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Coronavirus live news: World Bank warns of 'unprecedented shock' as global confirmed cases pass 800,000 Coronavirus live news: World Bank warns of 'unprecedented shock' as global confirmed cases pass 800,000
(32 minutes later)
Spain reports record single-day death toll; Vietnam enters lockdown; Russia records biggest daily rise in cases for seventh day runningSpain reports record single-day death toll; Vietnam enters lockdown; Russia records biggest daily rise in cases for seventh day running
In a response to the Covid-19 pandemic that is unparalleled anywhere in the world, health authorities in Iceland have tested almost one in 20 of the island nation’s inhabitants for the coronavirus.
According to the latest data published by Iceland’s directorate of health, 17,904 tests have been carried out so far in the country, equivalent to about 4.9% of the total population. So far health authorities have detected 1,135 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Currently 935 patients with the virus are in isolation at home, while 35 are in hospital, 11 of whom are in intensive care, according to the Icelandic data. So far, 198 patients have recovered.
Icelandic authorities require people to quarantine themselves when there is a possibility they have been exposed to coronavirus. As of Tuesday, 8,879 people were in quarantine, while 6,214 had completed a period of quarantine.
So far, two people have died from Covid-19 in Iceland.
At a time when all of humanity is facing a common, invisible, enemy, world leaders have called for a suspension of economic sanctions that have increasingly become the pursuit of war by other means, Julian Borger writes.
The Trump administration has responded so far by ignoring those appeals and intensifying punitive measures on the two nations it has identified as America’s greatest enemies: Iran and Venezuela.
The spread of coronavirus has not slowed the regular drumbeat of successive layers of sanctions imposed by the state department on Iran. Last week, a new list of people and companies linked to the Revolutionary Guard was targeted.
On the same day, the justice department unveiled drug trafficking and money-laundering charges against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and 14 top current and former officials.
The coronavirus has claimed more than 3,000 American lives, with yesterday becoming the deadliest day of the pandemic for the US yet.
Those figures mean the coronavirus death toll has now surpassed that of the September 11 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans.
Nearly half of the coronavirus deaths have occurred in New York, although the state’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, has warned other states may soon see a similar rate of Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Follow our US coronavirus live blog for more updates.
A total of 1,789 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday, the Department of Health said, up by 381 from 1,408 the day before.A total of 1,789 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday, the Department of Health said, up by 381 from 1,408 the day before.
This represents a 27% day-on-day increase – by far the biggest so far.This represents a 27% day-on-day increase – by far the biggest so far.
The Department of Health also said that, as of 9am on Tuesday, a total of 143,186 people have been tested, with 25,150 testing positive.The Department of Health also said that, as of 9am on Tuesday, a total of 143,186 people have been tested, with 25,150 testing positive.
Follow our UK coronavirus live blog for more updates.Follow our UK coronavirus live blog for more updates.
The threat posed by the coronavirus has been used as a pretext for a range of states of exception throughout the world that - however necessarily - have curtailed people’s rights.The threat posed by the coronavirus has been used as a pretext for a range of states of exception throughout the world that - however necessarily - have curtailed people’s rights.
In Kenya the situation seems particularly extreme, with police in the east African country accused of three killings as they moved in to enforce a coronavirus lock down since Friday night.In Kenya the situation seems particularly extreme, with police in the east African country accused of three killings as they moved in to enforce a coronavirus lock down since Friday night.
Thirteen-year-old Yasin Hussein Moyo was struck in the stomach by a bullet as he stood on the balcony of his family’s home with other children looking on as police moved into their crowded neighbourhood on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Associated Press reports.Thirteen-year-old Yasin Hussein Moyo was struck in the stomach by a bullet as he stood on the balcony of his family’s home with other children looking on as police moved into their crowded neighbourhood on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Associated Press reports.
His family buried him on Tuesday, as Kenya’s inspector general ordered an investigation into his death, including a forensic analysis of all firearms carried by officers at the scene. A neighbour told AP she saw police aiming at the building.His family buried him on Tuesday, as Kenya’s inspector general ordered an investigation into his death, including a forensic analysis of all firearms carried by officers at the scene. A neighbour told AP she saw police aiming at the building.
Meanwhile, in Kenya’s second city Mombasa a motorcycle taxi driver, Hamisi Juma Mbega, died from the injuries he suffered in a beating he received after he breached curfew by taking a pregnant woman to a hospital, according to a post-mortem report obtained by AP.Meanwhile, in Kenya’s second city Mombasa a motorcycle taxi driver, Hamisi Juma Mbega, died from the injuries he suffered in a beating he received after he breached curfew by taking a pregnant woman to a hospital, according to a post-mortem report obtained by AP.
And the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, a civilian body established by parliament, said it is looking into another death blamed on police brutality, that of a bicycle taxi driver in Homa Bay county.And the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, a civilian body established by parliament, said it is looking into another death blamed on police brutality, that of a bicycle taxi driver in Homa Bay county.
Kenya now has 59 coronavirus cases, including one death from the disease.Kenya now has 59 coronavirus cases, including one death from the disease.
People in Mexico have been waking up to a state of emergency on Tuesday morning, after the government has issued stricter rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus.People in Mexico have been waking up to a state of emergency on Tuesday morning, after the government has issued stricter rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The new measures, which come after the Mexican president was accused of downplaying the threat from the virus, include a reduction of the number of people who can gather to 50 and an extension of a previously announced suspension of non-essential activitiesThe new measures, which come after the Mexican president was accused of downplaying the threat from the virus, include a reduction of the number of people who can gather to 50 and an extension of a previously announced suspension of non-essential activities
Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said:Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said:
Mexico has one of the world’s highest rates of both obesity and diabetes, and experts have recently sounded the alarm that its population could therefore be more vulnerable than its relatively young average age might suggest.Mexico has one of the world’s highest rates of both obesity and diabetes, and experts have recently sounded the alarm that its population could therefore be more vulnerable than its relatively young average age might suggest.
Health officials reported a total of 1,094 cases of coronavirus, up from 993 a day earlier, and eight more deaths, taking its total to 28. They reiterated warnings that the health system could be overwhelmed if the coronavirus is not contained.Health officials reported a total of 1,094 cases of coronavirus, up from 993 a day earlier, and eight more deaths, taking its total to 28. They reiterated warnings that the health system could be overwhelmed if the coronavirus is not contained.
The emergency is set to remain in force until April 30.The emergency is set to remain in force until April 30.
While the video of a boar piglet (boarlet?) in Bergamo that we posted earlier turned out to be fake news, the Guardian can confirm that a herd of goats really has invaded and occupied the town of Llandudno, in north Wales.While the video of a boar piglet (boarlet?) in Bergamo that we posted earlier turned out to be fake news, the Guardian can confirm that a herd of goats really has invaded and occupied the town of Llandudno, in north Wales.
The ancestors of the Kashmiri goats, which came down from the Great Orme and into the town late last week, were originally a gift to Lord Mostyn from Queen Victoria.The ancestors of the Kashmiri goats, which came down from the Great Orme and into the town late last week, were originally a gift to Lord Mostyn from Queen Victoria.
A nursing home in Canada has become one of the country’s worst coronavirus outbreaks claiming the lives of 12 elderly residents in recent, with dozens more elderly residents suspected to have the infection, Leyland Cecco reports from Toronto.A nursing home in Canada has become one of the country’s worst coronavirus outbreaks claiming the lives of 12 elderly residents in recent, with dozens more elderly residents suspected to have the infection, Leyland Cecco reports from Toronto.
Pinecrest Nursing Home, a 65-bed facility in the small town of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, first identified an outbreak of Covid-19 on March 20. Since then, 24 staff at the facility have tested positive for the virus and 35 residents are being treated as though they also are infected. One woman who volunteered at Pinecrest has also died.Pinecrest Nursing Home, a 65-bed facility in the small town of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, first identified an outbreak of Covid-19 on March 20. Since then, 24 staff at the facility have tested positive for the virus and 35 residents are being treated as though they also are infected. One woman who volunteered at Pinecrest has also died.
“It’s a war zone — more than one nurse has said that,” Michelle Snarr, the facility’s medical director, told Global News. “I feel like a field commander in a war.”“It’s a war zone — more than one nurse has said that,” Michelle Snarr, the facility’s medical director, told Global News. “I feel like a field commander in a war.”
Staff at the retirement home expect the death toll to rise in the coming days, given the age and health profiles of many people living at Pinecrest. Dozens of retirement homes across the country have documented outbreaks of Covid-19 despite numerous precautions in place to halt the spread of the virus.Staff at the retirement home expect the death toll to rise in the coming days, given the age and health profiles of many people living at Pinecrest. Dozens of retirement homes across the country have documented outbreaks of Covid-19 despite numerous precautions in place to halt the spread of the virus.
Ontario’s premier Doug Ford called the unfolding situation “tragic” and pledged to open an investigation into how the virus spread so quickly, despite the facility following protocol.Ontario’s premier Doug Ford called the unfolding situation “tragic” and pledged to open an investigation into how the virus spread so quickly, despite the facility following protocol.
“I can’t put it into words. It’s just devastatingly horrible. So, so, so sad,” said Snarr.“I can’t put it into words. It’s just devastatingly horrible. So, so, so sad,” said Snarr.
Saudi Arabia has reported 110 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections in the kingdom to 1,563, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.Saudi Arabia has reported 110 new Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections in the kingdom to 1,563, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.
Saudi Arabian health ministry also recorded two new deaths from Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 10. The deaths were reported in Medina, among patients who had already tested positive for the virus.Saudi Arabian health ministry also recorded two new deaths from Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 10. The deaths were reported in Medina, among patients who had already tested positive for the virus.
Thirty-three new cases reported in the capital Riyadh.Thirty-three new cases reported in the capital Riyadh.
So far, 165 patients have recovered from Covid-19 in the kingdom.So far, 165 patients have recovered from Covid-19 in the kingdom.
Across the world, the first response to Covid-19 has been grassroots community action, the Guardian columnist George Monbiot writes in his column today.Across the world, the first response to Covid-19 has been grassroots community action, the Guardian columnist George Monbiot writes in his column today.
Comments are open.Comments are open.
Under-18s in Poland will no longer be able to leave the house without adult supervision, according to a list of fresh restrictions due to go into force on Tuesday night, according to a report in local media.Under-18s in Poland will no longer be able to leave the house without adult supervision, according to a list of fresh restrictions due to go into force on Tuesday night, according to a report in local media.
The new rules, outlined by prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, include, among others:The new rules, outlined by prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, include, among others:
A requirement to keep two metres apart in public - even among people from the same family but excluding people under 13, disabled people requiring care, and the elderly.A requirement to keep two metres apart in public - even among people from the same family but excluding people under 13, disabled people requiring care, and the elderly.
The closure of all parks, boulevards, squares and places of recreation.The closure of all parks, boulevards, squares and places of recreation.
A ban on the use of rented bicycles.A ban on the use of rented bicycles.
The closure of all beauty and hairdressing salons, massage parlours and tattoo parlours.The closure of all beauty and hairdressing salons, massage parlours and tattoo parlours.
A limit of three people in shops per cash register.A limit of three people in shops per cash register.
Morawiecki told a press conference on Tuesday:Morawiecki told a press conference on Tuesday:
The army will also help police to keep people off the streets if they have no good reason to be outside, state news agency PAP reported, after sunny weather prompted thousands of Poles last weekend to visit parks and beaches.The army will also help police to keep people off the streets if they have no good reason to be outside, state news agency PAP reported, after sunny weather prompted thousands of Poles last weekend to visit parks and beaches.
As of Tuesday, 2,215 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the country of 38 million, while 32 people had died, the health ministry said. The Polish government is preparing for a steep rise in the number of infections.As of Tuesday, 2,215 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the country of 38 million, while 32 people had died, the health ministry said. The Polish government is preparing for a steep rise in the number of infections.
A US government-arranged flight is to leave Islamabad in Pakistan on Wednesday night to repatriate Americans in the country.
However, not all US nationals on the country will be on it, and arrangements for bringing others back to the US who want to return are unclear.
Americans left behind in the country have been urged to “stay healthy!” An email circulated by the US embassy to Americans in Pakistan, seen by the Guardian, said:
Um, good advice, I guess.
Mauritania, in north-west Africa, has declared its first fatality from coronavirus, AFP reports, citing state media in the Islamic republic.
The victim is a 48-year-old French-Mauritanian dual national who had been quarantined alongside 16 other French nationals. All had arrived in mid-March on one of the last flights before Mauritania banned international arrivals.
The woman’s case was unusual because she did not initially present symptoms, said N’Diaye Mamadou, an official in charge of the isolation centre in the capital Nouakchott.
She began to feel ill on Sunday evening, before her condition worsened on Monday morning. She then died en route to hospital on Monday, Mamadou said. She was diagnosed with coronavirus in a postmortem examination.
Mauritania has recorded six coronavirus cases, including two patients who have since recovered. The government has ordered a night-time curfew and stopped travel between its 13 regions in a bird to curb the spread of the virus.
A doctor who gave Vladimir Putin a guided tour of Russia’s main hospital treating coronavirus patients last week has tested positive for the disease, Andrew Roth reports from Moscow.
Denis Protsenko, the chief doctor for the Kommunarka hospital in Moscow, tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, Russian state television reported.
Putin met with Protsenko last Wednesday during an unexpected visit to the hospital, where he toured the medical facility and spoke with staff and patients.
During the visit, Protsenko was pictured shaking hands with Putin, riding in an elevator with him, and also standing close to him as the two men rode down an escalator along with advisors. Neither man was wearing a mask during the meeting.
It isn’t clear if Protsenko had already contracted the disease when he met Putin. The Kremlin has said that those who meet Putin are screened for the disease in advance. A spokesman for Putin on Tuesday did not immediately respond to questions about whether or not he had been tested recently for the disease.
The Russian president was shown holding a video-conference with regional heads on Monday. It was his first public appearance in four days, as mayors and other government figures have taken the lead in authorising severe measures in order to limit the spread of coronavirus. In Monday’s appearance, he did not exhibit any obvious symptoms of sickness.
When Putin visited the hospital last week, Russia had less than 500 confirmed cases of the disease. As of Tuesday, officials have identified more than 2,300 cases of the disease in Russia, with 500 new cases in just the last day.
Authorities have declared self-isolation regimes in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Protsenko was said to be in stable condition on Tuesday.
Asked about the diagnosis, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, told Russia’s Interfax news service that “Putin is tested regularly. Everything is OK.”
A consortium of defence and electronics firms in Turkey said they will jointly produce and deliver 5,000 ventilators to the health ministry in two months, Reuters reports.
Turkish drone-maker Baykar’s chief executive Haluk Bayraktar said on Tuesday that the initial target is to get 1,000 new ventilators in use by mid-April.
The group of companies have come together to ramp up production of an existing ventilator, to treat people with complications from Covid-19.
The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has urged countries to respect Europe’s “fundamental principles and values” as they impose emergency restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Her comments came a day after Hungary’s parliament approved a bill giving prime minister Viktor Orbán’s government extraordinary powers with no end date in response to the pandemic.
In Belgium, prime minister Sophie Wilmes’s cabinet also has been granted authority to govern by decree without parliamentary involvement for six months.
In France, MPs passed a law increasing the prime ministers powers, a move harshly criticised by a magistrates union and the human rights league.
And in the UK, a former supreme court justice, Lord Sumption, said that excessive measures were in danger of turning Britain into a “police state”.
France, Germany and Britain have exported medical goods to Iran in the first transaction conducted under a trade mechanism set up to barter humanitarian goods and food after the US withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal, according to Reuters.
The German foreign ministry said the medical goods were in Iran and added that the Instex trade mechanism and its Iranian counterpart would work on more transactions and on enhancing the system.
The shipment is a consignment of medical goods from a European exporter, a ministry source told the Reuters news agency.
Iran was one of the first countries outside of China to suffer a severe outbreak of Covid-19.
Scientists in Germany have announced what they described as a first-of-its-kind study into how coronavirus spreads and how it can be contained using the country’s worst-hit district as a real-life laboratory, reports Kate Connolly from Berlin.
The virus has spread more widely among the 250,000 residents of Heinsberg – a district in North Rhine-Westphalia bordering the Netherlands – than anywhere else in Germany, with 1,281 confirmed infections and 34 deaths.
More than 550 people have recovered from the illness so far. The advance of the virus in Heinsberg, nicknamed “Germany’s Wuhan” after the Chinese city where the global pandemic emerged, is between two to two and a half weeks ahead of the rest of the country.
The Norwegian Refugee Council has warned that there are only three ventilators to help save the lives of coronavirus patients in the Central African Republic, a country of almost 5 million people, Jon Henley reports.
“Covid-19 has the potential to tear through the Central African Republic at lightning spread if the country doesn’t get the support it needs to adequately protect itself against the virus,” said David Manan, the respected refugee aid body’s country director.
“And this could be replicated across the world’s poorest countries, where health infrastructure is virtually non-existent,” he said. Wealthy countries like the UK and US are scrambling to secure tens of thousands of ventilators to respond to the pandemic, Manan said.
Only six cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in CAR so far, none of them locally transmitted. But the country is one of the least prepared in the world to face the outbreak, with close to 700,000 people displaced, half of them living in densely populated, unsanitary camps and 70% of health services provided by aid organisations.
“Without a scale-up of support from the international community, an outbreak in the camps could be catastrophic,” Manan said.
The number of deaths in the Netherlands resulting from the coronavirus epidemic has risen by 175 to 1,039, Reuters reports.
The number of confirmed infections increased by 845 to 12,595, the Netherlands’ National Institute for Health (RIVM) said. The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 was up 722 to 4,712.
Whilst new reports of infections appear to be slowing, the new figures for deaths and hospitalisations are new records.
Earlier, the Dutch outbreak management committee advised the government to extend current social distancing measures to the end of April or early-May, NLTimes reports.
Schools, restaurants, cafes, bars and museums remain closed in the country, and the government has instructed people to remain at least 1.5m apart from others.
The streets of Lagos, Africa’s biggest city, were deserted on Tuesday after Nigeria imposed a lock down in its economic hub, AFP reports.
The government has implemented one of Africa’s most ambitious efforts at social distancing after recording 135 confirmed cases and two deaths.
On Monday, thousands fled Abuja, the capital, to avoid being caught in the lockdown imposed there. President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a two-week “cessation of all movements” in the key cities.