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Coronavirus live news: US has twice as many cases as China as study shows higher risk from middle age Coronavirus live news: US deaths pass 3,000 as study shows higher risk from middle age
(32 minutes later)
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
In lighter news from – where else? – New Zealand:
A nationwide teddy bear hunt is helping keep New Zealand’s children occupied during the country’s month-long coronavirus lockdown, with tens of thousands of homes taking part, including the prime minister.
New Zealand has more than 500 confirmed cases of coronavirus and is in the midst of a quarantine period, one of the strictest enforcements anywhere in the world. Going outside is prohibited unless for essential supplies such as food and medicine, or a brief respite of exercise and fresh air, taken locally.
Inspired by the popular children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen, the real-life Kiwi bear hunt has seen homes from Bluff to Auckland place teddy bears in their street-facing windows, allowing local children to “hunt” for bears in their neighbourhoods. The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, confirmed she too had placed a teddy in the front window of Premier House in Wellington, where she is in lockdown with her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, and toddler, Neve.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ruled that gun shops are considered essential businesses that should remain open as other businesses are closed to try to stop the spread of coronavirus, AP reports.
Gun control groups called it a move to put profits over public health.
After days of lobbying by the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and other gun groups, the Department of Homeland Security this past weekend issued an advisory declaring that firearms dealers should be considered essential services just like grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals and allowed to remain open. The agency said its ruling was not a mandate but merely guidance for cities, towns and states as they weigh how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.In recent weeks, firearm sales have skyrocketed. Background checks the key barometer of gun sales already were at record numbers in January and February, likely fueled by a presidential election year. Since the coronavirus outbreak, gun shops have reported long lines and runs on firearms and ammunition.Background checks were up 300% on March 16, compared with the same date a year ago, according to federal data shared with the NSSF, which represents gunmakers. Since Feb. 23, each day has seen roughly double the volume over 2019, according to Mark Oliva, spokesman for the group.
Have news, tips or questions about the coronavirus pandemic? Get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
As the pandemic death toll passes 3,000 in the US, here are a few of the surreal images of the USNS Comfort, a US Navy hospital ship, arriving in New York Harbour.
The ship brings over 1,100 medical personnel, a dozen operating rooms and almost 1,000 beds to ease the pressure on New Yorks health care system due to Covid-19.
New York state has had over 1,2000 coronavirus-related deaths.
The number of deaths related to coronavirus in the US has passed 3,000, AFP reports, citing Johns Hopkins University figures.
The toll in the US, the worst-affected country on earth is, 3,008.
The US has the highest number of cases in the world, at over 160,000 – just under double the cases in China, where the outbreak began.
Trump accused of using coronavirus briefing as corporate advertising spotTrump accused of using coronavirus briefing as corporate advertising spot
Donald Trump was accused on Monday of turning his daily White House coronavirus briefing into an advertising spot for corporate allies, even as the number of US cases topped 160,000.Donald Trump was accused on Monday of turning his daily White House coronavirus briefing into an advertising spot for corporate allies, even as the number of US cases topped 160,000.
The US president paraded several company leaders in the White House Rose Garden, starting with Mike Lindell, the chief executive of MyPillow, who has become a regular cheerleader for Trump at his campaign rallies.The US president paraded several company leaders in the White House Rose Garden, starting with Mike Lindell, the chief executive of MyPillow, who has become a regular cheerleader for Trump at his campaign rallies.
Trump praised companies for doing their “patriotic duty” by producing or donating medical equipment to meet America’s most urgent needs. “What they’re doing is incredible,” he said. “These are great companies.”Trump praised companies for doing their “patriotic duty” by producing or donating medical equipment to meet America’s most urgent needs. “What they’re doing is incredible,” he said. “These are great companies.”
He went on to invite Lindell, Darius Adamczyk of Honeywell, Debra Waller of Jockey International, David Taylor of Procter & Gamble and Greg Hayes of United Technologies to make short speeches. He introduced Lindell as a “friend” and riffed: “Boy, do you sell those pillows, it’s unbelievable what you do.”He went on to invite Lindell, Darius Adamczyk of Honeywell, Debra Waller of Jockey International, David Taylor of Procter & Gamble and Greg Hayes of United Technologies to make short speeches. He introduced Lindell as a “friend” and riffed: “Boy, do you sell those pillows, it’s unbelievable what you do.”
Lindell then stood at the presidential podium and said his company has dedicated 75% of its manufacturing to producing cotton face masks.Lindell then stood at the presidential podium and said his company has dedicated 75% of its manufacturing to producing cotton face masks.
Then, in a bizarre gear change, Lindell went into campaign rally mode and referenced the date of Trump’s election. “God gave us grace on November 8, 2016, to change the course we were on,” he said. “God had been taken out of our schools and lives, a nation had turned its back on God.”Then, in a bizarre gear change, Lindell went into campaign rally mode and referenced the date of Trump’s election. “God gave us grace on November 8, 2016, to change the course we were on,” he said. “God had been taken out of our schools and lives, a nation had turned its back on God.”
“I encourage you to use this time at home to get back in the word, read our Bibles and spend time with our families.”“I encourage you to use this time at home to get back in the word, read our Bibles and spend time with our families.”
Trump told reporters: “I did not know he was going to do that, but he’s a friend of mine and I do appreciate it. Thank you, Mike.”Trump told reporters: “I did not know he was going to do that, but he’s a friend of mine and I do appreciate it. Thank you, Mike.”
UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council on Monday that the 10 cases of Covid-19 and one death confirmed in Syria are just the tip of the iceberg, and judging from other countries a devastating impact can be expected on vulnerable communities.UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council on Monday that the 10 cases of Covid-19 and one death confirmed in Syria are just the tip of the iceberg, and judging from other countries a devastating impact can be expected on vulnerable communities.
Lowcock said: “All efforts to prevent, detect and respond to Covid-19 are impeded by Syria’s fragile health system,” noting only around half of the country’s hospitals and primary health care facilities were fully functional at the end of 2019.Lowcock said: “All efforts to prevent, detect and respond to Covid-19 are impeded by Syria’s fragile health system,” noting only around half of the country’s hospitals and primary health care facilities were fully functional at the end of 2019.
He said efforts to prevent and combat the virus are also are face the challenges of population movement, obtaining critical supplies including protective equipment and ventilators, and difficulties of isolating in crowded camps for the displaced with “low levels of sanitation services.”He said efforts to prevent and combat the virus are also are face the challenges of population movement, obtaining critical supplies including protective equipment and ventilators, and difficulties of isolating in crowded camps for the displaced with “low levels of sanitation services.”
In Colombia, the police have come up with a novel way to dissuade people from leaving their homes.In Colombia, the police have come up with a novel way to dissuade people from leaving their homes.
An empty coffin, decorated with flowers and and a the word “Coronavirus” in gold lettering, driven around in a hearse:An empty coffin, decorated with flowers and and a the word “Coronavirus” in gold lettering, driven around in a hearse:
The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on abortions.The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on abortions.
In Australia, travel restrictions and isolation requirements due to Covid-19 have left doctors unable to fly interstate to perform later gestation abortions, prompting an urgent call for assistance.In Australia, travel restrictions and isolation requirements due to Covid-19 have left doctors unable to fly interstate to perform later gestation abortions, prompting an urgent call for assistance.
The travel restrictions had especially affected a later gestation clinic in Victoria, which provides services to women whose lives may be at risk by continuing with the pregnancy or in cases of severe foetal abnormalities, according to the national not-for-profit sexual and reproductive health organisation Marie Stopes.The travel restrictions had especially affected a later gestation clinic in Victoria, which provides services to women whose lives may be at risk by continuing with the pregnancy or in cases of severe foetal abnormalities, according to the national not-for-profit sexual and reproductive health organisation Marie Stopes.
The doctors can not afford to quarantine when they get back to South Australia as they also provide services in their home state. They are trained provide the service up to 24 weeks’ gestation. There are very limited numbers of specialised doctors who can provide these terminations, making it hard for clinics to fill the gap with other staff.The doctors can not afford to quarantine when they get back to South Australia as they also provide services in their home state. They are trained provide the service up to 24 weeks’ gestation. There are very limited numbers of specialised doctors who can provide these terminations, making it hard for clinics to fill the gap with other staff.
In Australia, abortion is largely classified to be an elective or semi-elective procedure. While non-urgent elective surgeries have been cancelled to increase capacity for Covid-19 patients, critical gynaecological procedures, including abortion, are classified as essential and urgent. But there are other challenges to access.In Australia, abortion is largely classified to be an elective or semi-elective procedure. While non-urgent elective surgeries have been cancelled to increase capacity for Covid-19 patients, critical gynaecological procedures, including abortion, are classified as essential and urgent. But there are other challenges to access.
In the US, there is some hope, as providers in the states of Ohio and Texas are granted temporary relief.In the US, there is some hope, as providers in the states of Ohio and Texas are granted temporary relief.
In Texas, a federal district judge granted abortion providers a temporary restraining, allowing them to continue through April 13, after attorney general Ken Paxton sought to ban abortion access during the coronavirus pandemic, saying it did not qualify as “essential” health care.In Texas, a federal district judge granted abortion providers a temporary restraining, allowing them to continue through April 13, after attorney general Ken Paxton sought to ban abortion access during the coronavirus pandemic, saying it did not qualify as “essential” health care.
In Ohio, a judge struck down a similar policy put forth by the state’s health department.In Ohio, a judge struck down a similar policy put forth by the state’s health department.
“Patients will suffer serious and irreparable harm,” said Judge Lee Yeakel of the Western District of Texas. Only the Supreme Court has the power to decide whether a ban on abortions during a national crisis is constitutional, Yeakel said.“Patients will suffer serious and irreparable harm,” said Judge Lee Yeakel of the Western District of Texas. Only the Supreme Court has the power to decide whether a ban on abortions during a national crisis is constitutional, Yeakel said.
Women’s health advocates are seeking similar rulings in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Alabama, which have also sought to restrict abortion access amid the pandemic.Women’s health advocates are seeking similar rulings in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Alabama, which have also sought to restrict abortion access amid the pandemic.
In Italy, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Pope Francis’ vicar for the archdiocese of Rome, on Monday became the highest-ranking Catholic official known to test positive for coronavirus.In Italy, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Pope Francis’ vicar for the archdiocese of Rome, on Monday became the highest-ranking Catholic official known to test positive for coronavirus.
De Donatis’ office said he was tested for the virus after feeling unwell and was admitted to a Rome hospital. His closest aides had gone into voluntary quarantine as a precaution, a statement said. A pope is also the bishop of Rome but appoints someone to act as his vicar to administrate the vast archdiocese. De Donatis, 66, is not believed to have had personal contact with Pope Francis recently. The Vatican said on Saturday that the pope and his closest aides did not have the virus. Coronavirus has killed 11,591 people in Italy, about a third of the deaths around the world. De Donatis’ office said he was tested for the virus after feeling unwell and was admitted to a Rome hospital. His closest aides had gone into voluntary quarantine as a precaution, a statement said. A pope is also the bishop of Rome but appoints someone to act as his vicar to administer the vast archdiocese. De Donatis, 66, is not believed to have had personal contact with Pope Francis recently. The Vatican said on Saturday that the pope and his closest aides did not have the virus. Coronavirus has killed 11,591 people in Italy, about a third of the deaths around the world.
Bangladesh garment manufacturers say fashion retailers have cancelled or put on hold more than US$3bn in orders due to the coronavirus outbreak, though a handful have agreed to pay anyway, AP reports. The data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association released Monday reflected both orders already made or in the works and planned orders from the country, which is the world’s second largest exporter of clothing after China. The cancelled orders, according to reports to the BGMEA from manufacturers, included tens of millions in purchases from many big buyers, including European buyers C&A and Inditex, Primark of Ireland and Britain’s Marks & Spencer.Bangladesh garment manufacturers say fashion retailers have cancelled or put on hold more than US$3bn in orders due to the coronavirus outbreak, though a handful have agreed to pay anyway, AP reports. The data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association released Monday reflected both orders already made or in the works and planned orders from the country, which is the world’s second largest exporter of clothing after China. The cancelled orders, according to reports to the BGMEA from manufacturers, included tens of millions in purchases from many big buyers, including European buyers C&A and Inditex, Primark of Ireland and Britain’s Marks & Spencer.
A survey of factory owners in Bangladesh released Friday showed millions of Bangladesh factory workers being sent home without the wages or severance pay they are owed. The BGMEA reported that $1.8bn in orders have been put on hold and another $1.4bn have been cancelled. Cancellations of planned orders, for April-December, amounted to nearly $1.7bn, it said. The figures are conservative because they exclude orders that would go to multiple buyers. Sweden’s H&M has said it was pausing new orders and reevaluating plans but will pay suppliers and take delivery of orders already under production or already made, according to terms already agreed on.A survey of factory owners in Bangladesh released Friday showed millions of Bangladesh factory workers being sent home without the wages or severance pay they are owed. The BGMEA reported that $1.8bn in orders have been put on hold and another $1.4bn have been cancelled. Cancellations of planned orders, for April-December, amounted to nearly $1.7bn, it said. The figures are conservative because they exclude orders that would go to multiple buyers. Sweden’s H&M has said it was pausing new orders and reevaluating plans but will pay suppliers and take delivery of orders already under production or already made, according to terms already agreed on.
Here’s a neat roundup of some of Trump’s comments in recent weeks, to the tune of “Flight of the Bumblebee”:Here’s a neat roundup of some of Trump’s comments in recent weeks, to the tune of “Flight of the Bumblebee”:
And below are some of the US president’s most misleading claims about the pandemic, including around testing, from my colleague Oliver Milman. The scary question is: If the US has not done a lot of testing and the numbers are still this high, what are the real numbers?And below are some of the US president’s most misleading claims about the pandemic, including around testing, from my colleague Oliver Milman. The scary question is: If the US has not done a lot of testing and the numbers are still this high, what are the real numbers?
“Without basis, Trump has claimed the US has done an excellent job in testing people for the coronavirus. As early as January, the president said the situation was ‘totally under control’. Just six weeks later the US had emerged as the new global center of the pandemic.“Without basis, Trump has claimed the US has done an excellent job in testing people for the coronavirus. As early as January, the president said the situation was ‘totally under control’. Just six weeks later the US had emerged as the new global center of the pandemic.
“In reality, healthcare providers faced a severe shortage of testing kits as coronavirus hit the US, with the situation exacerbated by faults in the testing system and restrictions on who could actually take a test. A big disparity opened up whereby rich or famous people were able to get tests while others struggled to do so.”“In reality, healthcare providers faced a severe shortage of testing kits as coronavirus hit the US, with the situation exacerbated by faults in the testing system and restrictions on who could actually take a test. A big disparity opened up whereby rich or famous people were able to get tests while others struggled to do so.”
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US is almost double those in China, where the outbreak began, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US is almost double those in China, where the outbreak began, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The US has 160,020 cases and China has 82,198.The US has 160,020 cases and China has 82,198.
Italy, while still 60,000 behind the US, has become the second country to record over 100,000 cases, with 101,739.Italy, while still 60,000 behind the US, has become the second country to record over 100,000 cases, with 101,739.
Spain, with the third-highest number of cases, has 85,195.Spain, with the third-highest number of cases, has 85,195.
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.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.
The analysis found that while the overall death rate for confirmed cases was 1.38%, the rate rose sharply with age – from 0.0016% in the under 10s, to 7.8% in 80s and over.The analysis found that while the overall death rate for confirmed cases was 1.38%, the rate rose sharply with age – from 0.0016% in the under 10s, to 7.8% in 80s and over.
The study showed only 0.04% of 10 to 19-year-olds required hospital care compared with more than 18% of those in their 80s and above.The study showed only 0.04% of 10 to 19-year-olds required hospital care compared with more than 18% of those in their 80s and above.
Dramatic rises were seen among middle-aged groups too, with 4% of people in their 40s needing hospital treatment and more than 8% of patients in their 50s.Dramatic rises were seen among middle-aged groups too, with 4% of people in their 40s needing hospital treatment and more than 8% of patients in their 50s.
Hello and welcome to today’s live coronavirus coverage.Hello and welcome to today’s live coronavirus coverage.
As the world passes another sombre milestone, with more than three quarters of a million confirmed coronavirus cases, the gap between cases in the US and other countries is growing, with 160,000 cases. Italy has passed 100,000 cases, Spain has over 85,000 and China has 82,198.As the world passes another sombre milestone, with more than three quarters of a million confirmed coronavirus cases, the gap between cases in the US and other countries is growing, with 160,000 cases. Italy has passed 100,000 cases, Spain has over 85,000 and China has 82,198.
I’ll be taking you through the latest developments for the next few hours. Please do reach out to me with news, tips or questions on Twitter @helenrsullivan.I’ll be taking you through the latest developments for the next few hours. Please do reach out to me with news, tips or questions on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
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.
France sees its worst daily death toll. French health authorities have reported 418 new deaths, taking the total to 3,024 or an increase of 16%. The country has become the fourth to cross the 3,000 fatalities threshold after China, Italy, and Spain.France sees its worst daily death toll. French health authorities have reported 418 new deaths, taking the total to 3,024 or an increase of 16%. The country has become the fourth to cross the 3,000 fatalities threshold after China, Italy, and Spain.
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.
Tens of thousands of people stranded abroad will be flown back to the UK by airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Titan Airways on chartered planes as part of a partnership between the government and private enterprise announced by the country’s foreign secretary, Dominic Raab.Tens of thousands of people stranded abroad will be flown back to the UK by airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Titan Airways on chartered planes as part of a partnership between the government and private enterprise announced by the country’s foreign secretary, Dominic Raab.
Israeli prime minister in self-isolation. Benjamin Netanyahu and his key advisers isolate themselves after one of the prime minister’s aides tested positive for the coronavirus.Israeli prime minister in self-isolation. Benjamin Netanyahu and his key advisers isolate themselves after one of the prime minister’s aides tested positive for 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 government handing 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 government handing 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.