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Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes 15,000 as WHO warns spread of virus is accelerating Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes 15,000 as WHO warns spread of virus is accelerating
(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
The British prime minster, Boris Johnson, is addressing the nation now and is expected to outline new measures to stop the spread of the virus. You can follow it live on our dedicated UK live blog:
Myanmar has recorded its first cases of coronavirus today, according to the AFP news agency bureau chief, who adds that so far only 214 people had been tested in the country:
Churches and other religious centres are to close in Costa Rica after 24 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed on Monday, bringing the total to 158.
President Carlos Alvarado also announced nationwide vehicle restrictions from Tuesday on the Central America country, with only cargo and emergency transportation allowed on the roads from 10pm until 5am.
Earlier on Monday, Panama announced that deaths from from the virus in Panama increased to five on Monday, including a 13-year-old girl.
Confirmed Covid-19 cases rose to 313 over the weekend in the region’s economic and transportation hub.
Belize announced that a 38-year-old woman who had recently returned from the United States was the country’s first Covid-19 case on Monday.
The death toll in New York City is now approaching 100, with the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the city on Monday reaching 12,339 with 99 deaths, Tom Lutz reports.
There are just over 20,000 confirmed cases in New York state as a whole and 157 deaths. For context, there are around 41,200 confirmed cases in the entire United States.
You can follow the latest developments – including a press conference from Donald Trump, expected around 90 minutes from now – on our dedicated US live blog:
The UN special rapporteur on racism and xenophobia has criticised Donald Trump and other politicians for encouraging racism by continuing to refer to Covid-19 as “the Chinese virus”.Tendayi Achiume, assistant professor of law at UCLA, said US president’s “calculated use of a geographic-based name” for the virus was leading to the stigmatising of people perceived to be of Chinese or east Asian descent.The World Health Organization, in its guidance for naming new infectious diseases, has previously warned that certain names can provoke a backlash against members of religious and ethnic communities. In a statement published to mark the international day for the elimination of racism, which was on Friday, Achiume said:The UN special rapporteur on racism and xenophobia has criticised Donald Trump and other politicians for encouraging racism by continuing to refer to Covid-19 as “the Chinese virus”.Tendayi Achiume, assistant professor of law at UCLA, said US president’s “calculated use of a geographic-based name” for the virus was leading to the stigmatising of people perceived to be of Chinese or east Asian descent.The World Health Organization, in its guidance for naming new infectious diseases, has previously warned that certain names can provoke a backlash against members of religious and ethnic communities. In a statement published to mark the international day for the elimination of racism, which was on Friday, Achiume said:
Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, has said that country’s lockdown could last several more weeks, with new restrictions – including limits on daily exercise outside the home – now in place:Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, has said that country’s lockdown could last several more weeks, with new restrictions – including limits on daily exercise outside the home – now in place:
The International Olympic Committee is facing almost irresistible pressure to postpone the Tokyo Olympics this week rather than wait until its mid-April deadline – with a growing number of athletes, governments and national federations saying it is unfair to keep them in limbo during the coronavirus pandemic.The International Olympic Committee is facing almost irresistible pressure to postpone the Tokyo Olympics this week rather than wait until its mid-April deadline – with a growing number of athletes, governments and national federations saying it is unfair to keep them in limbo during the coronavirus pandemic.
Veteran IOC member Dick Pound told USA Today that the Games would be postponed, likely to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”Veteran IOC member Dick Pound told USA Today that the Games would be postponed, likely to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”
Pound said he believed that the IOC would announce its next steps soon. “It will come in stages,” he said. “We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.”Pound said he believed that the IOC would announce its next steps soon. “It will come in stages,” he said. “We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.”
In the Czech Republic, where as of the middle of last week there is ban on being in public spaces without wearing a face mask or some kind of facial covering, volunteers have set to work sewing masks at home.In the Czech Republic, where as of the middle of last week there is ban on being in public spaces without wearing a face mask or some kind of facial covering, volunteers have set to work sewing masks at home.
Zdenek Hrib, the mayor of Prague, wrote on Twitter last week: “On Prague public transport, it is mandatory to have a covered mouth and nose! Whether you have medical masks, self-made masks, or use a scarf, anything is better than nothing.”Zdenek Hrib, the mayor of Prague, wrote on Twitter last week: “On Prague public transport, it is mandatory to have a covered mouth and nose! Whether you have medical masks, self-made masks, or use a scarf, anything is better than nothing.”
Earlier today, Dagmar Havlova, the widow of playwright-turned-president Vaclav Havel, posted videos on Instagram of her making masks at home. “We are sewing masks and giving them to paramedics free of charge. Wear masks, wash your hands, and keep a sound mind,” she wrote.Earlier today, Dagmar Havlova, the widow of playwright-turned-president Vaclav Havel, posted videos on Instagram of her making masks at home. “We are sewing masks and giving them to paramedics free of charge. Wear masks, wash your hands, and keep a sound mind,” she wrote.
There is now a fine of up to 20,000 Czech crowns (£670) for not wearing a face covering when in enclosed public spaces.There is now a fine of up to 20,000 Czech crowns (£670) for not wearing a face covering when in enclosed public spaces.
India has announced that it is stopping domestic flights and said the majority of the country was under complete lockdown, Reuters news agency reports:India has announced that it is stopping domestic flights and said the majority of the country was under complete lockdown, Reuters news agency reports:
The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, will address the country on new measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in a statement from No 10 at 8.30pm GMT – about an hour from now – Downing Street says.The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, will address the country on new measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in a statement from No 10 at 8.30pm GMT – about an hour from now – Downing Street says.
We’ll bring you detailed news of that as it happens on our dedicated UK live blog, but will also have the key lines here.We’ll bring you detailed news of that as it happens on our dedicated UK live blog, but will also have the key lines here.
Global recoveries pass 100,000 but pandemic ‘is accelerating’Global recoveries pass 100,000 but pandemic ‘is accelerating’
According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, 100,472 people confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 have now recovered from the illness, more than half of them in China.According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, 100,472 people confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 have now recovered from the illness, more than half of them in China.
That figure represents almost a third of the people known to have been infected around the world. However, these figures are partly based on official releases and could, therefore, underestimate the number of confirmed cases. The institution has counted 354,677 confirmed cases and 15,436 confirmed deaths.That figure represents almost a third of the people known to have been infected around the world. However, these figures are partly based on official releases and could, therefore, underestimate the number of confirmed cases. The institution has counted 354,677 confirmed cases and 15,436 confirmed deaths.
The World Heath Organization said it had taken 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases, and only four for the third 100,000 cases.The World Heath Organization said it had taken 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases, and only four for the third 100,000 cases.
UK deaths reach 335 and Britons abroad told to come homeUK deaths reach 335 and Britons abroad told to come home
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, 6,650 people have tested positive, 77,295 negative and 335 patients have died. That included 46 more deaths in England, as well as four more in both Scotland and Wales. Two people have died from the disease in Northern Ireland, though it did not record any further deaths on Monday.According to the Department of Health and Social Care, 6,650 people have tested positive, 77,295 negative and 335 patients have died. That included 46 more deaths in England, as well as four more in both Scotland and Wales. Two people have died from the disease in Northern Ireland, though it did not record any further deaths on Monday.
The Foreign Office urged as many as a million Britons on holiday or business trips abroad to return to the UK immediately.The Foreign Office urged as many as a million Britons on holiday or business trips abroad to return to the UK immediately.
Second consecutive smaller daily increase in ItalySecond consecutive smaller daily increase in Italy
Italy, which has seen the most deaths of any nation, registered a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases. The death toll from the outbreak grew by 602 to 6,078, the head of the Civil Protection Agency said. While that is an 11% increase, it is the smallest nominal rise since last Thursday.Italy, which has seen the most deaths of any nation, registered a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases. The death toll from the outbreak grew by 602 to 6,078, the head of the Civil Protection Agency said. While that is an 11% increase, it is the smallest nominal rise since last Thursday.
First UK clinical trial enrols patientsFirst UK clinical trial enrols patients
Researchers from the University of Oxford launched a clinical trial to test the effects of potential drug treatments for patients admitted to hospital with the virus. There are currently no specific treatments for the coronavirus, but it is possible that existing drugs used for other conditions may have some benefits.Researchers from the University of Oxford launched a clinical trial to test the effects of potential drug treatments for patients admitted to hospital with the virus. There are currently no specific treatments for the coronavirus, but it is possible that existing drugs used for other conditions may have some benefits.
Thousands of medics to rejoin UK’s health serviceThousands of medics to rejoin UK’s health service
In the House of Commons, the UK’s health secretary Matt Hancock said 7,563 former clinicians had answered his call to return to the NHS to help out during the outbreak. This followed news that thousands of private hospital beds had been secured.In the House of Commons, the UK’s health secretary Matt Hancock said 7,563 former clinicians had answered his call to return to the NHS to help out during the outbreak. This followed news that thousands of private hospital beds had been secured.
New York state confirms 20,000 infectionsNew York state confirms 20,000 infections
The governor, Andrew Cuomo, said the state had 5,707 new cases, meaning it has confirmed 20,875 in total. Of those, 13% have needed to be cared for in hospital, around a quarter of whom are in intensive care, and 157 people have died.The governor, Andrew Cuomo, said the state had 5,707 new cases, meaning it has confirmed 20,875 in total. Of those, 13% have needed to be cared for in hospital, around a quarter of whom are in intensive care, and 157 people have died.
Panama confirms death one of youngest victimsPanama confirms death one of youngest victims
Offering yet further evidence that young, healthy people are not invulnerable to Covid-19, Panama confirmed the death of a 13-year-old girl. Medical experts have been trying to drum home the warning that, while older people and those with underlying conditions are at greater risk, they are not the only ones who need to take precautionary measures.Offering yet further evidence that young, healthy people are not invulnerable to Covid-19, Panama confirmed the death of a 13-year-old girl. Medical experts have been trying to drum home the warning that, while older people and those with underlying conditions are at greater risk, they are not the only ones who need to take precautionary measures.
Denmark extends lockdownDenmark extends lockdown
The nationwide restrictions will now last until 13 April. The emergency measures, initially imposed on 11 March for a fortnight, closed schools and restaurants in the Nordic country and kept most public sector workers at home. They will now be in place for nearly a fortnight longer.The nationwide restrictions will now last until 13 April. The emergency measures, initially imposed on 11 March for a fortnight, closed schools and restaurants in the Nordic country and kept most public sector workers at home. They will now be in place for nearly a fortnight longer.
Plans to allow Putin to continue in power could be shelvedPlans to allow Putin to continue in power could be shelved
Russia may be forced to put off a public vote on amendments allowing Vladimir Putin to hold office until 2036. The Kremlin has not rescheduled the 22 April vote, but the prospect was explicitly acknowledged by Putin’s spokesman.Russia may be forced to put off a public vote on amendments allowing Vladimir Putin to hold office until 2036. The Kremlin has not rescheduled the 22 April vote, but the prospect was explicitly acknowledged by Putin’s spokesman.
Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, has appealed for an immediate global ceasefire, calling on an end to all armed conflicts so that the world can instead focus on fighting Coronavirus.Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, has appealed for an immediate global ceasefire, calling on an end to all armed conflicts so that the world can instead focus on fighting Coronavirus.
My colleague in Afghanistan, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii, has transcribed Gutteres’s speech:My colleague in Afghanistan, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii, has transcribed Gutteres’s speech:
World health leaders are investigating whether the loss of taste and smell could be an early symptom of coronavirus, amid widespread reports of impaired senses in patients, Mark Rice-Oxley reports.World health leaders are investigating whether the loss of taste and smell could be an early symptom of coronavirus, amid widespread reports of impaired senses in patients, Mark Rice-Oxley reports.
Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the World Health Organisation’s emerging diseases team, said several countries were investigating the reports to establish whether the correlation was significant. He said:Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the World Health Organisation’s emerging diseases team, said several countries were investigating the reports to establish whether the correlation was significant. He said:
ENT UK, a body representing ear nose and throat doctors, said in a statement that there was evidence from South Korea, China and Italy that significant numbers of patients had developed ‘anosmia’. The statement, issued jointly by top rhinologists Claire Hopkins and Nirmal Kumar, said:ENT UK, a body representing ear nose and throat doctors, said in a statement that there was evidence from South Korea, China and Italy that significant numbers of patients had developed ‘anosmia’. The statement, issued jointly by top rhinologists Claire Hopkins and Nirmal Kumar, said:
President Cyril Ramapahosa has imposed a 21 day total lockdown on the 56 million inhabitants of South Africa, telling them in an address on Monday night that the unprecedented and sweeping measures were necessary to avoid a “catastrophe of huge proportions”, Jason Burke reports from Johannesburg.President Cyril Ramapahosa has imposed a 21 day total lockdown on the 56 million inhabitants of South Africa, telling them in an address on Monday night that the unprecedented and sweeping measures were necessary to avoid a “catastrophe of huge proportions”, Jason Burke reports from Johannesburg.
The lockdown will come into effect on Thursday night and be enforced by the police and the army. International flights to major airports have been suspended and strict new quarantine regulations will be imposed.The lockdown will come into effect on Thursday night and be enforced by the police and the army. International flights to major airports have been suspended and strict new quarantine regulations will be imposed.
The number of Coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen steeply in recent days, going from 61 to more than 400 in just over a week.The number of Coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen steeply in recent days, going from 61 to more than 400 in just over a week.
“The numbers will continue to rise. It is clear that ... we need to urgently and dramatically escalate our response,” Ramaphosa said, raising the prospect of tens of thousands or “within a few weeks” hundreds of thousands of cases if nothing was done.“The numbers will continue to rise. It is clear that ... we need to urgently and dramatically escalate our response,” Ramaphosa said, raising the prospect of tens of thousands or “within a few weeks” hundreds of thousands of cases if nothing was done.
South Africa declared a national disaster last week, closed schools and called for social distancing. But the measures were clearly seen as insufficient to stem the spread of the disease in Africa’s most developed nation.South Africa declared a national disaster last week, closed schools and called for social distancing. But the measures were clearly seen as insufficient to stem the spread of the disease in Africa’s most developed nation.
Though South Africa has a young population, there are millions who are vulnerable as HIV sufferers or have been weakened by malnutrition. The healthcare system has long suffered an acute lack of resources and critical facilities are extremely limited.Though South Africa has a young population, there are millions who are vulnerable as HIV sufferers or have been weakened by malnutrition. The healthcare system has long suffered an acute lack of resources and critical facilities are extremely limited.
The latest coronavirus figures in France were announced by health minister Olivier Véran on Monday evening, Kim Willsher, the Guardian’s correspondent in Paris, reports.The latest coronavirus figures in France were announced by health minister Olivier Véran on Monday evening, Kim Willsher, the Guardian’s correspondent in Paris, reports.
France now has 19,856 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 3,176 more than the previous day, and the death toll from the virus has reached 860, a jump of 186 in 24 hours.France now has 19,856 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 3,176 more than the previous day, and the death toll from the virus has reached 860, a jump of 186 in 24 hours.
There are 8,675 people in hospital with the virus, of whom 2,080 are in intensive care.There are 8,675 people in hospital with the virus, of whom 2,080 are in intensive care.
Véran also announced the death of two doctors; a GP and a gynaecologist.Véran also announced the death of two doctors; a GP and a gynaecologist.
Véran said 5,000 tests are carried out in France every day. Germany carries out double this number and France is looking to introduce new tests that are “quicker and more rapid”. There are hopes to have these new tests available in the next couple of weeks.Véran said 5,000 tests are carried out in France every day. Germany carries out double this number and France is looking to introduce new tests that are “quicker and more rapid”. There are hopes to have these new tests available in the next couple of weeks.
He said the French committee for public health had met to look at possible treatments including the anti-malarial hydro-chloroquine. He said the authority had agreed this treatment could not be recommended except in extremely serious cases in hospital conditions, with the agreement of all the clinicians and doctors.He said the French committee for public health had met to look at possible treatments including the anti-malarial hydro-chloroquine. He said the authority had agreed this treatment could not be recommended except in extremely serious cases in hospital conditions, with the agreement of all the clinicians and doctors.
All prescriptions of chloroquine were to be banned and people are urged not to self medicate because of the absence of “proven data” showing the benefits.All prescriptions of chloroquine were to be banned and people are urged not to self medicate because of the absence of “proven data” showing the benefits.
Véran concluded:Véran concluded:
Angela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s correspondent in Rome, has some more on the latest Covid-19 death toll and infection statistics from Italy, Europe’s worst affected countryAngela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s correspondent in Rome, has some more on the latest Covid-19 death toll and infection statistics from Italy, Europe’s worst affected country
Italy’s coronavirus death toll and infection rate slowed for a second day on Monday. Deaths rose by 601 to 6,077, 50 less than on Sunday. New infections rose by 3,780, 177 less than on Sunday. Italy’s civil protection authority said 408 more people had recovered from the virus since Sunday, bringing the total number of people recovered to 7,432.Italy’s coronavirus death toll and infection rate slowed for a second day on Monday. Deaths rose by 601 to 6,077, 50 less than on Sunday. New infections rose by 3,780, 177 less than on Sunday. Italy’s civil protection authority said 408 more people had recovered from the virus since Sunday, bringing the total number of people recovered to 7,432.
The total number of cases in Italy to date, comprising deaths and those recovered, is at 63,927.The total number of cases in Italy to date, comprising deaths and those recovered, is at 63,927.
“Today the downward trend is confirmed,” said Giulio Gallera, the welfare councillor for Lombardy, the region worst hit.“Today the downward trend is confirmed,” said Giulio Gallera, the welfare councillor for Lombardy, the region worst hit.