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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
(about 1 hour 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
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, has announced it will cap the number of people allowed to enter its islands at 100 a week from Tuesday, Reuters reports. The available hotel space will be used to quarantine people with coronavirus symptoms.
The region has confirmed a total of 34 cases.
Hundreds of British and Irish nationals gathered under white awnings are sat on rows of plastic chairs in a makeshift terminal set up at Lima’s military airbase known as Grupo Aéreo Ocho, amid emergency workers and soldiers.
“We’re all just really happy to be going home,” said Ellie Harper , 32, who had been marooned in Huacachina, a desert oasis five hours from the Peruvian capital.
“As hard as it has been to organise and get everything together, from this morning the organisation from the Irish embassy from the UK British embassy has been fantastic.”
“The staff at the airport have been really lovely and friendly and have explained everything to us really clearly and they’re working to find ways to get absolutely everybody on board,” she added.
The first Boeing 777 left with 219 passengers and the second is expected to leave at full capacity taking 275 passengers including one extra stranded traveler, who works as a BA flight attendant and was able to use the drop seat used by the crew.
“While we’re very happy to be going home we are mindful that there are still Brits in Peru who need repatriating,” Harper said.
Nine Britons and one Irish citizen who are staying in the Pariwana Hostel in Cusco have been prevented from joining the repatriation flights. Peruvian health authorities say they must remain under quarantine for up to three months along with some 140 fellow guests after two tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday.
“We were treated like we were going to get on a flight today to then find out five hours before we could be here indefinitely,” Siân Forkan, one of the British guests, told The Guardian.
Patients in the UK dying now were infected around a month ago, weeks before the country started social distancing, an expert has warned.Patients in the UK dying now were infected around a month ago, weeks before the country started social distancing, an expert has warned.
Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute at the University of Oxford, spoke out after a further 209 people died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK.Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute at the University of Oxford, spoke out after a further 209 people died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK.
Although this is a lower number than the 260 deaths the previous day, he warned it is too early to draw conclusions, underlining that “daily numbers can be lower (or higher) than expected due to random factors”.Although this is a lower number than the 260 deaths the previous day, he warned it is too early to draw conclusions, underlining that “daily numbers can be lower (or higher) than expected due to random factors”.
Prof Naismnith said: “I am confident that provided we follow social distancing the increase in deaths will stop and this will be followed by a decrease in the daily numbers.Prof Naismnith said: “I am confident that provided we follow social distancing the increase in deaths will stop and this will be followed by a decrease in the daily numbers.
“It can take up to two weeks from infection to onset of symptoms. For over 80% of people these symptoms are mild, for the much smaller number who develop the most serious illness, intensive care is needed around 10 days later.“It can take up to two weeks from infection to onset of symptoms. For over 80% of people these symptoms are mild, for the much smaller number who develop the most serious illness, intensive care is needed around 10 days later.
“For those who do not recover but die, data from China suggests this takes around another four days. The tragic deaths today will be from people infected roughly a month ago. It is inevitable that there will be more tragedies for families ahead.“For those who do not recover but die, data from China suggests this takes around another four days. The tragic deaths today will be from people infected roughly a month ago. It is inevitable that there will be more tragedies for families ahead.
“We can reduce the final death toll only by following current Government advice. We must expect and welcome changes in Government advice as science, medicine and social science work together to learn more.”“We can reduce the final death toll only by following current Government advice. We must expect and welcome changes in Government advice as science, medicine and social science work together to learn more.”
Up to 1,000 British nationals stranded in Peru are being repatriated by the foreign office tonight.Up to 1,000 British nationals stranded in Peru are being repatriated by the foreign office tonight.
The British ambassador Kate Harrison has just confirmed on Twitter that one of the two British Airways flights leaving Lima tonight is full, with a second British Airways flight chartered by Ireland.The British ambassador Kate Harrison has just confirmed on Twitter that one of the two British Airways flights leaving Lima tonight is full, with a second British Airways flight chartered by Ireland.
Harrison said two more flights were due to leave Lima tomorrow.Harrison said two more flights were due to leave Lima tomorrow.
“Our first flight in today, working with the Irish in this context, has left with a full capacity. So every single seat on that flight back to the UK is now full. The second plane that will take off today - we’re looking to people from Cusco but other parts of Peru..“This today will be our third flight leaving Peru for the UK, two flights chartered by the UK, one flight chartered by Ireland, and tomorrow we’ll have two more British Airways flights flying back from Lima to London, bringing British nationals back to the UK back to their friends and back to their families,” said Kate Harrison. More than 100 Irish nationals and dozens of others from 13 EU countries are also on their way back courtesy of a rescue flight organised by Ireland.“Our first flight in today, working with the Irish in this context, has left with a full capacity. So every single seat on that flight back to the UK is now full. The second plane that will take off today - we’re looking to people from Cusco but other parts of Peru..“This today will be our third flight leaving Peru for the UK, two flights chartered by the UK, one flight chartered by Ireland, and tomorrow we’ll have two more British Airways flights flying back from Lima to London, bringing British nationals back to the UK back to their friends and back to their families,” said Kate Harrison. More than 100 Irish nationals and dozens of others from 13 EU countries are also on their way back courtesy of a rescue flight organised by Ireland.
Egyptian banks have been ordered to apply temporary caps on daily withdrawals and deposits, a policy that some analysts see as an attempt to control inflation and hoarding in the midst of the pandemic.Egyptian banks have been ordered to apply temporary caps on daily withdrawals and deposits, a policy that some analysts see as an attempt to control inflation and hoarding in the midst of the pandemic.
The daily limit for individuals would be 10,000 Egyptian pounds and 50,000 pounds for companies, according to Reuters.The daily limit for individuals would be 10,000 Egyptian pounds and 50,000 pounds for companies, according to Reuters.
This follows Zimbabwe legalising the use of foreign currency in domestic transactions in preparation for the country’s 21-day lockdown.This follows Zimbabwe legalising the use of foreign currency in domestic transactions in preparation for the country’s 21-day lockdown.
There’s been an update on the Zaandam cruise ship, where four people have died.There’s been an update on the Zaandam cruise ship, where four people have died.
Fort Lauderdale’s mayor, Dean Trantalis, is reluctant to have the ship dock at Port Everglades, saying in a statement: “Our healthcare system could be extremely burdened by the time the ship arrives.”Fort Lauderdale’s mayor, Dean Trantalis, is reluctant to have the ship dock at Port Everglades, saying in a statement: “Our healthcare system could be extremely burdened by the time the ship arrives.”
He called on the Trump administration to develop a plan of action and for “stringent separation procedures” if the ship does dock.He called on the Trump administration to develop a plan of action and for “stringent separation procedures” if the ship does dock.
From Reuters: Costa Rica has confirmed 19 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the country up to 314.From Reuters: Costa Rica has confirmed 19 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the country up to 314.
This follows Bolivia and Uruguay both announcing their first coronavirus deaths today.This follows Bolivia and Uruguay both announcing their first coronavirus deaths today.
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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
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.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 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”.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 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.