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Coronavirus live news: death toll in Spain overtakes China, and India locks down Coronavirus live news: death toll in Spain overtakes China, and India locks down
(32 minutes later)
UN urges G20 to adopt ‘wartime plan’; Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus; Senate and White House reach stimulus dealUN urges G20 to adopt ‘wartime plan’; Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus; Senate and White House reach stimulus deal
In a show of unity - and despite the pandemic cancelling parades that would normally be the highlight of the day - Greek politicians have marked the 199th anniversary of the nation’s war of independence against Ottoman rule in a ceremony that will forever be remembered for brevity and social distancing, writes my colleague Helena Smith in Athens.
Kuwait announced four new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, raising the total number to 195, reports my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.
The heath ministry of Kuwait said two of the new positive cases were related to travel to Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom and two others were under investigation.
Warning of the risk of an explosive rise in coronavirus infections in Japan’s capital, Tokyo’s governor on Wednesday asked residents to avoid non-essential outings through until April 12, Reuters reports.
According to the World Health Organization, Italy could reach its peak number of coronavirus cases on Sunday, reports my colleague Lorenzo Tondo.
Belgium has seen a significant rise in people being admitted to hospital for coronavirus, as experts warned the disease had not yet reached its peak, reports my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.Belgium has seen a significant rise in people being admitted to hospital for coronavirus, as experts warned the disease had not yet reached its peak, reports my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels.
This is Alexandra Topping, taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle on the global coronavirus liveblog.This is Alexandra Topping, taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle on the global coronavirus liveblog.
If you think we’ve missed a global story, please do email on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com or on Twitter I am @lexytopping - my DMs are open.If you think we’ve missed a global story, please do email on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com or on Twitter I am @lexytopping - my DMs are open.
You can follow our UK focused coronavirus liveblog hereYou can follow our UK focused coronavirus liveblog here
Death toll in Spain surpasses ChinaDeath toll in Spain surpasses China
Spain now has the world’s second-highest tally of coronavirus deaths, after 738 more were reported on Wednesday, the country’s deadliest toll in one day.Spain now has the world’s second-highest tally of coronavirus deaths, after 738 more were reported on Wednesday, the country’s deadliest toll in one day.
Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirusPrince Charles tests positive for coronavirus
Britain’s Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus and is displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”, Clarence House has said.Britain’s Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus and is displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”, Clarence House has said.
US agrees $2 trillion emergency billUS agrees $2 trillion emergency bill
The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement on a $2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system hit by the coronavirus pandemic.The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement on a $2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran to impose social distancingIran to impose social distancing
A major crack down on travel and an imposition of social distancing measures are to be introduced in Iran in the next 24 hours. Iran reported 2,206 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours raising the total number to 27,017. The country also announced 143 deaths in the same period raising the total number of deaths to 2,077.A major crack down on travel and an imposition of social distancing measures are to be introduced in Iran in the next 24 hours. Iran reported 2,206 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours raising the total number to 27,017. The country also announced 143 deaths in the same period raising the total number of deaths to 2,077.
India goes into lockdownIndia goes into lockdown
Indians struggled to comply with the world’s largest coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday as the government attempted to keep 1.3 billion people indoors. In five days, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has gone from about 200 to 519,. Experts have warned current tested is insufficient.Indians struggled to comply with the world’s largest coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday as the government attempted to keep 1.3 billion people indoors. In five days, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has gone from about 200 to 519,. Experts have warned current tested is insufficient.
170,000 volunteer for NHS England170,000 volunteer for NHS England
More than 170,000 people have already signed up overnight to volunteer for the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus, according to Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England. It comes after Matt Hancock yesterday asked for a quarter of a million volunteers to come forward to help support the NHS.More than 170,000 people have already signed up overnight to volunteer for the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus, according to Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England. It comes after Matt Hancock yesterday asked for a quarter of a million volunteers to come forward to help support the NHS.
EU to call for Europe-wide crisis management centreEU to call for Europe-wide crisis management centre
European Union leaders are to call for “a true European crisis management centre”, according to a leaked document that seeks to draw lessons from the coronavirus pandemic. The EU already has an Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which operates 24/7 and can organise help when any country in the world suffers an earthquake, forest fire, floods or pandemic.European Union leaders are to call for “a true European crisis management centre”, according to a leaked document that seeks to draw lessons from the coronavirus pandemic. The EU already has an Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which operates 24/7 and can organise help when any country in the world suffers an earthquake, forest fire, floods or pandemic.
Macron told: ‘lockdown should last six weeks’Macron told: ‘lockdown should last six weeks’
French government scientific advisers have recommended a total of six weeks’ lockdown. France is carrying out 9,000 tests for the virus every day. The country’s health authority has said this will be increased by an additional 10,000 by the end of this week.French government scientific advisers have recommended a total of six weeks’ lockdown. France is carrying out 9,000 tests for the virus every day. The country’s health authority has said this will be increased by an additional 10,000 by the end of this week.
Dutch public health institute: measures are workingDutch public health institute: measures are working
The head of the Netherlands’ public health institute has told the Dutch parliament that measures to control the spread of coronavirus appear to be working.The head of the Netherlands’ public health institute has told the Dutch parliament that measures to control the spread of coronavirus appear to be working.
Imperial College: Measures in Wuhan appear to have ended coronavirusImperial College: Measures in Wuhan appear to have ended coronavirus
China’s tough lockdown and social distancing measures in Wuhan and other provinces appear to have successfully ended coronavirus infections and may chart a route back to normal life, according to a report from the University of London’s Imperial College. China’s tough lockdown and social distancing measures in Wuhan and other provinces appear to have successfully ended coronavirus infections and may chart a route back to normal life, according to a report from Imperial College.
The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement early on Wednesday on an unprecedented $2tn emergency bill to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a healthcare system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports.The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement early on Wednesday on an unprecedented $2tn emergency bill to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a healthcare system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports.
Indians struggled to comply with the world’s largest coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday as the government began the gargantuan task of keeping 1.3 billion people indoors, Reuters reports.Indians struggled to comply with the world’s largest coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday as the government began the gargantuan task of keeping 1.3 billion people indoors, Reuters reports.
Iran reported 2,206 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours raising the total number to 27,017, reports my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii.Iran reported 2,206 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours raising the total number to 27,017, reports my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii.
Spokesman for Iran’s health ministry also announced 143 deaths in the same period raising the total number of deaths to 2,077.So far 9,625 patients have recovered. Kiyanoosh Jahanpoor, Iranian health ministry spokesman said 68 % of the deaths are above 60 years old, 32 % are under 60.Spokesman for Iran’s health ministry also announced 143 deaths in the same period raising the total number of deaths to 2,077.So far 9,625 patients have recovered. Kiyanoosh Jahanpoor, Iranian health ministry spokesman said 68 % of the deaths are above 60 years old, 32 % are under 60.
The head of the Netherlands’ public health institute has told the Dutch parliament that measures to control the spread of coronavirus appear to be working, Dutch News reports.The head of the Netherlands’ public health institute has told the Dutch parliament that measures to control the spread of coronavirus appear to be working, Dutch News reports.
Jaap van Dissel said the country was seeing a “positive trend”, 10 days after authorities introduced a ban on mass gatherings and closed restaurants, bars, schools and cannabis-selling coffee shops.Jaap van Dissel said the country was seeing a “positive trend”, 10 days after authorities introduced a ban on mass gatherings and closed restaurants, bars, schools and cannabis-selling coffee shops.
Van Dissel said initial estimates showed the infection rate per carrier was on or below one, rather than the expected two or three, meaning that a graph of the number of infections should rise in a straight line, rather than a curve.Van Dissel said initial estimates showed the infection rate per carrier was on or below one, rather than the expected two or three, meaning that a graph of the number of infections should rise in a straight line, rather than a curve.
The number of new confirmed cases in the Netherlands grew by 17% on Tuesday from a day earlier to 5,560, according to official data.The number of new confirmed cases in the Netherlands grew by 17% on Tuesday from a day earlier to 5,560, according to official data.
Those figures likely reflect infections from early March, before the government banned public gatherings and closed schools, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.Those figures likely reflect infections from early March, before the government banned public gatherings and closed schools, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.
Spain now has the world’s second-highest tally of coronavirus deaths, after 738 more were reported on Wednesday, the country’s deadliest toll in one day, Associated Press reports.
With 3,434 coronavirus patients dead, Spain surpassed China’s death toll of 3,285. Italy still has the most deaths of any nation in the world with 6,820.
Infections in Spain also rose 20% from a day earlier to 47,610.
Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus and is displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”, Clarence House has said.
Charles, the next in line to the throne, is 71 years old, making him a member of those at risk groups who have been encouraged by the government to completely self-isolate for 12 weeks.
A Clarence House spokesman said the Duchess of Cornwall had also been tested but does not have the virus.
A crack down on travel and an imposition of social distancing measures are to be introduced in Iran in the next 24 hours, Patrick Wintour, the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, reports.
The country’s President Hassan Rouhani made the announcement at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday following recommendations from the health ministry about the course of the pandemic.
Initial details of the new laws, and their enforcement, were vague, but is likely to include a ban on inter-city travel, including journeys out of Tehran.
A requirement for people to cut short their new year holidays and greater controls on cars as holiday makers return to their homes in cities such as Tehran is also likely, the president said, in what amounts to a major change of policy.
The closure of parks, the abandonment of Iran’s nature day and tighter social distancing laws are also to be introduced. Nature day, or Sizdah Bedhar, is celebrated on the 13th of the first month of the Persian new year, marking the end of the Nowruz celebrations before a return to work. It normally sees Iranian families spending the day out of doors having meals in the fields, parks and gardens, preferably by a river or stream.
Rouhani said the harsh measures were needed to save people’s lives, and the new bill “may advise people to cut their holidays short and get back to their homes”. The government has been widely criticised within Iran for not taking more stringent measures earlier, but Rouhani repeatedly claiming the crisis was under control pointed to statistics on declining numbers of rail journeys and cancelled hotel bookings to claim the guidance was largely being followed.
The President also said only a third of government employees should be in work, with a large proportion of those permitted to work being health workers. He said more than 1.2m of the 2.5m government employees would continue to be kept away from work.
Claiming the coronavirus pandemic was about to enter a second phase in Iran, he praised those Iranians that had abided by advice and not travelled to holiday resorts during Iran’s new year break, but there is clearly a concern that the pandemic will spread again when millions return from their holidays. The ability of Iran to track those with the infection is limited, and promises by the army to clear the streets have been made before, only for little to happen.
Rouhani also claimed the issue of US economic sanctions on Iran was set to be raised at the UN Security Council. The head of the Central Bank of Iran claimed Iran had made progress in being allowed to repatriate its assets in overseas banks to purchase medicines following fresh guidance to banks.
The US has claimed it has allowed Iran to purchase medicines, but banks have been wary of financing the deals.
Rouhani has already announced that prisoners released on furlough will now not be required to return to jail at the beginning of April, as originally planned, but instead the end of the April, an implicit admission that the pandemic is going to take longer to control than originally hoped.
There is widespread distrust within Iran of official daily government figures on the numbers killed or infected by the disease.
China’s tough lockdown and social distancing measures in Wuhan and other provinces appear to have successfully ended coronavirus infections and may chart a route back to normal life, according to a report from the University of London’s Imperial College, Sarah Boseley, the Guardian’s health editor, reports.
The report, from Prof Neil Ferguson and his team who have been the main modellers of the epidemic for the UK and other governments, suggests it is possible to lift the social distancing restrictions, as China has begun to do, without a resurgence of the epidemic.
Prof Chris Donnelly of Imperial and Oxford Universities, one of the team, said:
Ferguson said their analysis “provides some hope for countries currently in various levels of lockdown that once case numbers are brought to low levels, it might be possible to relax social distancing – provided equal measures to limit the risk of the resurgence of transmission are introduced.”
But, he stressed, relaxing the lockdown policies would depend on “rapid and ubiquitous testing and rigorous case and contact isolation policies”.
That would mean testing everyone with symptoms and following up and isolating their contacts, in order to stamp out any further flare-ups of infection.
Restrictions on movement brought in to curb the spread of the coronavirus are preventing aid from reaching refugees and displaced peoples, the Norwegian Refugee council has said.
The organisation said 300,000 refugees in the Middle East are among those who it is not able to reach, as it called on governments to relax border restrictions for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Appealing to world leaders, Jan Egeland, the NRC secretary general, said:
Two cases have already been confirmed in densely populated Gaza, where a decade long blockade has devastated the health service, while the first case in Syria was reported on Sunday, the NRC said.
The head of Germany’s leading public health body, said it is still “too early” to say whether physical distancing measures are having an effect in the country, Kate Connolly reports from Berlin.
Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute, said he had hoped that by today it might have been possible to see if the measures had led to a fall in infections.
As to why there is a relatively low death rate in Germany (officially 146 deaths, and over 31,500 infections, according to RKI figures), Wieler said it was due to the fact Germany had tested widely from the start, and was able to detect the virus earlier, and many milder cases were discovered.
In addition as yet, fewer older people in Germany have been infected, he said.
Wieler said “we are at the beginning of this epidemic” and the number of deaths would rise. “It is still completely unclear how this epidemic will develop,” he said.
Our UK-focused coronavirus and politics live blog is now online, anchored by Andrew Sparrow and Lucy Campbell.
As well as general UK coronavirus news lines they will be covering evidence from Prof Neil Ferguson, director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College, to the Commons science committee about coronavirus at 10.15am, Prime Ministers’ Questions at 12pm, and the resumption of the debate in the Lords on the draconian coronavirus bill at 3.30pm.
Ireland has changed the criteria for testing for coronavirus to prioritise people that show two symptoms rather than just one, Rory Carroll reports from Dublin.
The National Public Health Emergency Team announced late on Tuesday that people must show fever and at least one sign of respiratory disease, such as coughing or shortness of breath, before being referred for testing.
The change is a response to a backlog of 40,000 cases awaiting testing, and an additional 20,000 people per day seeking testing, which has “cast the net too widely”.
The chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, said this had led to inappropriate testing and the goal now was to focus on people in hospital, healthcare workers and other priority categories.
Of 17,992 tests carried out so far 6% have tested positive. Authorities hope in coming weeks to increase capacity to 15,000 tests a day. Ireland has recorded 1,329 confirmed cases, and seven deaths. Northern Ireland has recorded 172 cases and five deaths.
On Tuesday the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced fresh restrictions – all non-essential shops to close, all sport events cancelled, no outdoor gatherings of more than four people – that came into effect at midnight.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has warned that more tube services in the UK capital may have to be cut because of staff sickness rates approaching 30%, Rowena Mason, deputy political editor, reports. He said the highly trained staff could not be replaced and repeated calls for the government to forcibly shut construction sites.
The government has been under pressure over the conditions of construction workers packing on to crowded public transport and gathering together on sites and in canteens, failing to heed social distancing rules. But Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary insisted that sites could remain open where social distancing is observed and claimed it was essential for infrastructure works to continue and dangerous cladding to be removed from buildings.
Those sites that cannot operate within the rules should shut immediately, he said in a round of broadcast interviews.
He also released revised guidance on exactly which premises can remain open, which specifies that shops can only allow in small numbers of people at a time and must operate outside queuing systems with distancing measures.
It clarifies that tradespeople can carry out work in people’s homes as long as they are well, they observe social distancing and are not working for people being shielded unless in an emergency.
European Union leaders are to call for “a true European crisis management centre”, according to a leaked document that seeks to draw lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels.
The EU’s 27 leaders will hold a conference call on Thursday, replacing the spring summit that was due to take place in Brussels, which is usually devoted to the economy. Instead the agenda will be dominated by coronavirus, the impact on people, health systems and the economy.
According to a text of the EU conclusions seen by the Guardian, EU leaders are expected to sign off on “a more ambitious and wide-ranging crisis management system within the EU, including, for instance a true European crisis management centre”.
The EU already has an Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which operates 24/7 and can organise help, if asked, when any country in the world suffers an earthquake, forest fire, floods or pandemic.
The text also makes a muted plea for the lifting of export bans on medical protective kits, such as masks and goggles. Germany and France have been criticised in recent weeks for imposing export bans on some of these products. The text states that a recent decision requiring all countries to seek approval for export of these goods outside the EU “should lead to the full lifting of any internal bans”, but stops short of member states pledging to do so.
EU leaders will also pledge to ensure “smooth border management” for people and goods, amid rising concern that internal border controls are slowing the supply of vital medical goods. As of 24 March at midday CET, 12 countries in the European border-free travel zone had told authorities in Brussels they had introduced border restrictions.
Manufacturers are warning that vital supplies, such as masks and surgical equipment, are not getting through.
The head of the Swedish Employers’ Association Anna Stellinger told publication Borderlex.