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Coronavirus live news: US deaths pass 3,000 as World Bank issues warning over China growth Coronavirus live news: US deaths pass 3,000 as World Bank issues warning over China growth
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Global cases pass 750,000; Moscow locks down 12m people; Isis prisoners riot in Syria. Follow the latest updatesGlobal cases pass 750,000; Moscow locks down 12m people; Isis prisoners riot in Syria. Follow the latest updates
Cruise operator says lives are at risk on Zaandam as nations ‘turn their backs’ on ship
Patrick Greenfield and Erin McCormick report for the Guardian: In more cruise ship news, the operator of a coronavirus-stricken cruise liner has warned that more people could die at sea unless its vessels are allowed to dock, accusing governments of “turning their backs” on thousands of people stranded at sea during the global pandemic.
Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, called for a port to show “compassion and grace” by allowing passengers on the Zaandam cruise liner and its sister ship, the Rotterdam, back on land.
Four people have died, eight people have tested positive for Covid-19 and about 200 people are ill with flu-like symptoms on the Zaandam, which has hundreds of British, American and Australian holidaymakers on board, many of whom are elderly.
Both ships are travelling towards Florida but on Monday, governor Ron DeSantis said passengers cannot be “dumped” in his state and cast further doubt over whether ships would be allowed to dock, dismissing those on board as mostly “foreigners”.
A meeting of Broward county commissioners will take place on Tuesday to discuss whether the vessels should be allowed into port in Fort Lauderdale.
Several Latin American countries closed their ports to the Zaandam as the coronavirus outbreak developed on board and they refused emergency requests to medically evacuate critically ill patients, according to Ashford.
“We are dealing with a ‘not my problem’ syndrome. The international community, consistently generous and helpful in the face of human suffering, shut itself off to Zaandam leaving her to fend for herself,” Ashford said.
In Australia, there are now more than 400 confirmed cases of coronavirus from the Ruby Princess cruise ship, according to state health departments.
As of Monday, at least 440 passengers across six states and two territories had tested positive for Covid-19 after disembarking from the cruise ship, which docked twice in Sydney in March.
In a move the NSW health minister later admitted was a mistake, 2,700 passengers were allowed to disembark without checks from NSW Health on 19 March, with many boarding flights interstate. Another boatload of passengers did the same on 8 March.
There are now more cases of Covid-19 from the Ruby Princess outside NSW than within the state.
The BBC reports that British Airways is suspending all flights to and from London Gatwick.
Indonesia will suspend all foreign arrivals.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister said on Tuesday the government has decided to ban all arrivals and transits by foreigners in Indonesia to prevent a further spread of the coronavirus.
Foreigners with stay permits and some diplomatic visits will be exempted from the ban, Retno Marsudi said, adding that the government aims to issue the regulations for the ban on Tuesday. The government will also strengthen screening for Indonesian nationals returning to the country, she said.
Czech Republic reported 184 new cases for 30 March, taking the country’s total to 3,001.Czech Republic reported 184 new cases for 30 March, taking the country’s total to 3,001.
On Monday the Czech Republic extended its free movement restrictions until April 11.On Monday the Czech Republic extended its free movement restrictions until April 11.
Europe’s homeless hit hard by coronavirus responseEurope’s homeless hit hard by coronavirus response
Homeless people in major European cities are increasingly going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic and suffering in the enforcement of the lockdown, with rough sleepers being issued with police fines for being outside.Homeless people in major European cities are increasingly going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic and suffering in the enforcement of the lockdown, with rough sleepers being issued with police fines for being outside.
A shortfall in protective masks, gloves and hand gels for social workers across the continent has forced the closure of the day centres, food banks and soup kitchens on which people rely to keep themselves healthy and fed.A shortfall in protective masks, gloves and hand gels for social workers across the continent has forced the closure of the day centres, food banks and soup kitchens on which people rely to keep themselves healthy and fed.
Meanwhile, efforts to minimise the spread of the disease among those without a home have ranged from instructions for shelters in Amsterdam to be shut during the day, forcing people into the open, to what social workers describe as an “absurd” policy of herding people into gymnasiums in Paris to keep them from gathering outside.Meanwhile, efforts to minimise the spread of the disease among those without a home have ranged from instructions for shelters in Amsterdam to be shut during the day, forcing people into the open, to what social workers describe as an “absurd” policy of herding people into gymnasiums in Paris to keep them from gathering outside.
The number of deaths related to coronavirus in the US has passed 3,000, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US is almost double those in China.The number of deaths related to coronavirus in the US has passed 3,000, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US is almost double those in China.
Today marks a week of no new cases reported in Wuhan city, China, where the outbreak first emerged.Today marks a week of no new cases reported in Wuhan city, China, where the outbreak first emerged.
The coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout could cause China’s growth to come to a standstill, the World Bank warned Monday. The impact could drive 11 million more people in East Asia into poverty.The coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout could cause China’s growth to come to a standstill, the World Bank warned Monday. The impact could drive 11 million more people in East Asia into poverty.
All efforts to address coronavirus in Syria are impeded by fragile health system, a senior UN official warned.All efforts to address coronavirus in Syria are impeded by fragile health system, a senior UN official warned.
New coronavirus study reveals increased risks from middle age. The first comprehensive study of Covid-19 deaths and hospitalisations in mainland China has revealed in stark detail the increase in risk for coronavirus patients once they reach middle age.New coronavirus study reveals increased risks from middle age. The first comprehensive study of Covid-19 deaths and hospitalisations in mainland China has revealed in stark detail the increase in risk for coronavirus patients once they reach middle age.
Global cases pass three quarters of a million. Johns Hopkins University researchers, who have been keeping track of the spread of the virus, say the global number of cases is now at least 755,591.Global cases pass three quarters of a million. Johns Hopkins University researchers, who have been keeping track of the spread of the virus, say the global number of cases is now at least 755,591.
Global death toll passes 37,000. According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, at least 37,140 people have now died as a result of the outbreak. The institution says it has counted 745,308 confirmed cases worldwide, while at least 156,875 people have recovered.Global death toll passes 37,000. According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, at least 37,140 people have now died as a result of the outbreak. The institution says it has counted 745,308 confirmed cases worldwide, while at least 156,875 people have recovered.
Italy records hundreds more deaths – but a slower infection rate.The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has climbed by 812 to 11,591, the country’s civil protection agency says, reversing two days of declines in the daily rate. But the number of new cases rose by just 4,050; the lowest nominal increase since 17 March. A total 101,739 people have now tested positive.Italy records hundreds more deaths – but a slower infection rate.The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has climbed by 812 to 11,591, the country’s civil protection agency says, reversing two days of declines in the daily rate. But the number of new cases rose by just 4,050; the lowest nominal increase since 17 March. A total 101,739 people have now tested positive.
Virus poses ‘existential threat’ to South America’s indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders from across the continent are warning that the outbreak poses an “existential threat” to them. Tribes in the Amazon and Chaco regions are urging governments to ensure their territories are protected against outsiders possibly carrying the coronavirus.Virus poses ‘existential threat’ to South America’s indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders from across the continent are warning that the outbreak poses an “existential threat” to them. Tribes in the Amazon and Chaco regions are urging governments to ensure their territories are protected against outsiders possibly carrying the coronavirus.
Concerns over powers secured by Hungary’s nationalist PM. Viktor Orbán secures sweeping new powers to fight the outbreak. The country’s parliament passed a law submitted by his governmenthanding Orbán an open-ended mandate, triggering criticism by the domestic opposition, human rights groups and the Council of Europe, Europe’s main rights forum, as it contains no clear timeframe.Concerns over powers secured by Hungary’s nationalist PM. Viktor Orbán secures sweeping new powers to fight the outbreak. The country’s parliament passed a law submitted by his governmenthanding Orbán an open-ended mandate, triggering criticism by the domestic opposition, human rights groups and the Council of Europe, Europe’s main rights forum, as it contains no clear timeframe.
Dubai’s Expo 2020 to be postponed. The six-month multibillion-dollar trade fair that organisers had hoped would attract 25 million visitors will not go ahead as scheduled in October. Dubai was pinning many of its economic forecasts on the trade it was expected to generate.Dubai’s Expo 2020 to be postponed. The six-month multibillion-dollar trade fair that organisers had hoped would attract 25 million visitors will not go ahead as scheduled in October. Dubai was pinning many of its economic forecasts on the trade it was expected to generate.
Austria makes face masks compulsory for shoppers. Introducing the requirement is a “necessary step” to help to prevent the airborne transmission of the virus, says the Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz. Shoppers are to be handed masks covering their mouthes and noses at the entrance of supermarkets from Wednesday.Austria makes face masks compulsory for shoppers. Introducing the requirement is a “necessary step” to help to prevent the airborne transmission of the virus, says the Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz. Shoppers are to be handed masks covering their mouthes and noses at the entrance of supermarkets from Wednesday.
Fears over hidden Covid-19 outbreak in Lebanon, Iraq and SyriaFears over hidden Covid-19 outbreak in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria
Health and other officials focused on Lebanon, Iraq and Syria fear the numbers of people infected with coronavirus far exceed the official figures disclosed by all three governments, and claim non-state actors are quarantining entire communities of patients in areas outside state control.Health and other officials focused on Lebanon, Iraq and Syria fear the numbers of people infected with coronavirus far exceed the official figures disclosed by all three governments, and claim non-state actors are quarantining entire communities of patients in areas outside state control.
Officials, including bureaucrats, aid workers and international observers, who spoke with the Guardian over the past week say parts of Lebanon and Iraq in particular are likely to be holding thousands more infected people, and that a lack of disclosure poses a serious health risk over the next three months.Officials, including bureaucrats, aid workers and international observers, who spoke with the Guardian over the past week say parts of Lebanon and Iraq in particular are likely to be holding thousands more infected people, and that a lack of disclosure poses a serious health risk over the next three months.
They also claim coronavirus patients are being housed and guarded by political groups in central and southern Iraq and southern Lebanon.They also claim coronavirus patients are being housed and guarded by political groups in central and southern Iraq and southern Lebanon.
An even worse scenario is thought to be unfolding in Syria, where weak state structures, an internally displaced population of 7 million, and the fact large chunks of the country remainoutside central government control make controlling the spread of the virus almost impossible.An even worse scenario is thought to be unfolding in Syria, where weak state structures, an internally displaced population of 7 million, and the fact large chunks of the country remainoutside central government control make controlling the spread of the virus almost impossible.
Ground and air links between all three countries have been largely severed, but there are deepening concerns that large numbers of virus carriers were able to return before borders were sealed in mid-March.Ground and air links between all three countries have been largely severed, but there are deepening concerns that large numbers of virus carriers were able to return before borders were sealed in mid-March.
US coronavirus-related deaths, which stand at 3,164, according to Johns Hopkins University figures, now exceed the toll from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.US coronavirus-related deaths, which stand at 3,164, according to Johns Hopkins University figures, now exceed the toll from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
2,977 people were killed when the World Trade Centre and Pentagon were attacked in 2001.2,977 people were killed when the World Trade Centre and Pentagon were attacked in 2001.
On Monday, with around three quarters of Americans under stay-home orders, the number of cases in the country reached 164,539, double the 82,240 cases in China, where the outbreak first began.On Monday, with around three quarters of Americans under stay-home orders, the number of cases in the country reached 164,539, double the 82,240 cases in China, where the outbreak first began.
The majority of the country’s coronavirus-related deaths are in New York state, which accounts for 1,200 fatalities.The majority of the country’s coronavirus-related deaths are in New York state, which accounts for 1,200 fatalities.
New York’s governor urgently appealed for medical volunteers Monday amid the staggering number of deaths, as he and health officials warned that the crisis unfolding in New York City is just a preview of what other U.S. communities could soon face.New York’s governor urgently appealed for medical volunteers Monday amid the staggering number of deaths, as he and health officials warned that the crisis unfolding in New York City is just a preview of what other U.S. communities could soon face.
“Please come help us in New York now,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said as the state’s death toll climbed by more than 250 people in a day to a total of over 1,200, most of them in the city. He said an additional 1 million health care workers are needed to tackle the crisis.“We’ve lost over 1,000 New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “To me, we’re beyond staggering already. We’ve reached staggering.”“Please come help us in New York now,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said as the state’s death toll climbed by more than 250 people in a day to a total of over 1,200, most of them in the city. He said an additional 1 million health care workers are needed to tackle the crisis.“We’ve lost over 1,000 New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “To me, we’re beyond staggering already. We’ve reached staggering.”
Coronavirus testing is expected to increase substantially in coming days in the Philippines, where the high number of deaths relative to confirmed cases reflects lower testing so far, a World Health Organisation official said on Tuesday.Coronavirus testing is expected to increase substantially in coming days in the Philippines, where the high number of deaths relative to confirmed cases reflects lower testing so far, a World Health Organisation official said on Tuesday.
The coronavirus death toll in the Philippines rose to 78 on Monday - the second highest in Southeast Asia outside Indonesia - with 1,546 reported infections, Reuters reports. “With respect to the high proportion of deaths in the Philippines, that’s essentially because of the way Philippines has chosen to test,” WHO technical advisor Matthew Griffith told a news conference, referring to the focus on testing only the most severe cases until now. “We expect the testing to increase substantially in the coming days.”The coronavirus death toll in the Philippines rose to 78 on Monday - the second highest in Southeast Asia outside Indonesia - with 1,546 reported infections, Reuters reports. “With respect to the high proportion of deaths in the Philippines, that’s essentially because of the way Philippines has chosen to test,” WHO technical advisor Matthew Griffith told a news conference, referring to the focus on testing only the most severe cases until now. “We expect the testing to increase substantially in the coming days.”
Speaking of karaoke:Speaking of karaoke:
Karaoke shutdown in Tokyo amid calls for Covid-19 state of emergency in JapanKaraoke shutdown in Tokyo amid calls for Covid-19 state of emergency in Japan
Still in Japan, the governor of Tokyo has told residents to ditch another national pastime – karaoke - as calls grow for Japan to take tougher measures to stem a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.Still in Japan, the governor of Tokyo has told residents to ditch another national pastime – karaoke - as calls grow for Japan to take tougher measures to stem a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.
Yuriko Koike said Tokyo’s 14 million people should avoid visits to bars and restaurants, and put karaoke sessions on hold until 12 April, while a senior medical official called on the government to declare a state of emergency before it is “too late”.Yuriko Koike said Tokyo’s 14 million people should avoid visits to bars and restaurants, and put karaoke sessions on hold until 12 April, while a senior medical official called on the government to declare a state of emergency before it is “too late”.
Japan has so far avoided the kind of outbreaks that have ravaged the US, Italy, Spain and Iran, but a rise in cases in Tokyo, including some with no known source of infection, along with the virus-related death this week of Ken Shimura, one of the country’s best-known comedians, have sparked calls for more government action.Japan has so far avoided the kind of outbreaks that have ravaged the US, Italy, Spain and Iran, but a rise in cases in Tokyo, including some with no known source of infection, along with the virus-related death this week of Ken Shimura, one of the country’s best-known comedians, have sparked calls for more government action.
While we are taking in some visuals from around the world, in Japan the tradition cherry blossom season is in full swing, but with none of the usuals crowds taking in the views. Traditional viewing areas have been closed.While we are taking in some visuals from around the world, in Japan the tradition cherry blossom season is in full swing, but with none of the usuals crowds taking in the views. Traditional viewing areas have been closed.
Authorities in Egypt have broadcast health messages onto the pyramids in Giza, one of the tourist sites closed until at least 15 April. The landmarks also carry a message of thanks to the country’s health workers.Authorities in Egypt have broadcast health messages onto the pyramids in Giza, one of the tourist sites closed until at least 15 April. The landmarks also carry a message of thanks to the country’s health workers.
Podcast: Lessons from the 1918 Spanish flu pandemicPodcast: Lessons from the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic
Science writer and journalist Laura Spinney discusses the outbreak of Spanish flu, one of the worst virus outbreak of modern times, which is believed to have killed up to 100 million people. She believes there are lessons to be learned from that pandemic.Science writer and journalist Laura Spinney discusses the outbreak of Spanish flu, one of the worst virus outbreak of modern times, which is believed to have killed up to 100 million people. She believes there are lessons to be learned from that pandemic.
Health workers in Spain have been acknowledging the cleaning staff, who have been working around the clock to keep hospitals and facilities as safe as possible.Health workers in Spain have been acknowledging the cleaning staff, who have been working around the clock to keep hospitals and facilities as safe as possible.
Australian economic stimulus package: how much governments have committed to coronavirus crisisAustralian economic stimulus package: how much governments have committed to coronavirus crisis
The $130bn support package announced by the Morrison government on Monday is the largest plank in a raft of measures to keep Australians in jobs and support those out of work, unprecedented in its scale.The $130bn support package announced by the Morrison government on Monday is the largest plank in a raft of measures to keep Australians in jobs and support those out of work, unprecedented in its scale.
Every state and territory has announced stimulus packages that, along with the impact of Covid-19-related closures on their revenue, are expected to put them all in deficit.Every state and territory has announced stimulus packages that, along with the impact of Covid-19-related closures on their revenue, are expected to put them all in deficit.
By the end of March, the measures announced totalled AU$213.6bn (US$132bn) in direct, on-budget spending from the federal government, $11.8bn from the states and $105bn in lending from the Reserve Bank and the federal government.By the end of March, the measures announced totalled AU$213.6bn (US$132bn) in direct, on-budget spending from the federal government, $11.8bn from the states and $105bn in lending from the Reserve Bank and the federal government.
US president Donald Trump, speaking earlier to reporters at the White House, said more than 1 million Americans had been tested for the coronavirus, which he called a milestone.US president Donald Trump, speaking earlier to reporters at the White House, said more than 1 million Americans had been tested for the coronavirus, which he called a milestone.
But when questioned about testing per capita in the US, Trump wrongly claimed that the population of Seoul in South Korea was 38 million people (it is actually closer to 10 million people) and told the reporter to stop asking ‘snarky’ questions.But when questioned about testing per capita in the US, Trump wrongly claimed that the population of Seoul in South Korea was 38 million people (it is actually closer to 10 million people) and told the reporter to stop asking ‘snarky’ questions.