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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
(30 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
This is Nazia Parveen, briefly taking over from my colleague Jedidajah Otte. I’ll be keeping you up to date on the situation around the world. You can get in touch with me via Twitter or by email nazia.parveen@theguardian.com. I might not have time to reply but I will certainly give emails and messages a read. Iran’s president has defended his country’s response to the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, saying the government has to weigh economic concerns as it takes measures to contain the pandemic.
Hassan Rouhani told the Associated Press that authorities had to consider the effect of mass quarantine efforts on Iran’s beleaguered economy, which is under heavy U.S. sanctions.
“It’s a dilemma playing out across the globe, as leaders struggle to strike a balance between restricting human contact and keeping their economies from crashing.
“Health is a principle for us, but the production and security of society is also a principle for us,” Rouhani said at a Cabinet meeting. We must put these principles together to reach a final decision,” he added.
State TV on Sunday reported another 123 deaths, pushing Iran’s overall toll to 2,640 amid 38,309 confirmed cases.
In recent days, the country has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses and banned travel between cities. But those measures came long after other countries in the region imposed more sweeping lockdowns. Many Iranians are still flouting orders to stay home in what could reflect widespread distrust of authorities.
More news from my colleague, Shaun Walker, our central and eastern Europe correspondent, based in Budapest:
Luxury fashion group Chanel has said it will launch production of face masks to help bolster supplies in France in its fight against the virus.
Prototypes were being worked on and would roll off production lines once they received the approval of French authorities, reported Reuters.
“Today we are mobilising our workforce and our partners ... to produce protective masks and blouses,” Chanel said in a statement.
On Saturday, Olivier Veran, the health minister, said the government had ordered more than a billion face masks – mostly from China – to be supplied in the weeks and months ahead.
France was using 40m face masks per week, he said. Doctors, nursing home carers and police have complained of shortages.
Chanel also said it would not be putting any of its 4,500 employees into temporary unemployment as the company weathers the sharp downtown in economic activity.
This is Nazia Parveen, briefly taking over from my colleague Jedidajah Otte. I’ll be keeping you up to date on the situation around the world. You can get in touch with me on Twitter or by email at nazia.parveen@theguardian.com. I might not have time to reply but I will certainly give emails and messages a read.
As reported earlier, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has stepped up measures to limit the spread of coronavirus. New advice warns that public gatherings should include no more than two people outside of the household.As reported earlier, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has stepped up measures to limit the spread of coronavirus. New advice warns that public gatherings should include no more than two people outside of the household.
Morrison said Australians now needed to stay home unless they were shopping for food and other essentials, attending medical appointments, exercising, or attending work or education. People aged 70 and over “should stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection”.Morrison said Australians now needed to stay home unless they were shopping for food and other essentials, attending medical appointments, exercising, or attending work or education. People aged 70 and over “should stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection”.
Here a video: Here is a video:
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has asked the population for forgiveness after imposing a lockdown, the BBC reports.India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has asked the population for forgiveness after imposing a lockdown, the BBC reports.
After the shutdown, which was implemented with less than four hours’ notice, was criticised for lacking a proper plan, Modi apologised for the impact in his weekly radio address.After the shutdown, which was implemented with less than four hours’ notice, was criticised for lacking a proper plan, Modi apologised for the impact in his weekly radio address.
“Possibly many would be angry at me for being locked in their homes. I understand your troubles but there was no other way to wage war against coronavirus. For a country like India with a population of 1.3 billion it is a battle of life and death and we have to win it,” he said.“Possibly many would be angry at me for being locked in their homes. I understand your troubles but there was no other way to wage war against coronavirus. For a country like India with a population of 1.3 billion it is a battle of life and death and we have to win it,” he said.
Kuwait’s health ministry has announced 20 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 225.Kuwait’s health ministry has announced 20 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 225.
Seven of the new cases are related to travel to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. 13 others were infected due to their contact with previously confirmed cases, the health ministry said.Seven of the new cases are related to travel to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. 13 others were infected due to their contact with previously confirmed cases, the health ministry said.
Kuwait has reported 67 recoveries so far.Kuwait has reported 67 recoveries so far.
Spain and Italy demanded more European help as they fight still-surging coronavirus infections amid the continents worst crisis since the second world war, the Associated Press reports.Spain and Italy demanded more European help as they fight still-surging coronavirus infections amid the continents worst crisis since the second world war, 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.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, the 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.Europe must demonstrate that it is able to respond to this historic call, the 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 US, France and Italy for instance do not count deaths that take place in nursing homes or in homes among their virus numbers.The death toll of some countries could yet be much higher than reported, experts say, as unlike the US, 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:More news from my colleague Tom Phillips, our Latin America correspondent:
Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó has called for the creation of an emergency government of national unity to face up to the coronavirus crisis. Guaidó has been fighting to topple Nicolas Maduro since January 2019, so this represents a major direction change for his campaign.Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó has called for the creation of an emergency government of national unity to face up to the coronavirus crisis. Guaidó 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 his 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.In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly told his health minister he will sack him if he criticises his 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.”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.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.“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.”“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.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.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.“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.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 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.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.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.”“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.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.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.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, a record daily increase of fatalities in the country.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 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 to 257, up from 235 on the previous day, 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 at midnight next Wednesday, the prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, announced on 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 from 235 to 257 in a day, 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, the 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 12 April.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.