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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: more than 250,000 EU citizens still stranded abroad
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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
The death toll in New York from the coronavirus has jumped to 2,935, governor Andrew Cuomo announced.
The death toll, which is up from from 2,373 a day earlier, represented the highest single-day rise since the coronavirus crisis struck the state.
There are 102,863 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York. Cumo said that hospitals have effectively turned into ICU hospitals for Covid-19 patients.
The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda has written to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to call for debt relief for his country and other small economies hit suffering economic crises caused by the coronavirus outbreak.In a two-page letter published on Thursday to his Facebook page, Gaston Browne, who also finance minister of the Caribbean nation, said that the crisis had already led to the loss of a fifth of GDP, and was only likely to get worse.With airlines grounded, cruise ships berthed and hotels closed in an effort to curb the international spread of the coronavirus, the tourism industry in the region had ceased and governments had taken a huge hit to revenue, Browne said.“All of this translates into very high unemployment, and an increase in poverty levels that, inevitably, will spur more and varied crime - drug trafficking, probably becoming rampant”He pointed out that his country and others in the region are trying to battle outbreaks at the same time as preparing what is forecast to be an “above average” hurricane season, with as many as four major hurricanes expected.“In the region’s already precarious state, the effects of a hurricane would be catastrophic.”
Slovenia will introduce a mandatory 14-day quarantine for most people entering the country from Saturday, Reuters reports.
The quarantine will apply to both Slovenian citizens and foreign nationals, the government said on Friday. The penalty for those flouting the decree will be 400 euros ($430), the government said.
The new rule will not apply to people who have to travel to the country for work and will not include those involved in cargo traffic or who are passing through Slovenia on their way to another country without staying overnight.
Last month, Slovenia closed all schools, bars, restaurants, hotels, sports centres, cultural institutions and shops, except food and drug stores. It has also shut down all public transport.
Slovenia has confirmed 934 coronavirus cases and 20 deaths.
Premier League players will be asked to take a 30% drop in their wages, via cuts or deferrals or both, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the clubs agreed at a meeting on Friday.
The move came as the 20 top-flight teams said they would give £125m to the EFL and National League to help their clubs through the crisis and donate £20m to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups.
A Premier League statement said: “In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019-20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30% of total annual remuneration.”
More than 250,000 European Union citizens are still trying to get home after the EU has repatriated some 350,000 people, Reuters reports.
“We have brought home 350,000 Europeans but there are still 250,000 remaining and many operations are under way,” Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief told reporters.
“One could not imagine that there are so many Europeans stranded in the world: tourists, visitors, short-term workers. We are not talking about permanent residents,” Borrell added.
With a mix of chartered and military planes, EU institutions are helping member states cover the costs of repatriation on flights with passengers of more than one EU country.
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.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.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.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 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 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.”“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 had a more than fourfold 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 24-31 March, 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,” the 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.