This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/31/coronavirus-live-news-usa-confirmed-cases-double-china-update-uk-italy-spain-europe-latest-updates

The article has changed 48 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 23 Version 24
Coronavirus live news: Spain reports record single-day death toll; World Bank warns of 'unprecedented global shock' Coronavirus live news: World Bank warns of 'unprecedented shock' as global confirmed cases pass 800,000
(32 minutes later)
Global cases pass 750,000; Vietnam enters lockdown; Russia records biggest daily rise in cases for seventh day running Spain reports record single-day death toll; Vietnam enters lockdown; Russia records biggest daily rise in cases for seventh day running
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection around the world has passed 800,000, with more than 38,000 deaths, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins university.
The Maryland, US-based research university has been tracking official statistics on coronavirus infections, deaths and recoveries since the outbreak was first recognised in January.
It reports at total of 800,049 confirmed cases so far, with 170,325 patients recovered. The death toll stands at 38,714.
The US is now by far the worst-affected country, with 164,610 confirmed cases, followed by Italy, with 101,739, then Spain with 94,417.
This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog for the next few hours, covering the latest global developments in the coronavirus outbreak.
Please contact me with any tips or suggestions for coverage at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
Here is our wrap of the current major coronavirus stories:
Sierra Leone has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, a 37-year-old man who traveled from France on 16 March and had been in isolation since, the president said on Tuesday.Sierra Leone has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, a 37-year-old man who traveled from France on 16 March and had been in isolation since, the president said on Tuesday.
“When I did my first coronavirus press conference, I said that it was not a matter of if, but when. Well, ‘when’ has come,” President Julius Maada Bio said in a speech on national television. He did not announce any new measures to tackle the pandemic.“When I did my first coronavirus press conference, I said that it was not a matter of if, but when. Well, ‘when’ has come,” President Julius Maada Bio said in a speech on national television. He did not announce any new measures to tackle the pandemic.
There are many joyous images of wild animals populating urban areas silenced and emptied by global lockdowns, but this one from Bergamo in Italy has to be one of my favourites.There are many joyous images of wild animals populating urban areas silenced and emptied by global lockdowns, but this one from Bergamo in Italy has to be one of my favourites.
Who knew wild boar piglets were so unbelievably cute?Who knew wild boar piglets were so unbelievably cute?
Afghanistan’s health ministry has confirmed 29 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 174, reports my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.Afghanistan’s health ministry has confirmed 29 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 174, reports my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.
The president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, has announced an unusual measure to slow the spread of coronavirus: as of Wednesday, men and women will only be allowed to leave home on different days, write the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips.The president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, has announced an unusual measure to slow the spread of coronavirus: as of Wednesday, men and women will only be allowed to leave home on different days, write the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips.
Spain reports record single-day death tollSpain reports record single-day death toll
Spain has recorded a record new single-day coronavirus death toll after 849 people died from the virus between Monday and Tuesday. The country’s total number of cases now stands at 94,417 – up from 85,195 on Monday – and its death toll at 8,189.Spain has recorded a record new single-day coronavirus death toll after 849 people died from the virus between Monday and Tuesday. The country’s total number of cases now stands at 94,417 – up from 85,195 on Monday – and its death toll at 8,189.
Russia records biggest daily increase for seventh day runningRussia records biggest daily increase for seventh day running
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia jumped to 2,337 on Tuesday, an increase of 500, as the country recorded its biggest daily rise for the seventh day in a row. In Russia, 18 people who contracted the coronavirus have died, while 121 people have recovered.The number of coronavirus cases in Russia jumped to 2,337 on Tuesday, an increase of 500, as the country recorded its biggest daily rise for the seventh day in a row. In Russia, 18 people who contracted the coronavirus have died, while 121 people have recovered.
Italy extends lockdown until EasterItaly extends lockdown until Easter
Italy has extended its lockdown until Easter. The number of new coronavirus infections reported on Monday was 1,648, as opposed to 3,815 the previous day. The death toll, however, rose again, with 812 deaths reported, compared with 756 the day before.Italy has extended its lockdown until Easter. The number of new coronavirus infections reported on Monday was 1,648, as opposed to 3,815 the previous day. The death toll, however, rose again, with 812 deaths reported, compared with 756 the day before.
Ireland: Confirmed cases of coronavirus halvesIreland: Confirmed cases of coronavirus halves
Ireland’s daily growth rate in confirmed cases of coronavirus has halved. Ireland on Monday confirmed 295 new cases, the second highest daily number, bringing the total to 2,910. It recorded eight deaths, bringing the death toll to 54. Northern Ireland has 533 confirmed cases and 22 deaths.Ireland’s daily growth rate in confirmed cases of coronavirus has halved. Ireland on Monday confirmed 295 new cases, the second highest daily number, bringing the total to 2,910. It recorded eight deaths, bringing the death toll to 54. Northern Ireland has 533 confirmed cases and 22 deaths.
WHO: epidemic “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific regionWHO: epidemic “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region
The coronavirus epidemic is “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region, and current measures to curb the spread of the virus are buying time for countries to prepare for large-scale community transmissions, a WHO official said.The coronavirus epidemic is “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region, and current measures to curb the spread of the virus are buying time for countries to prepare for large-scale community transmissions, a WHO official said.
New coronavirus study reveals increased risks from 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.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 number of deaths related to coronavirus in the US has passed 3,000.The number of deaths related to coronavirus in the US has passed 3,000.
Figures from Johns Hopkins University show the toll from coronavirus now exceeds that from the September 11 terrorist attacks. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US, at 164,539 is double those in China.Figures from Johns Hopkins University show the toll from coronavirus now exceeds that from the September 11 terrorist attacks. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US, at 164,539 is double those in China.
The World Bank has warned the pandemic is causing “unprecedented global shock”The World Bank has warned the pandemic is causing “unprecedented global shock”
China’s growth could come to a standstill while 11 million more people in east Asia could be driven into povertyChina’s growth could come to a standstill while 11 million more people in east Asia could be driven into poverty
Despite the imposition of newly tightened confinement rules, not to mention a death toll of more than 8,000, a tiny minority of Spaniards are refusing to sacrifice their exercise in the fight against the coronavirus, writes my colleague Sam Jones in Madrid.Despite the imposition of newly tightened confinement rules, not to mention a death toll of more than 8,000, a tiny minority of Spaniards are refusing to sacrifice their exercise in the fight against the coronavirus, writes my colleague Sam Jones in Madrid.
Ireland has issued guidelines on safe sex during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Rory Carroll in Dublin.Ireland has issued guidelines on safe sex during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Rory Carroll in Dublin.
Only be sexually active with someone you live with and who does not have the virus or symptoms of the virus, and avoid kissing anyone outside your household or who has symptoms, say the Health Service Executive guidelines.Only be sexually active with someone you live with and who does not have the virus or symptoms of the virus, and avoid kissing anyone outside your household or who has symptoms, say the Health Service Executive guidelines.
“Taking a break from physical and face-to-face interactions is worth considering, especially if you meet your sex partners online or make a living by having sex. Consider using video dates, sexting or chat rooms. Make sure to disinfect keyboards and touch screens that you share with others.”“Taking a break from physical and face-to-face interactions is worth considering, especially if you meet your sex partners online or make a living by having sex. Consider using video dates, sexting or chat rooms. Make sure to disinfect keyboards and touch screens that you share with others.”
Masturbation will not spread coronavirus, it adds. “Especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after.”Masturbation will not spread coronavirus, it adds. “Especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after.”
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the UK has published the first of its new weekly bulletins that will include all instances where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate and will include non-hospital deaths.
A total of 210 deaths in England and Wales that occurred up to and including 20 March (and which were registered up to 25 March) had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
This compares with 170 coronavirus-related deaths reported by NHS England and Public Health Wales up to and including 20 March.
A quick note on the difference between the figures published by the ONS and those that have been published thus far by NHS England and Public Health Wales:
The ONS death figures are based on the number of deaths registered in England and Wales where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as “deaths involving Covid-19”. The number includes all deaths, not just those in hospitals, although there is usually a delay of at least five days between a death occurring and registration.
The figures published by NHS England and Public Health Wales are for deaths only among hospital patients who have tested positive for Covid-19, but include deaths that have not yet been registered.
Separate figures from the ONS show that for the 108 deaths registered up to 20 March where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, 45 (or 42%) were people aged 85 and over while 34 (31%) were people aged 75-84.
A total of 21 deaths (19%) were people aged 65-74, seven (6%) were people aged 45-64 and one death was aged 15-44 years.
Follow all the latest coronavirus news from the UK in our dedicated liveblog:
Iran has reported 141 new death and 3,111 new cases of coronavirus, writes my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii.
The health ministry of Iran has announced 141 new Coronavirus death in last 24 taking the total number of Coronavirus deaths to 2,898.3,111 new cases reported positive in the same period pushing the total number of infections to 44,606.14,656 patients have recovered so far. The health ministry spokesman said 3,703 patients are in critical condition.Some good context from the last few days from journalist Abas Aslani, senior research fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies:
The discount supermarket Aldi is easing many of the temporary restrictions put in place to limit the number of items shoppers can purchase in the UK, amid better product availability and signs that normal shopping patterns are returning, writes Rebecca Smithers.
In the UK, business leaders and lawyers have called on the Ministry of Justice to grant early release to prisoners convicted of non-violent offences and those who are medically vulnerable and at risk of catching Covid-19 in jail, writes my colleague Owen Bowcott.
Spain has recorded a record new single-day coronavirus death toll after 849 people died from the virus between Monday and Tuesday, reports my colleague Sam Jones in Madrid.
Public Health Wales has urged the country’s 440,000 smokers to quit now to reduce the risks from Covid-19 and said it has seen a sharp rise in the number of people asking for help to stop, reports Steve Morris.
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia jumped to 2,337 on Tuesday, an increase of 500, as the country recorded its biggest daily rise for the seventh day in a row, Reuters reports.
In Russia, 18 people who contracted the coronavirus have died, while 121 people have recovered.
Dubai enforced the UAE’s first full lockdown on a district housing the emirate’s famous gold and spice markets on Tuesday, to disinfect the normally bustling tourist and trade area as part of efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reports
Indonesia confirmed 114 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, bringing the total to 1,528, a health ministry official said.
A further 14 people had died, taking the total to 136, the official, Achmad Yurianto, reported.