707 cases confirmed today.
Of those cases, 13% have needed to be cared for in hospital, around a quarter of whom are in intensive care.Of those cases, 13% have needed to be cared for in hospital, around a quarter of whom are in intensive care.
There have now been 157 coronavirus deaths in the state.There have now been 157 coronavirus deaths in the state.
In a press conference on Monday morning, Cuomo said he will sign an emergency order instructing all hospitals to increase their bed capacity by 50%, and also request that hospitals try to expand their bed capacity by 100%.In a press conference on Monday morning, Cuomo said he will sign an emergency order instructing all hospitals to increase their bed capacity by 50%, and also request that hospitals try to expand their bed capacity by 100%.
He says the state currently has a 53,000 bed capacity, which needs to be doubled according to recent projections to 110,000.He says the state currently has a 53,000 bed capacity, which needs to be doubled according to recent projections to 110,000.
Follow our US coronavirus live blog for more details.Follow our US coronavirus live blog for more details.
German leader Angela Merkel’s initial test for coronavirus has come back negative, a government spokesman said on Monday, Reuters reportsGerman leader Angela Merkel’s initial test for coronavirus has come back negative, a government spokesman said on Monday, Reuters reports
The German chancellor is to undergo further tests. She has been self-isolating since a doctor who had administered her a vaccine for pneumococcal infection tested positive for Covid-19.The German chancellor is to undergo further tests. She has been self-isolating since a doctor who had administered her a vaccine for pneumococcal infection tested positive for Covid-19.
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has issued a sternly worded warning to his compatriots to heed health advice and stay at home to slow the spread of Covid-19.The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has issued a sternly worded warning to his compatriots to heed health advice and stay at home to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Trudeau reiterated calls for Canadians to abide by social distancing measures by staying at least two metres away from each other and avoiding groups.Trudeau reiterated calls for Canadians to abide by social distancing measures by staying at least two metres away from each other and avoiding groups.
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: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.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: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.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”.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”.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.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”.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.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.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.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.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.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. Like Eve eyeing 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.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.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.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.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”.“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.”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.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.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: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.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.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.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 recognised 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.
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.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.