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Coronavirus live news: Spain records first drop in daily death toll in four days; Wuhan residents told to stay indoors Coronavirus live news: Spain records first drop in daily death toll in four days; Wuhan residents told to stay indoors
(32 minutes later)
Iran’s death toll reaches 3,294; Swiss death toll rises to 484; Australia’s medical chief says true global cases could be five to 10 millionIran’s death toll reaches 3,294; Swiss death toll rises to 484; Australia’s medical chief says true global cases could be five to 10 million
How has coronavirus affected global air traffic? Niko Kommenda, the Guardian’s visual projects editor, analysed the data and found thousands of planes are still in the air despite the mass cancellation of flights.
French police have increased checks at train stations and motorways on Friday to stop people breaking a national lockdown ahead of school holidays this weekend.
Reuters reports 5,307 people have died from the coronavirus in France. Almost 60,000 people there been diagnosed with the illness, and almost 6,400 are on life-support machines, which has put the health system under pressure and overwhelmed hospitals in the Paris and eastern regions.
The number of people entering intensive care units has fallen over the last three days and the daily death toll in hospitals stabilised after the government imposed a lockdown on the country’s 67 million population on 17 March, which was extended until 15 April.
The government of Jersey has announced a plan to test every citizen for Covid-19 in a programme to be rolled out over the coming weeks.The government of Jersey has announced a plan to test every citizen for Covid-19 in a programme to be rolled out over the coming weeks.
The British crown dependency says it has ordered up to 150,000 antibody test kits which are due to arrive in batches. Known as serology tests, they measure the presence of antibodies in the blood which are known to be produced by those who have already contracted the virus.The British crown dependency says it has ordered up to 150,000 antibody test kits which are due to arrive in batches. Known as serology tests, they measure the presence of antibodies in the blood which are known to be produced by those who have already contracted the virus.
Jersey went into lockdown on Monday and 96 islanders have so far tested positive. Frontline staff and key workers will be tested first, in order to check whether they have had the disease and therefore potentially gained immunity, meaning they can return to work.Jersey went into lockdown on Monday and 96 islanders have so far tested positive. Frontline staff and key workers will be tested first, in order to check whether they have had the disease and therefore potentially gained immunity, meaning they can return to work.
The scheme will then be rolled out to other islanders. The first delivery is due by the middle of April. Government medical officer Dr Ivan Muscat said arrangements for expanding testing into the community may involve sending out mobile testing units.The scheme will then be rolled out to other islanders. The first delivery is due by the middle of April. Government medical officer Dr Ivan Muscat said arrangements for expanding testing into the community may involve sending out mobile testing units.
“Obviously, we would be very interested in working out who is infected and who isn’t,” said Muscat at a press conference, “in order to determine what someone’s diagnosis is and where they’re looked after if they’re admitted to hospital, for example.”“Obviously, we would be very interested in working out who is infected and who isn’t,” said Muscat at a press conference, “in order to determine what someone’s diagnosis is and where they’re looked after if they’re admitted to hospital, for example.”
Fellow crown dependency the Isle of Man has taken a different approach, choosing to align with UK government advice, which is that antibody test kits are not reliable enough for widespread use in the community.Fellow crown dependency the Isle of Man has taken a different approach, choosing to align with UK government advice, which is that antibody test kits are not reliable enough for widespread use in the community.
“The latest advice I’ve received is that so far they are only 30% reliable,” First minister Howard Quayle told the island’s parliament Friday. “We are obviously wathing this and when our medics feel that the test is reliable…then of course we will be looking to implement that on the Isle of Man too.” “The latest advice I’ve received is that so far they are only 30% reliable,” first minister Howard Quayle told the island’s parliament Friday. “We are obviously watching this and when our medics feel that the test is reliable … then of course we will be looking to implement that on the Isle of Man too.”
Ireland has seen a more than four-fold increase in coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes in the space of a week, Reuters reports. Ireland has had a more than fourfold increase in coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes in the space of a week, Reuters reports.
The rate of increase in infections has more than halved across the country since the government implemented restrictions in mid March. The rate of increase in infections has more than halved across the country since the government implemented restrictions in mid-March.
Despite these restrictions, the number of nursing homes reporting clusters of cases rose to 38 from nine from March 24 to March 31, according to the most recent data released on Friday from Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE). Despite these restrictions, the number of nursing homes reporting clusters of cases rose to 38 from nine from 24-31 March, according to the most recent data released on Friday from Ireland’s health service executive (HSE).
“A manifestation of where COVID-19 is at the moment is that the health now of those who are in our nursing homes is a matter of real concern for the government,” Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told reporters. “A manifestation of where Covid-19 is at the moment is that the health now of those who are in our nursing homes is a matter of real concern for the government,” the finance minister, Paschal Donohoe, told reporters.
“We are looking at the moment at what additional measures need to be put in place in nursing home environments.”“We are looking at the moment at what additional measures need to be put in place in nursing home environments.”
The global scramble to source protective equipment is heating up, Kim Willsher and Oliver Holmes reports.The global scramble to source protective equipment is heating up, Kim Willsher and Oliver Holmes reports.
Valérie Pecresse, the influential president of the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, described the race to get hold of masks as a “treasure hunt”.Valérie Pecresse, the influential president of the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, described the race to get hold of masks as a “treasure hunt”.
Pecresse said:Pecresse said:
About 90% of Americans are under stay-at-home orders as the US tries to get a handle of the rapid spread of coronavirus by enforcing social distancing guidelines. But there are still frustrations with the handful of governors who are resisting issuing statewide orders.About 90% of Americans are under stay-at-home orders as the US tries to get a handle of the rapid spread of coronavirus by enforcing social distancing guidelines. But there are still frustrations with the handful of governors who are resisting issuing statewide orders.
The US reported 1,169 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, the highest one-day death toll of any country so far.The US reported 1,169 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, the highest one-day death toll of any country so far.
My colleague Joan Greve is now liveblogging all US-related coronavirus news.My colleague Joan Greve is now liveblogging all US-related coronavirus news.
A coalition of governments and research institutions from 30 countries has been launched to work on tackling Covid-19 in lower-income countries.A coalition of governments and research institutions from 30 countries has been launched to work on tackling Covid-19 in lower-income countries.
The 70 institutions signed up said states with limited resources are being forgotten in the pandemic response, and that very few related clinical trials had been planned for poorer countries despite their wealth of expertise.The 70 institutions signed up said states with limited resources are being forgotten in the pandemic response, and that very few related clinical trials had been planned for poorer countries despite their wealth of expertise.
They called for greater coordination of research efforts in Africa, Latin America, Asia and eastern Europe.They called for greater coordination of research efforts in Africa, Latin America, Asia and eastern Europe.
“The more players we have in research and development, the more rich it will be,” said Jean-Michel Piedagnel, the south-east Asia director for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, one of the 70.“The more players we have in research and development, the more rich it will be,” said Jean-Michel Piedagnel, the south-east Asia director for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, one of the 70.
“You will develop treatment options that are more aligned with the needs of the country and with the means of the country. If you do your clinical trial in a setting where healthcare is underfunded or resource-poor, you will do a different clinical trial, you will do a different treatment.”“You will develop treatment options that are more aligned with the needs of the country and with the means of the country. If you do your clinical trial in a setting where healthcare is underfunded or resource-poor, you will do a different clinical trial, you will do a different treatment.”
The World Health Organization’s chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, said the initiative would help coordinate a global response.The World Health Organization’s chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, said the initiative would help coordinate a global response.
“We must prepare now for the consequences of this pandemic in more resource-constrained settings or we stand to lose many more lives,” she said.“We must prepare now for the consequences of this pandemic in more resource-constrained settings or we stand to lose many more lives,” she said.
Evans Amukoye, the director of scientific programmes at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, said in the past treatments were often beyond the means of poorer countries.Evans Amukoye, the director of scientific programmes at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, said in the past treatments were often beyond the means of poorer countries.
“A lot of people had died before it became accessible. If you look at some diseases you see that where there is no profit there is no investment,” said Amukoye.“A lot of people had died before it became accessible. If you look at some diseases you see that where there is no profit there is no investment,” said Amukoye.
Russia will suspend all flights bringing Russians home from abroad from Friday night, reports the Interfax news agency.Russia will suspend all flights bringing Russians home from abroad from Friday night, reports the Interfax news agency.
The announcement was made with no explanation. The foreign ministry said on Wednesday that 25,000 Russians abroad had appealed for help getting home, with many still stranded as measures to curb the spread of coronavirus have limited travel options.The announcement was made with no explanation. The foreign ministry said on Wednesday that 25,000 Russians abroad had appealed for help getting home, with many still stranded as measures to curb the spread of coronavirus have limited travel options.
The UK has endured its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic, with 569 fatalities recorded in 24 hours.The UK has endured its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic, with 569 fatalities recorded in 24 hours.
As Downing Street comes under mounting pressure over its perceived failure to accelerate nationwide testing to combat the virus, the country’s Covid-19 death toll continues to rise.As Downing Street comes under mounting pressure over its perceived failure to accelerate nationwide testing to combat the virus, the country’s Covid-19 death toll continues to rise.
A total of 2,921 people had died in hospitals after testing positive for the disease as of 5pm on Wednesday, representing a slightly bigger increase than the previous day, when there were 563 deaths.A total of 2,921 people had died in hospitals after testing positive for the disease as of 5pm on Wednesday, representing a slightly bigger increase than the previous day, when there were 563 deaths.
Don’t forget, you can also follow our UK coronavirus blog:Don’t forget, you can also follow our UK coronavirus blog:
Russian police have detained a doctors’ rights activist who has been highly critical of the Kremlin’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.Russian police have detained a doctors’ rights activist who has been highly critical of the Kremlin’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
Anastasia Vasiliyeva, the head of the opposition-leaning Alliance of Doctors union, was detained with other activists last night while attempting to deliver medical equipment in Russia’s Novgorod region.Anastasia Vasiliyeva, the head of the opposition-leaning Alliance of Doctors union, was detained with other activists last night while attempting to deliver medical equipment in Russia’s Novgorod region.
Video of the incident showed Vasiliyeva being dragged into a local police station by police officers and other men in medical masks. In a post, the organisation said Vasiliyeva lost consciousness during the arrest, possibly because she was choked.Video of the incident showed Vasiliyeva being dragged into a local police station by police officers and other men in medical masks. In a post, the organisation said Vasiliyeva lost consciousness during the arrest, possibly because she was choked.
She is still in custody as of Friday afternoon and has reportedly received citations for violating mandatory quarantine measures and for resisting police orders.She is still in custody as of Friday afternoon and has reportedly received citations for violating mandatory quarantine measures and for resisting police orders.
Vasiliyeva and the Alliance of Doctors have been highly critical of the government’s preparations for the coronavirus outbreak, accusing the government of faking official statistics about the number of coronavirus cases in Russia and blasting the government for failing to equip hospitals with needed medical supplies.Vasiliyeva and the Alliance of Doctors have been highly critical of the government’s preparations for the coronavirus outbreak, accusing the government of faking official statistics about the number of coronavirus cases in Russia and blasting the government for failing to equip hospitals with needed medical supplies.
The group had also criticised the government’s airlift of medical equipment and ventilators to the US.The group had also criticised the government’s airlift of medical equipment and ventilators to the US.
“Well, great,” the group wrote. “We raise money all over the country to buy medical protective equipment, and our government sells PPE to the USA. It’s a mockery.”“Well, great,” the group wrote. “We raise money all over the country to buy medical protective equipment, and our government sells PPE to the USA. It’s a mockery.”
Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old Swedish activist who inspired the global school climate strikes, posted a picture of herself striking at home.Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old Swedish activist who inspired the global school climate strikes, posted a picture of herself striking at home.
Last week, Thunberg said in a post on Instagram that she had self-isolated after she and her father returned from a trip around central Europe about two weeks ago.Last week, Thunberg said in a post on Instagram that she had self-isolated after she and her father returned from a trip around central Europe about two weeks ago.
The Swiss government is doubling the size of its coronavirus emergency loan scheme to 40bn Swiss francs ($40.94bn), Reuters reports.
The government said on Friday it was inundated by requests for help by businesses and would be expanding bridging loan guarantees from an initial 20bn francs after banks made loans of 14.3bn francs in the first few days of the scheme.
So far, more than 76,000 agreements have been made, the government said.
The Swiss death toll from coronavirus rose to 484, from 432 on Thursday, while the number of positive tests rose to 19,303.
Hi, I’m Aamna taking over the liveblog from my colleague Ben. If you want to get in touch, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or tweet at me.
The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, said on Friday he was remaining in isolation with mild symptoms of the coronavirus, including a high temperature, seven days after he first tested positive. “Although I’m feeling better and I’ve done my seven days of isolation, alas I still have one of the symptoms, a minor symptom, I still have a temperature,” Johnson said in a video message posted on Twitter. “So in accordance with government advice I must continue my self isolation until that symptom itself goes.” Johnson announced a week ago that he had tested positive and would be isolating in Downing Street.
In his address, the prime minister told Britons that they needed to stick to the rules on staying at home unless it was essential to go out, ahead of a weekend when good weather is forecast. “I just urge you not to do that (go out). Please, please stick with the guidance now,” he said. “This country has made a huge effort, a huge sacrifice, done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus. Let’s stick with it now.” When asked earlier on Friday if Johnson would be out of isolation on Friday, his health minister, Matt Hancock, said: “I’ve absolutely no idea but what I do know is he’s still working.” Hancock tested positive for coronavirus last week at about the same time as Johnson, but he has since left isolation and is working as scheduled.
A drive-through coronavirus screening centre in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi has become a go-to destination for many wanting reassurance during the pandemic.
The facility, believed to be the first of its kind in the Gulf, greets around 600 people a day in the 12 hours it is in service.
The test is free for the elderly, pregnant women and anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19. Others can get tested for 370 dirhams ($100).
A nurse approaches the car to take the passengers’ temperatures and then takes a nasal swab - a five-minute procedure.
“It is safer than going to the hospital, which is scary these days, especially for children,” said Mohammed Abdullah al-Thahnani, who took his family to get tested after a 14-day quarantine upon arriving from abroad.
French high-school school students will not sit the traditional baccalauréat (bac) exam this summer due to the coronavirus, the education minister has said, an unprecedented move that highlights the scale of disruption caused by the pandemic. It is the first time since its inception in 1808 under Napoleon Bonaparte that the ‘bac’ exam will not take place in its traditional form. Even the sweeping student and labour protests of May 1968 did not prevent the exam going ahead.
In the UK, Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London, the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
The new state-run National Health Service (NHS) hospital is named after the trailblazing 19th-century nurse Florence Nightingale and has been built in just nine days.
NHS Nightingale London will initially take 500 people in the coming days, said the health secretary, Matt Hancock, who has also tested positive for Covid-19.
It will take intensive care patients with Covid-19 from other London hospitals, which have had the highest number of cases across Britain.
There are initial signs that the trend in new coronavirus infections in Germany is flattening off, the health minister, Jens Spahn, said on Friday.
Speaking during a visit to a logistics company involved in distributing supplies of medical protection equipment, Spahn said Germany had already obtained 1,500 new ventilators – essential to treating patients with acute cases of the novel coronavirus – and added that these would be in clinics by April.
Efforts to boost the number of intensive care beds available in recent days had resulted in 40% of them being free to receive patients, Spahn said.
China’s central bank said on Friday it would cut the reserve requirements for smaller banks to release around 400bn yuan ($56.3bn) in liquidity, a move to counter the coronavirus impact on enterprises.
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said in a statement it will also slash the interest it pays on financial institutions’ excess reserves for the first time in 12 years, to encourage them to use the cash rather than store it with the central bank.
New registrations of cars on German roads plunged in March to its lowest in almost three decades, data shows, as restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus inflicted a heavy blow.
Sales tumbled 38% year-on-year to just over 215,100 according to data from the KBA vehicle licensing authority.
“Necessary health policy measures, like the massive limits on public life, closure of car dealerships and limited ability to work in the licensing offices” had put the brake on the car trade, the VDA carmakers’ federation said.
Domestic demand fell 30%, while foreign orders were down 37%.
In a quarterly comparison, sales in January-March were down 20% year-on-year.
The Russian prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, on Friday said the coronavirus situation in Russia could yet develop into a worst-case scenario, and that the epidemic has not peaked there yet. “It is clear that the peak of infections has not yet passed, and we can’t rule out the situation developing into the most difficult scenario,” said Mishustin.