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Coronavirus live news: Spain records new highest daily death toll; Australia limits public gatherings to two Coronavirus live news: Spain records new highest daily death toll; Australia limits public gatherings to two
(32 minutes later)
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut halt non-essential travel; global deaths pass 30,000 with one-third in ItalyNew York, New Jersey and Connecticut halt non-essential travel; global deaths pass 30,000 with one-third in Italy
Spain and Italy demanded more European help as they fight still-surging coronavirus infections amid the continents worst crisis since World War II, the Associated Press reports.
Both countries together account for more than half of the world’s Covid-19 death toll, and are still seeing over 800 deaths a day each.
Europe must demonstrate that it is able to respond to this historic call, Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte said on Saturday evening. “I will fight until the last drop of sweat, until the last gram of energy, to obtain a strong, vigorous, cohesive European response,” he said.
The death toll of some countries could yet be much higher than reported, experts say, as unlike the U.S., France and Italy for instance do not count deaths that take place in nursing homes or in homes among their virus numbers.
More news from my colleague Tom Phillips, our Latin America correspondent:
Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for the creation of an emergency government of national unity to face up to the coronavirus crisis. Guaido has been fighting to topple Nicolas Maduro since January 2019, so this represents a major direction change for his campaign.
In Brazil, president Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly told his health minister he will sack him if he criticises Bolsonaro’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. The health minister, in return, has asked Bolsonaro whether he is really ready to see army trucks transporting hundreds and hundreds of bodies through the streets of Brazilian cities in front of the cameras.
One Brazilian commentator has come up with a new nickname for Brazil’s far-right leader in today’s paper: “Captain Corona.”
The sale of alcohol has been banned in the Greenland capital, Nuuk, in an attempt to reduce violence against children during the period of confinement, AFP reports.
“In such a situation, we have to take numerous measures to avoid infection,” the government leader Kim Kielsen said in a statement on Saturday.
“But at the heart of my decision is the protection of children, they have to have a safe home.”
Nearly one in three people living in the autonomous Danish Arctic territory suffered sexual abuse during childhood. Experts link the abuse to alcohol, drugs and ignorance of children’s rights.
After Greenland closed down schools from Monday with 10 cases of the novel coronavirus diagnosed, a rise in violence followed.
“Unfortunately, in Nuuk, domestic violence has been on the rise in recent weeks,” the health minister Martha Abelsen told local media. Excessive drinking by parents exposes children to dangers in the home, Greenlanders were warned.
The alcohol ban came into force on Saturday and is scheduled to last until 15 April.
Mexico has implored its 130 million citizens to stay at home for a month, arguing that is the only way to slow the transmission of the coronavirus through Latin America’s second biggest economy.
Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been condemned for his dismissive response to the crisis and for continuing to attend public events, where he has hugged and kissed fans.
On Saturday afternoon, one of the country’s top health officials issued a direct plea to Mexican citizens not to go out.
“We need to reduce the speed of transmission urgently. Urgently. This is our last chance to do it and do it now,” said Hugo López-Gatell, the deputy health minister. “And this means we need to stay at home in massive numbers.”
López Obrador, had made a similar call on Friday night in a pre-recorded message to the nation.
But on Sunday morning the leftwing populist was out and about again, tweeting video footage from a tour he is conducting of cities along the Mexico-US border.
So far 848 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Mexico and 16 deaths, although low testing rates means the real numbers are likely to be higher.
Here a few key developments at a glance:Here a few key developments at a glance:
Spain has recorded a further 838 deaths in a record daily increase of fatalities Spain has recorded a further 838 deaths, a record daily increase of fatalities in the country.
Tokyo has confirmed 68 new coronavirus cases, another record daily increase, as millions of people in and around Tokyo are urged to stay at home unless a trip outside is necessary.Tokyo has confirmed 68 new coronavirus cases, another record daily increase, as millions of people in and around Tokyo are urged to stay at home unless a trip outside is necessary.
The British senior cabinet minister Michael Gove has said the lockdown restrictions in the UK could remain in place for a “significant period”, as criticism mounted over the government’s testing of cases and ordering of ventilators under an EU scheme they did not participate in because of “communication problems”. The British cabinet minister Michael Gove has said the lockdown restrictions in the UK could remain in place for a “significant period”, as criticism mounted over the government’s testing of cases and ordering of ventilators under an EU scheme they did not participate in because of “communication problems”.
Italy’s deputy health minister Pierpaolo Sileri has said he expects the country, which is globally the worst affected by Covid-19 and has now recorded more than 10,000 deaths, to hit its infection peak in no more than 10 days. Italy’s deputy health minister, Pierpaolo Sileri, has said he expects the country, which is globally the worst affected by Covid-19 and has now recorded more than 10,000 deaths, to hit its infection peak in no more than 10 days.
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison has announced further restrictions for the population, including limiting public gatherings to just two people. People should only leave their homes for essential reasons, and those over the age of 70 should stay home, he said. Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, has announced further restrictions for the population, including limiting public gatherings to just two people. People should only leave their homes for essential reasons, and those over the age of 70 should stay home, he said.
Domestic abuse victims are allowed to leave home to seek help despite the lockdown rules, the UK home secretary Priti Patel has said in a column in the Mail on Sunday. Domestic abuse victims are allowed to leave home to seek help despite the lockdown rules, the UK home secretary, Priti Patel, has said in a column in the Mail on Sunday.
The Swiss Covid-19 death toll has risen by 235 in a day to 257, with the number of confirmed cases now at 14,336 from 13,213. The Swiss Covid-19 death toll has risen to 257, up from 235 on the previous day, with the number of confirmed cases now at 14,336, from 13,213.
All travellers entering South Korea will be subjected to two weeks of mandatory quarantine starting midnight on Wednesday, April 1, prime minister Chung Sye-kyun announced Sunday. All travellers entering South Korea will be subjected to two weeks of mandatory quarantine starting at midnight next Wednesday, the prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, announced on Sunday.
Domestic flights will resume in Hubei province, except in Wuhan, from Sunday midnight local time, as China’s new infections continue to fall.Domestic flights will resume in Hubei province, except in Wuhan, from Sunday midnight local time, as China’s new infections continue to fall.
The Swiss Covid-19 death toll has risen by 235 in a day to 257, Reuters report. The Swiss Covid-19 death toll has risen from 235 to 257 in a day, Reuters report.
The number of confirmed cases has increased to 14,336 from 13,213, the Swiss health agency said.The number of confirmed cases has increased to 14,336 from 13,213, the Swiss health agency said.
Mass funerals still being held in ultra-Orthodox Jewish circles in Israel are threatening to accelerate the spread of the virus in the country, the Haaretz newspaper reported.Mass funerals still being held in ultra-Orthodox Jewish circles in Israel are threatening to accelerate the spread of the virus in the country, the Haaretz newspaper reported.
An estimated 300 people ignored social distancing rules and participated in the funeral of Rabbi Tzvi Shinkar in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak on Saturday night. An estimated 300 people ignored social distancing rules and participated in the funeral of rabbi Tzvi Shinkar in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak on Saturday night.
The coronavirus is now spreading fastest in ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel, according to internal Health Ministry figures obtained by Haaretz. The coronavirus is now spreading fastest in ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel, according to internal health ministry figures obtained by Haaretz.
The French authorities are leafleting migrants in camps at Calais and Dunkirk this weekend before a “voluntary” evacuation sparked by concerns about the spread of coronavirus.The French authorities are leafleting migrants in camps at Calais and Dunkirk this weekend before a “voluntary” evacuation sparked by concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Police will begin transferring migrants to temporary centres across the on Tuesday. Officials insist this will be done on a “voluntary basis”, according to reports in the local press.Police will begin transferring migrants to temporary centres across the on Tuesday. Officials insist this will be done on a “voluntary basis”, according to reports in the local press.
Buses will be sent to the camps transfer occupants to regional centres housing up to 100 people from 31 March. The migrants who agree to leave will be given a medical check before being placed in a bus and taken “far from Calais and Dunkirk”. Once they reach the temporary accommodation they will be expected to keep the same lockdown rules as the rest of the French population.Buses will be sent to the camps transfer occupants to regional centres housing up to 100 people from 31 March. The migrants who agree to leave will be given a medical check before being placed in a bus and taken “far from Calais and Dunkirk”. Once they reach the temporary accommodation they will be expected to keep the same lockdown rules as the rest of the French population.
The decision to evacuate the migrants was taken after consultations with humanitarian organisations working in the camps, say authorities. Many of the French and British humanitarian organisations who have been helping the migrants with food and medical care have pulled out because of the difficulties with working since the national lockdown since 17 March and concerns about the risk to volunteers.The decision to evacuate the migrants was taken after consultations with humanitarian organisations working in the camps, say authorities. Many of the French and British humanitarian organisations who have been helping the migrants with food and medical care have pulled out because of the difficulties with working since the national lockdown since 17 March and concerns about the risk to volunteers.
There are believed to be around 600 migrants living in between five to eight encampments around the Channel port at Calais. There are an estimated 600 further north at Grande Synthe near Dunkirk.There are believed to be around 600 migrants living in between five to eight encampments around the Channel port at Calais. There are an estimated 600 further north at Grande Synthe near Dunkirk.
Even before the coronavirus crisis, life in the camps was grim. Volunteers said asking migrants who were often four or five sharing a single tent to maintain “social distancing” was impossible.Even before the coronavirus crisis, life in the camps was grim. Volunteers said asking migrants who were often four or five sharing a single tent to maintain “social distancing” was impossible.
Tokyo has confirmed 68 new coronavirus cases, a record daily increase, public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday. Tokyo has confirmed 68 new coronavirus cases, a record daily increase, the public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday.
Japanese authorities fear a rise in cases, after the country has so far benefited from low infection rates in an otherwise troubled region.Japanese authorities fear a rise in cases, after the country has so far benefited from low infection rates in an otherwise troubled region.
1,800 people have been reported infected in Japan, with 55 deaths as of Sunday afternoon, NHK said.1,800 people have been reported infected in Japan, with 55 deaths as of Sunday afternoon, NHK said.
Millions of people in and around Tokyo have been asked to avoid non-essential outings until April 12. Millions of people in and around Tokyo have been asked to avoid non-essential outings until 12 April.
France’s high-speed TGV trains are being used to free up intensive care beds in some of the country’s worst-hit areas, AFP reports.France’s high-speed TGV trains are being used to free up intensive care beds in some of the country’s worst-hit areas, AFP reports.
The trains have been adapted into hospitals on wheels for transport critical patients around the country.The trains have been adapted into hospitals on wheels for transport critical patients around the country.
“We have a lot more space than in an ambulance or a helicopter,” said François Braun, president of the Samu emergency service.“We have a lot more space than in an ambulance or a helicopter,” said François Braun, president of the Samu emergency service.
A British national who tested positive for Covid-19 in South Korea may face penalties for not observing quarantine rules.
The resident of Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, got tested for the virus on March 23, five days after he returned from a trip to Thailand, the Korea Herald reported.
Although he was required to self-isolate until the results were out, he travelled to another city by bike that evening and the next morning he visited an indoor golf range.
Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young said on Facebook that the city would hold the person responsible for violating quarantine rules. “The city will deal with this sternly,” he said.
Under recently revised laws, those violating quarantine rules or obstructing quarantine efforts may face up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to 10 million won. Additionally, foreign violators could face deportation, authorities said.
My colleagues Shaun Walker and Christian Davies have written a story on concerns that eastern Europe might experience a surge in infections due to a lack of testing.
So far, eastern European countries have far lower infection rates than several of their Western neighbours.
Iran announces 123 more deaths from coronavirus over the past 24 hours, which brings the country’s total to 2,640, AFP reports.
Afghanistan’s health ministry confirmed seven new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 117, my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Afghanistan.
Six of the new positive cases were reported in the western province of Herat, which neighbors Iran.
Spain’s cabinet is meeting this morning to approve a tightening up of the country’s lockdown that will see all non-essential workers ordered to stay at home for two weeks.
The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the “extraordinarily tough” measures were needed as the county tries to halt the spread of the virus and reduce the strain on its overstretched hospitals.
“This measure will reduce people’s movement even further [but] it will reduce the risk of contagion and allow us to unblock out intensive care units,” the prime minister said in a televised address on Saturday night.
Despite the high death toll of recent days, Fernando Simón, the head of Spain’s centre for health emergencies, said that the situation in some regions appeared to be improving.
“We’re getting there,” Simón told a press conference on Saturday afternoon. “We don’t know exactly when we’ll get confirmation, but we’re getting close to the peak of the curve that we’re studying so anxiously. In some parts of the country, they probably may even have passed it – but we need to be cautious with preliminary information.”
A further 838 people have died in Spain over the past 24 hours, the country’s health ministry has said.
It is the highest daily increase in fatalities so far, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 6,528. The total number of infections now stands at 78,797, up from 72,248.
An update from the World Health Organization on the coronavirus outbreak in Kenya:
Michael Gove has said the peak of the coronavirus is dependent on people’s actions and that the lockdown will remain in place for a significant period.
Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme, the Cabinet Office minister said:
He added that the public must prepare for a “significant period” of lockdown.
This from my colleague Philip Oltermann, the Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief:
Italy’s deputy health minister Pierpaolo Sileri told the Andrew Marr Show he thinks the country is nearing the peak of its outbreak.
More than 10,000 people in Italy have died far, exceeding by far death rates in other countries.
Sileri said that in 10 days “maximum” the country would see its infection rates reducing.
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison has announced further restrictions for the population, including limiting public gatherings to just two people.
People should only leave their homes for essential reasons, and those over the age of 70 should stay home, he said.
All playgrounds and outdoor gyms parks in Australia will close from Monday.