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Coronavirus live news: Spain records new highest daily death toll, as Syria reports first Covid-19 death Coronavirus live news: Spain records new highest daily death toll, as Syria reports first Covid-19 death
(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
The UK government’s effort to source 30,000 medical ventilators to treat Covid-19 patients has resulted in two major order so far, 10,000 for Dyson’s new CoVent prototype and 10,000 from a consortium called Ventilator Challenge UK, which expects to begin producing this week. My colleague Henry McDonald reports from Belfast that a couple in their 70s have died of coronavirus. The man reportedly had cancer and the woman was being treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There have been 21 deaths in Northern Ireland.
But some firms claim they could have provide medical ventilators sooner and were inexplicably snubbed. The government has this evening offered an explanation of why. The UK government’s effort to source 30,000 medical ventilators to treat Covid-19 patients has resulted in two significant orders so far; 10,000 for Dyson’s new CoVent prototype and 10,000 from a consortium called Ventilator Challenge UK, which expects to begin producing this week.
Regarding a ventilator offered by Worcester-based Gtech, a government spokesperson said the plans were rejected by the Technical Design Authority, which includes a panel of clinicians. But some firms claim they could have provide medical ventilators sooner and were inexplicably snubbed. The government has this evening offered an explanation as to why.
“Unfortunately the Gtech ventilator model did not pass the government’s stringent safety tests and we will not be proceeding further,” the spokesperson said. Regarding a ventilator offered by Worcester-based Gtech, a government spokesperson said the plans were rejected by the Technical Design Authority, which includes a panel of clinicians. “Unfortunately the Gtech ventilator model did not pass the government’s stringent safety tests and we will not be proceeding further,” the spokesperson said.
A firm called Direct Access claimed to be able to import 5,000 ventilators within a week and a further 20,000 within the month. The government said the plans “did not stand up to due diligence”. A firm called Direct Access said it could import 5,000 ventilators within a week and a further 20,000 within the month. The government said the plans “did not stand up to due diligence”.
My colleagues Erin McCormick and Patrick Greenfield and have the latest on the Zaandam cruise ship, on which four have died.My colleagues Erin McCormick and Patrick Greenfield and have the latest on the Zaandam cruise ship, on which four have died.
Medical leaders have praised Amged El-Hawrani, an ear, nose and throat consultant, who died today aged 55 of Covid-19. They said his death underlined the need for frontline NHS staff to have proper personal protective equipment – and for everyone to stay at home.Medical leaders have praised Amged El-Hawrani, an ear, nose and throat consultant, who died today aged 55 of Covid-19. They said his death underlined the need for frontline NHS staff to have proper personal protective equipment – and for everyone to stay at home.
Dr Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, which represents many hospital doctors in England, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr El-Hawrani’s death. He was a highly respected colleague in my own trust and it has left many of us feeling as low as we have ever been previously in our careers. The words of his family show what a wonderful person he was.”Dr Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, which represents many hospital doctors in England, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr El-Hawrani’s death. He was a highly respected colleague in my own trust and it has left many of us feeling as low as we have ever been previously in our careers. The words of his family show what a wonderful person he was.”
“His death is a stark reminder that Covid-19 is not a disease that only affects the old and infirm. We must remember that healthcare workers are putting their lives on the line right now, and it’s absolutely imperative that they have access to suitable personal protective equipment [PPE].”“His death is a stark reminder that Covid-19 is not a disease that only affects the old and infirm. We must remember that healthcare workers are putting their lives on the line right now, and it’s absolutely imperative that they have access to suitable personal protective equipment [PPE].”
Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, who is self-isolating after displaying symptoms of the virus, said: “I share the deep sadness about the death of Mr El-Hawrani that will be felt by the whole medical profession and wider NHS, and send condolences to his family on behalf of all of us.Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, who is self-isolating after displaying symptoms of the virus, said: “I share the deep sadness about the death of Mr El-Hawrani that will be felt by the whole medical profession and wider NHS, and send condolences to his family on behalf of all of us.
“Covid-19 is a risk to everyone, but clinical NHS staff are at the frontline in battling this disease. Everyone is rightly inspired by the skill and dedication of our NHS staff like Mr El-Hawrani.“Covid-19 is a risk to everyone, but clinical NHS staff are at the frontline in battling this disease. Everyone is rightly inspired by the skill and dedication of our NHS staff like Mr El-Hawrani.
“The action that everyone in the UK can do to reduce the risk to the NHS is to continue to follow government advice on staying at home and social distancing. This is the practical support the NHS and its staff need from us all at the moment.”“The action that everyone in the UK can do to reduce the risk to the NHS is to continue to follow government advice on staying at home and social distancing. This is the practical support the NHS and its staff need from us all at the moment.”
Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a lockdown in Lagos and the capital city of Abuja, AFP reports.Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a lockdown in Lagos and the capital city of Abuja, AFP reports.
Nigeria has recorded 97 confirmed coronavirus cases and one death.Nigeria has recorded 97 confirmed coronavirus cases and one death.
More than £250,000 has been raised to help provide free hot meals for NHS staff in the UK, less than a week after the initiative was started by a small group of friends.More than £250,000 has been raised to help provide free hot meals for NHS staff in the UK, less than a week after the initiative was started by a small group of friends.
About 4,000 meals have been provided to hospitals, and tens of thousands more are expected soon.About 4,000 meals have been provided to hospitals, and tens of thousands more are expected soon.
“We were talking about how a group of friends who are NHS workers are just not eating properly,” Andrew Muir Wood, one of the founders, told PA Media.“We were talking about how a group of friends who are NHS workers are just not eating properly,” Andrew Muir Wood, one of the founders, told PA Media.
“It’s hard for anyone to operate on an empty stomach let alone people trying to save lives, so we got together trying to work out how we could solve that.”“It’s hard for anyone to operate on an empty stomach let alone people trying to save lives, so we got together trying to work out how we could solve that.”
To support the campaign, visit www.mealsforthenhs.com.To support the campaign, visit www.mealsforthenhs.com.
In the UK, Stuart, a street outreach worker from Brighton, says his job has changed dramatically since the coronavirus outbreak as every homeless person has to be indoors by this weekend.In the UK, Stuart, a street outreach worker from Brighton, says his job has changed dramatically since the coronavirus outbreak as every homeless person has to be indoors by this weekend.
While the threshold for housing people was once high, local authorities are now able to get accommodation in 30 minutes, he said. “Now, it’s all shifted and they are trying to negotiate with landlords and hotel owners to get people into accommodation.While the threshold for housing people was once high, local authorities are now able to get accommodation in 30 minutes, he said. “Now, it’s all shifted and they are trying to negotiate with landlords and hotel owners to get people into accommodation.
“It’s been quick, you send five people over and within 30 minutes the council can say got somewhere. New accommodation seems to have cropped up from landlords offering their services, but it is frustrating because the government has not allowed local authorities to requisition buildings from private owners. That would be easier and quicker. I had a problem that one hotel changed their mind last minute after we were going to place people there.”“It’s been quick, you send five people over and within 30 minutes the council can say got somewhere. New accommodation seems to have cropped up from landlords offering their services, but it is frustrating because the government has not allowed local authorities to requisition buildings from private owners. That would be easier and quicker. I had a problem that one hotel changed their mind last minute after we were going to place people there.”
The other role he now has is supporting those indoors, and making sure they get food as all the day centres have closed.The other role he now has is supporting those indoors, and making sure they get food as all the day centres have closed.
He said there was a mix of moods among homeless people. “Some have taken the news of the outbreak in their stride, while others are panicking. There are a small number who don’t want to go inside.”He said there was a mix of moods among homeless people. “Some have taken the news of the outbreak in their stride, while others are panicking. There are a small number who don’t want to go inside.”
Moscow enters lockdownMoscow enters lockdown
Moscow has announced a citywide lockdown beginning tomorrow, confining residents of the city of nearly 12 million people to their homes to slow the spread of coronavirus. The restrictions are some of the most severe in the Russian capital’s history and are comparable with steps taken in cities in Italy and China to slow the pandemic.Moscow has announced a citywide lockdown beginning tomorrow, confining residents of the city of nearly 12 million people to their homes to slow the spread of coronavirus. The restrictions are some of the most severe in the Russian capital’s history and are comparable with steps taken in cities in Italy and China to slow the pandemic.
As of Monday, residents will not be allowed to leave their homes except to seek medical care, to travel to work if they provide essential services, to go to the nearest store or chemist, or to walk pets no further than 100 metres from their home.As of Monday, residents will not be allowed to leave their homes except to seek medical care, to travel to work if they provide essential services, to go to the nearest store or chemist, or to walk pets no further than 100 metres from their home.
The restrictions would not limit movement in and out of Moscow in personal cars, the statement read, emphasising that Russians could still enter or exit the capital.The restrictions would not limit movement in and out of Moscow in personal cars, the statement read, emphasising that Russians could still enter or exit the capital.
Similar restrictions are expected in the greater Moscow region, where another 7 million people live.Similar restrictions are expected in the greater Moscow region, where another 7 million people live.
It was not immediately clear if police or military would be deployed on the streets to enforce the ban. The statement referred to a “smart system of control”, indicating that the city may use facial recognition on cameras or use telephone geolocation data in order to track the movements of people around the city.It was not immediately clear if police or military would be deployed on the streets to enforce the ban. The statement referred to a “smart system of control”, indicating that the city may use facial recognition on cameras or use telephone geolocation data in order to track the movements of people around the city.
“The extremely negative turn of events that we have seen in the largest cities of Europe and the United States have caused great concern for the life and health of our citizens,” read a statement on the personal website of Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.“The extremely negative turn of events that we have seen in the largest cities of Europe and the United States have caused great concern for the life and health of our citizens,” read a statement on the personal website of Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.
Russia has identified 1,534 cases of coronavirus so far. Eight deaths have been attributed to the virus. Vladimir Putin has announced a national holiday for the coming week but stopped short of declaring a national state of emergency.Russia has identified 1,534 cases of coronavirus so far. Eight deaths have been attributed to the virus. Vladimir Putin has announced a national holiday for the coming week but stopped short of declaring a national state of emergency.
Sobyanin also said that because of an expected spike in job losses, the city would disburse 19,500 roubles (£200) per month in unemployment.Sobyanin also said that because of an expected spike in job losses, the city would disburse 19,500 roubles (£200) per month in unemployment.
Jérôme Salomon, the head of France’s health authority, has issued an update on the country’s situation.Jérôme Salomon, the head of France’s health authority, has issued an update on the country’s situation.
The total number of confirmed cases in France is 40,174.The total number of confirmed cases in France is 40,174.
There are currently 19,354 people in hospital in France, an increase of 10% on the previous day. There are 4,632 people in intensive care in hospital; 359 more than yesterday.There are currently 19,354 people in hospital in France, an increase of 10% on the previous day. There are 4,632 people in intensive care in hospital; 359 more than yesterday.
Of those in intensive care: 34% are under 60 years old; 64% aged 60-80; 60 people are under 30 years old.Of those in intensive care: 34% are under 60 years old; 64% aged 60-80; 60 people are under 30 years old.
7,132 people have recovered, Salomon said.7,132 people have recovered, Salomon said.
There have been 2,606 deaths in French hospitals. This is an increase of 292 in 24 hours.There have been 2,606 deaths in French hospitals. This is an increase of 292 in 24 hours.
Italy has said it will extend its month-long lockdown as the number of deaths in the country increased by 756 to reach 10,779. There are now 97,689 confirmed cases in Italy.Italy has said it will extend its month-long lockdown as the number of deaths in the country increased by 756 to reach 10,779. There are now 97,689 confirmed cases in Italy.
Reuters reports that there have been 10 new coronavirus deaths in Ireland, bringing the country’s total to 46. The health department has announced 200 new confirmed cases, making a total of 2,615.
The United Arab Emirates has reported one new death and 102 new cases. This brings the death toll to three, and the total number of infections to 570.
Here are some of the key developments:
The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 30,000 people. The total number of confirmed cases is currently at 691,867, according to Johns Hopkins.
The finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, Thomas Schäfer, has killed himself after apparently becoming “deeply worried” about how to deal with the economic impact of coronavirus.
The Syrian health ministry has announced the country’s first coronavirus death, as the total number of cases comes to nine.
The death toll in Lombardy, Italy’s worst affected region, has slowed. It rose by about 416 in a day to at least 6,360.
The mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has said the city will run out of critical medical supplies, including ventilators, by next Sunday, 5 April.
New curfew regulations have been introduced in Serbia. The country has increased its curfew from 3pm till 5am on weekends, and 5pm till 5am on weekdays.
The UK death toll has increased by 209 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the UK to 1,228. The figure was lower than Saturday’s record rise of 260.
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has tightened social distancing measures. New advice states that public gatherings should include no more than two people outside of the household.
Kuwait’s health ministry has announced 20 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 225.
Mexico has asked its 130 million citizens to stay at home for a month. The country’s president has previously been criticised for not doing enough to deal with the crisis.
Saudi Arabia has reported four deaths and 96 new coronavirus cases today.
This brings the the death toll to eight and the total number of coronavirus cases to 1,299.
Saudi Arabia has tightened its restrictions on movements to contain spread of coronavirus. The interior ministry has today banned residents from entering or exiting the city of Jeddah.
The finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, Thomas Schäfer, has killed himself after apparently becoming “deeply worried” about how to deal with the economic impact of coronavirus, the Local reports.
“We are in shock, we are in disbelief and above all we are immensely sad,” state premier Volker Bouffier said in a statement.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
As hospitals hit capacity in Spain, healthcare workers are being stretched to breaking point. Hospital staff in Madrid have been meditating to cope with the stress.
The Syrian health ministry has announced the first coronavirus death in the country. Four new cases have also been confirmed, pushing the total number of infections to nine.
The patient died upon her arrival to the hospital’s emergency department, state run news agency reports.
Syria has implemented several precautionary measures to slow the spread of the deadly virus, with a nationwide curfew from 6pm to 6 am beginning last week. Shops, markets and public transport have been shut down as well with only pharmacies allowed to keep their opens, according to Al Arabia.
An aeroplane used as an air ambulance has burst into flames in the Philippines, killing all eight people onboard.
The New York Times reports that it is unclear if the passengers were being airlifted for coronavirus treatment. Local reports say that in addition to the pilot, the plane was carrying two crew members, a doctor, a nurse, a flight medic and an American and a Canadian passenger.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, has announced a funding boost for a children’s helpline to support those who are isolated at home.
Engineering firms have said that the UK may not have enough ventilators when coronavirus cases reach their peak, the BBC reports.
The UK has just over 8,000 ventilators, but it is estimated the country will need 30,000 during the peak of the crisis, which is expected in two weeks’ time. Manufacturers have said they will be unable to meet that deadline.