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Coronavirus live news: US deaths pass 3,000 as study shows higher risk from middle age Coronavirus live news: US deaths pass 3,000 as World Bank issues warning over China growth
(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
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 view areas have been closed. 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.”
Speaking of karaoke:
Karaoke 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.
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.
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.
You can send me news, tips or questions about the coronavirus pandemic on Twitter @helenrsullivan.You can send me news, tips or questions about the coronavirus pandemic on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
The coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout could cause China’s growth to come to a standstill while driving 11 million more people in East Asia into poverty, the World Bank warned Monday.The coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout could cause China’s growth to come to a standstill while driving 11 million more people in East Asia into poverty, the World Bank warned Monday.
The pandemic is causing “an unprecedented global shock, which could bring growth to a halt and could increase poverty across the region,” said Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for East Asia and the Pacific.The pandemic is causing “an unprecedented global shock, which could bring growth to a halt and could increase poverty across the region,” said Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for East Asia and the Pacific.
Even in the best-case scenario, the region will see a sharp drop in growth, with China’s expansion slowing to 2.3% from 6.1% in 2019, according to a report on the pandemic’s impact on the region.Even in the best-case scenario, the region will see a sharp drop in growth, with China’s expansion slowing to 2.3% from 6.1% in 2019, according to a report on the pandemic’s impact on the region.
Just two months ago, the World Bank’s economists forecast China would grow by 5.9% this year, which would have been its worst performance since 1990.Just two months ago, the World Bank’s economists forecast China would grow by 5.9% this year, which would have been its worst performance since 1990.
Now the world’s second-largest economy faces a more dire outlook, reflected in the record contraction in manufacturing activity in February and industrial production that fell for the first time in 30 years.Now the world’s second-largest economy faces a more dire outlook, reflected in the record contraction in manufacturing activity in February and industrial production that fell for the first time in 30 years.
In more airlines news, Virgin Australia has come out of its trading halt – and soared 10% – after telling the ASX it has indeed asked for a $1.4bn loan from the government.In more airlines news, Virgin Australia has come out of its trading halt – and soared 10% – after telling the ASX it has indeed asked for a $1.4bn loan from the government.
The loan could be convertible to shares, part-nationalising the airline, Virgin told the ASX.It confirmed the Australian’s initial report on the request, published this morning, saying it “continues to explore a range of options to manage through the Covid-19 crisis, including requesting financial support from the Australian government in the order of AU$1.4bn (US$870m) as part of a broader industry support package to prepare for a prolonged crisis”.The loan could be convertible to shares, part-nationalising the airline, Virgin told the ASX.It confirmed the Australian’s initial report on the request, published this morning, saying it “continues to explore a range of options to manage through the Covid-19 crisis, including requesting financial support from the Australian government in the order of AU$1.4bn (US$870m) as part of a broader industry support package to prepare for a prolonged crisis”.
Shares in rival Qantas, which has lobbied against a bailout for Virgin and reportedly wants AU$2.4bn for itself, also rose 4%.Shares in rival Qantas, which has lobbied against a bailout for Virgin and reportedly wants AU$2.4bn for itself, also rose 4%.
American Airlines said it plans to seek US $12bn in government aid to cover payroll costs for the next six months while sweetening offers for voluntary leave and early retirement to reduce the work force, AP reports.American Airlines said it plans to seek US $12bn in government aid to cover payroll costs for the next six months while sweetening offers for voluntary leave and early retirement to reduce the work force, AP reports.
The airline is now offering to pay a portion of salary for workers who accept voluntary leave or early retirement. American will seek part of a $50bn kitty that Congress and the White House created for passenger airlines under a $2tn measure to help the economy withstand a sharp downturn caused by the new virus pandemic.The airline is now offering to pay a portion of salary for workers who accept voluntary leave or early retirement. American will seek part of a $50bn kitty that Congress and the White House created for passenger airlines under a $2tn measure to help the economy withstand a sharp downturn caused by the new virus pandemic.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for breaching Covid-19 health orderFlorida megachurch pastor arrested for breaching Covid-19 health order
Florida officials have arrested the pastor of a megachurch accused of holding two Sunday services with hundreds of people and violating a safer-at-home order in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.Florida officials have arrested the pastor of a megachurch accused of holding two Sunday services with hundreds of people and violating a safer-at-home order in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Jail records show Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne turned himself in to authorities on Monday afternoon in Hernando County, where he lives. He was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order. Bail was set at $500, according to the records, and he was released after posting bond.Jail records show Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne turned himself in to authorities on Monday afternoon in Hernando County, where he lives. He was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order. Bail was set at $500, according to the records, and he was released after posting bond.
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said his command staff met leaders of the River at Tampa Bay church about the danger they were putting themselves – and their congregation – in by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, but Howard-Browne held the services. The sheriff’s office also placed a digital sign on the road near the church driveway that said “practice social distancing”.Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said his command staff met leaders of the River at Tampa Bay church about the danger they were putting themselves – and their congregation – in by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, but Howard-Browne held the services. The sheriff’s office also placed a digital sign on the road near the church driveway that said “practice social distancing”.
New York’s Empire State Building was lit up on Monday night to honour medical workers and first responders.New York’s Empire State Building was lit up on Monday night to honour medical workers and first responders.
The building’s twitter account described the pulsing red light as a “heartbeat”.The building’s twitter account described the pulsing red light as a “heartbeat”.
The building also flashed like a siren.The building also flashed like a siren.
A New Zealand epidemiologist has told a committee of lawmakers who are scrutinising the government’s pandemic response that “A lock down on its own is not enough.”A New Zealand epidemiologist has told a committee of lawmakers who are scrutinising the government’s pandemic response that “A lock down on its own is not enough.”
“It’s like pressing the pause button on your device,” David Skegg, an emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of Otago, said of the four-week national lockdown that began last Wednesday.“It’s like pressing the pause button on your device,” David Skegg, an emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of Otago, said of the four-week national lockdown that began last Wednesday.
He was speaking to a New Zealand parliamentary committee convened to question and hold to account government and public officials for their decisions on the Covid-19 pandemic. It is chaired by the leader of the opposition and features lawmakers from every political party in parliament.He was speaking to a New Zealand parliamentary committee convened to question and hold to account government and public officials for their decisions on the Covid-19 pandemic. It is chaired by the leader of the opposition and features lawmakers from every political party in parliament.
647 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in New Zealand; 14 people are in hospital with the virus, including two in intensive care, and one person has died.The government has drawn widespread praise for its decision to shut down the country and ask the public to stay home. But Skegg said the move would be a “terrible waste” unless the government added to it with these four measures:647 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in New Zealand; 14 people are in hospital with the virus, including two in intensive care, and one person has died.The government has drawn widespread praise for its decision to shut down the country and ask the public to stay home. But Skegg said the move would be a “terrible waste” unless the government added to it with these four measures:
The epidemic committee was held by video call, with a live stream broadcast publicly and available to watch on social media and many news outlets. As with any group of people holding a Zoom meeting, there was the occasional person speaking with bizarre echoing feedback, although only one lawmaker asking a question had to be reminded to un-mute his microphone.The epidemic committee was held by video call, with a live stream broadcast publicly and available to watch on social media and many news outlets. As with any group of people holding a Zoom meeting, there was the occasional person speaking with bizarre echoing feedback, although only one lawmaker asking a question had to be reminded to un-mute his microphone.
Anger as Las Vegas turns parking lot into sleeping area for homelessAnger as Las Vegas turns parking lot into sleeping area for homeless
Images of homeless people sleeping in a converted parking lot in Las Vegas have sparked criticism, even as the city officials describe an “emergency situation” and say the solution was the best option after another shelter was forced to close amid the coronavirus crisis. Over the weekend, authorities in Las Vegas needed to find additional sleeping space for the city’s sizable homeless population when a 500-bed overnight shelter closed after a client tested positive for the new coronavirus.Images of homeless people sleeping in a converted parking lot in Las Vegas have sparked criticism, even as the city officials describe an “emergency situation” and say the solution was the best option after another shelter was forced to close amid the coronavirus crisis. Over the weekend, authorities in Las Vegas needed to find additional sleeping space for the city’s sizable homeless population when a 500-bed overnight shelter closed after a client tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Officials turned a parking lot into a makeshift shelter, saying spaces for sleeping were drawn 6ft apart in observance of federal social distancing guidelines.Officials turned a parking lot into a makeshift shelter, saying spaces for sleeping were drawn 6ft apart in observance of federal social distancing guidelines.
Many white boxes were covered up with blue mats that could be more easily cleaned. But photos of the temporary shelter showing people sleeping close to each other on the ground, some within arm’s reach, sparked backlash on social media.Many white boxes were covered up with blue mats that could be more easily cleaned. But photos of the temporary shelter showing people sleeping close to each other on the ground, some within arm’s reach, sparked backlash on social media.
Quarantined Argentinians burst into a noisy clamour, banging pots and pans from their windows and balconies on Monday night, demanding politicians and public officials cut their wages to aid in the coronavirus effort.Quarantined Argentinians burst into a noisy clamour, banging pots and pans from their windows and balconies on Monday night, demanding politicians and public officials cut their wages to aid in the coronavirus effort.
The call to protest, launched on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, had wide repercussion, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires and the large city of Córdoba in central Argentina.The call to protest, launched on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, had wide repercussion, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires and the large city of Córdoba in central Argentina.
“Politicians should cut their wages in half, we would have six billion dollars for the fight against coronavirus,” read the social media messages. The pot banging launched at 9.30pm, following the nightly 9pm clapping and cheering for health workers at the forefront of the coronavirus battle.The call to pot banging came after the government of president Luis Lacalle Pou in neighbouring Uruguay announced on Sunday a 20% cut of wages and pensions for state officials earning over 80 thousand monthly Uruguayan pesos (around US$1800).Argentina had its highest daily increase of coronavirus cases Monday, with 146 new cases, totalling 966 cases and 24 deaths so far. The previous record had been 101 cases last Friday.“Politicians should cut their wages in half, we would have six billion dollars for the fight against coronavirus,” read the social media messages. The pot banging launched at 9.30pm, following the nightly 9pm clapping and cheering for health workers at the forefront of the coronavirus battle.The call to pot banging came after the government of president Luis Lacalle Pou in neighbouring Uruguay announced on Sunday a 20% cut of wages and pensions for state officials earning over 80 thousand monthly Uruguayan pesos (around US$1800).Argentina had its highest daily increase of coronavirus cases Monday, with 146 new cases, totalling 966 cases and 24 deaths so far. The previous record had been 101 cases last Friday.
More from the US now, which today passed 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths.More from the US now, which today passed 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths.
Total deaths across the United States hit 3,017, including at least 540 on Monday, and the reported cases climbed to more than 163,000, according to a Reuters tally. People in New York and New Jersey lined both sides of the Hudson River to cheer the US Navy ship Comfort, a converted oil tanker painted white with giant red crosses, as it sailed past the Statue of Liberty accompanied by support ships and helicopters.Total deaths across the United States hit 3,017, including at least 540 on Monday, and the reported cases climbed to more than 163,000, according to a Reuters tally. People in New York and New Jersey lined both sides of the Hudson River to cheer the US Navy ship Comfort, a converted oil tanker painted white with giant red crosses, as it sailed past the Statue of Liberty accompanied by support ships and helicopters.
The Comfort will treat non-coronavirus patients, including those who require surgery and critical care, in an effort to free up other resources to fight the virus, the Navy said. “It’s a wartime atmosphere and we all have to pull together,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was among the dignitaries to greet the ship’s arrival at the Midtown Manhattan pier.The Comfort will treat non-coronavirus patients, including those who require surgery and critical care, in an effort to free up other resources to fight the virus, the Navy said. “It’s a wartime atmosphere and we all have to pull together,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was among the dignitaries to greet the ship’s arrival at the Midtown Manhattan pier.
Hospitals in the New York City area have been overrun with patients suffering from Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. Officials have appealed for volunteer healthcare workers. “We can’t take of you if we can’t take care of ourselves,” said Krystal Horchuck, a nurse with Virtua Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. “I think a lot of us have accepted the fact that we are probably going to get this. It’s just that we want to survive. We’re all being exposed to it at some point.” The United States has the most confirmed cases in the world, a number that is likely to soar when tests for the virus become more widespread.Hospitals in the New York City area have been overrun with patients suffering from Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. Officials have appealed for volunteer healthcare workers. “We can’t take of you if we can’t take care of ourselves,” said Krystal Horchuck, a nurse with Virtua Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. “I think a lot of us have accepted the fact that we are probably going to get this. It’s just that we want to survive. We’re all being exposed to it at some point.” The United States has the most confirmed cases in the world, a number that is likely to soar when tests for the virus become more widespread.