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/apr/03/coronavirus-update-live-news-usa-uk-spain-italy-china-who-middle-east-spike-world-global-cases-latest-updates

The article has changed 34 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 21 Version 22
Coronavirus live news: Italy records 766 more deaths but infection rate continues to slow Coronavirus live news: Italy records 766 more deaths but infection rate continues to slow
(32 minutes later)
Spain records first drop in daily death toll in four days; Wuhan residents told to stay indoors; Iran’s death toll reaches 3,294Spain records first drop in daily death toll in four days; Wuhan residents told to stay indoors; Iran’s death toll reaches 3,294
The scale of the coronavirus outbreak and the response it has required from the UK government means a large-scale public inquiry is now inevitable, a former head of the country’s civil service has said.
Sir Bob Kerslake said the scope of the decision-making undertaken by politicians and officials had been vast, and, as some of it had already been challenged, there would need to be a chance to reflect upon the UK’s response in case of another pandemic.
Disney is delaying the release of upcoming films because of the pandemic.Disney is delaying the release of upcoming films because of the pandemic.
The action epic “Mulan” will come out in July and Marvel’s “Black Widow” will be available in November. Among other changes, Disney postponed the release of a new “Indiana Jones” film by one year to July 2022.The action epic “Mulan” will come out in July and Marvel’s “Black Widow” will be available in November. Among other changes, Disney postponed the release of a new “Indiana Jones” film by one year to July 2022.
The UK government’s pledge to carry out 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month is “realistic”, Public Health England’s director of public health improvement has said.The UK government’s pledge to carry out 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month is “realistic”, Public Health England’s director of public health improvement has said.
Prof John Newton has told Channel 4 News:Prof John Newton has told Channel 4 News:
The number of funerals in Jakarta rose sharply in March, a development the governor of Indonesia’s capital city said suggested that deaths from the new coronavirus may be higher than officially reported.The number of funerals in Jakarta rose sharply in March, a development the governor of Indonesia’s capital city said suggested that deaths from the new coronavirus may be higher than officially reported.
Nearly 4,400 burials occurred in the month; 40% higher than any month since at least January 2018, according to a Reuters review of statistics from the city’s Department of Parks and Cemeteries.Nearly 4,400 burials occurred in the month; 40% higher than any month since at least January 2018, according to a Reuters review of statistics from the city’s Department of Parks and Cemeteries.
Jakarta’s governor, Anies Baswedan, and some public health experts suspect the number of infections and deaths in Jakarta has been significantly under-reported due to one of the world’s lowest rates of testing.Jakarta’s governor, Anies Baswedan, and some public health experts suspect the number of infections and deaths in Jakarta has been significantly under-reported due to one of the world’s lowest rates of testing.
Known global death toll passes 55,000. At least 55,781 people across the world have now died as a result of the pandemic, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed cases passed a million on Thursday and at least 1,056,777 people are now known to have been infected. The true scale of the outbreak is likely to be greater due to suspected underreporting by some nations.Known global death toll passes 55,000. At least 55,781 people across the world have now died as a result of the pandemic, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed cases passed a million on Thursday and at least 1,056,777 people are now known to have been infected. The true scale of the outbreak is likely to be greater due to suspected underreporting by some nations.
UK endures deadliest day so far. It is confirmed that 684 more people have died in UK hospitals, bringing the total to 3,605 and making the 24 hours to 5pm on Thursday (BST) the deadliest since the outbreak began. The country’s Department of Health and Social Care says 173,784 people have been tested; of whom 38,168 were positive.UK endures deadliest day so far. It is confirmed that 684 more people have died in UK hospitals, bringing the total to 3,605 and making the 24 hours to 5pm on Thursday (BST) the deadliest since the outbreak began. The country’s Department of Health and Social Care says 173,784 people have been tested; of whom 38,168 were positive.
New York reports nearly 3,000 deaths. The state’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, announcesd that 2,935 people have now died. The toll, up from from 2,373 a day earlier, represents the highest single-day rise since the coronavirus crisis struck. There are 102,863 confirmed cases in New York. Cuomo said that hospitals havein effect turned into ICU hospitals for Covid-19 patients.New York reports nearly 3,000 deaths. The state’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, announcesd that 2,935 people have now died. The toll, up from from 2,373 a day earlier, represents the highest single-day rise since the coronavirus crisis struck. There are 102,863 confirmed cases in New York. Cuomo said that hospitals havein effect turned into ICU hospitals for Covid-19 patients.
Italy records 766 more deaths – but infection rate slows. The number of deaths on Friday was relatively steady, when compared to those seen the previous day. But new infections continue to slow down, raising hopes of turnaround. Some 85,388 people are currently infected, with an increase of 2,339 new cases; 138 fewer than Thursday. Italy remains the world’s worst-hit country, having suffered a total of 14,681 deaths.Italy records 766 more deaths – but infection rate slows. The number of deaths on Friday was relatively steady, when compared to those seen the previous day. But new infections continue to slow down, raising hopes of turnaround. Some 85,388 people are currently infected, with an increase of 2,339 new cases; 138 fewer than Thursday. Italy remains the world’s worst-hit country, having suffered a total of 14,681 deaths.
More than 250,000 EU citizens stranded abroad. Some 350,000 have been repatriated but that still leaves a quarter of a million EU citizens trying to get home. Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, says operations are under way to retrieve them. But he adds: “One could not imagine that there are so many Europeans stranded in the world: tourists; visitors; short-term workers.”More than 250,000 EU citizens stranded abroad. Some 350,000 have been repatriated but that still leaves a quarter of a million EU citizens trying to get home. Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, says operations are under way to retrieve them. But he adds: “One could not imagine that there are so many Europeans stranded in the world: tourists; visitors; short-term workers.”
Swiss death toll rises to 484. The Swiss government announced an increase in the number of deaths, adding that the number of positive cases now stands at 19,903. Switzerland has closed schools and many businesses, as well as banning gatherings of more than five people.Swiss death toll rises to 484. The Swiss government announced an increase in the number of deaths, adding that the number of positive cases now stands at 19,903. Switzerland has closed schools and many businesses, as well as banning gatherings of more than five people.
WHO said countries must avoid a cycle of lockdown, relaxation, and further lockdown. The organisation called on countries to develop a just transition strategy that gets them in control of the virus.WHO said countries must avoid a cycle of lockdown, relaxation, and further lockdown. The organisation called on countries to develop a just transition strategy that gets them in control of the virus.
English Premier League asks players to take 30% wage cut. Premier League clubs announce they are “committing £20m to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the pandemic”.English Premier League asks players to take 30% wage cut. Premier League clubs announce they are “committing £20m to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the pandemic”.
While older people are more likely to die if they contract coronavirus, evidence continues to show that younger people are also being severely impacted.While older people are more likely to die if they contract coronavirus, evidence continues to show that younger people are also being severely impacted.
Dr David Hepburn, ICU consultant at Newport’s Royal Gwent hospital in south Wales has said all the patients there are under-50. Dr David Hepburn, ICU consultant at Newport’s Royal Gwent hospital in south Wales, has said all the patients there are under-50.
Speaking to Channel 4 News, he said:Speaking to Channel 4 News, he said:
The WHO briefing ends with Georgieva saying the world will get through the epidemic, but how quickly that happens depends on the actions that countries take now.The WHO briefing ends with Georgieva saying the world will get through the epidemic, but how quickly that happens depends on the actions that countries take now.
Adhanom added that “both lives and livelihoods matter”.Adhanom added that “both lives and livelihoods matter”.
When asked about the effectiveness of using masks, Ryan said there is a very healthy debate going on.When asked about the effectiveness of using masks, Ryan said there is a very healthy debate going on.
He said countries must prioritise giving surgical and medical masks for healthcare workers. WHO already advises that people use medical masks for people who are ill at home and people caring for people at sick at home.He said countries must prioritise giving surgical and medical masks for healthcare workers. WHO already advises that people use medical masks for people who are ill at home and people caring for people at sick at home.
He added the evidence suggests that wearing a mask in public doesn’t necessarily protect someone, but it can be of use to someone who is experiencing symptoms and thus reduce the rate that an infected individual infects others.He added the evidence suggests that wearing a mask in public doesn’t necessarily protect someone, but it can be of use to someone who is experiencing symptoms and thus reduce the rate that an infected individual infects others.
WHO said countries need a transition strategy that gets them in control of the virus. Countries need to avoid a cycle of lockdown, relaxation of rules, followed by a further lockdown.WHO said countries need a transition strategy that gets them in control of the virus. Countries need to avoid a cycle of lockdown, relaxation of rules, followed by a further lockdown.
Ryan said WHO has repeatedly warned that young people are also at risk from this virus.Ryan said WHO has repeatedly warned that young people are also at risk from this virus.
He said even in South Korea, which has managed to control the disease, one in six deaths have been of people under 60. In Italy, over the last six weeks, at least 10-15% of people in intensive care have been under 50, Ryan explained.He said even in South Korea, which has managed to control the disease, one in six deaths have been of people under 60. In Italy, over the last six weeks, at least 10-15% of people in intensive care have been under 50, Ryan explained.
Ryan said:Ryan said:
When asked what WHO’s stance is on antibody testing and immunity passports, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said WHO is “working with a number of countries that are looking into the use of serologic assays in the form of research.” The test will estimate the antibody levels in populations in a country.When asked what WHO’s stance is on antibody testing and immunity passports, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said WHO is “working with a number of countries that are looking into the use of serologic assays in the form of research.” The test will estimate the antibody levels in populations in a country.
She added it is a positive sign that there are a number of tests being rapidly developed.She added it is a positive sign that there are a number of tests being rapidly developed.
The IMF has been asked whether it would grant debt relief to African nations where citizens who are following social distancing guidelines are now more worried about dying from hunger than the coronavirus.The IMF has been asked whether it would grant debt relief to African nations where citizens who are following social distancing guidelines are now more worried about dying from hunger than the coronavirus.
IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva said it’s important to provide significant financial support to African countries. She said the board approved emergency finances for Rwanda and two more African countries are in discussion for approval today.IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva said it’s important to provide significant financial support to African countries. She said the board approved emergency finances for Rwanda and two more African countries are in discussion for approval today.
The briefing has now moved to questions from journalists.The briefing has now moved to questions from journalists.
The first question asked if there is anything in the diet, lifestyle or drug protocol that Americans or Europeans use that make this virus more severeThe first question asked if there is anything in the diet, lifestyle or drug protocol that Americans or Europeans use that make this virus more severe
Dr Michael J Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies programme, said the evidence so far would indicate that antihypertensive drugs that many people are on does not have any impact on the severity of the disease.Dr Michael J Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies programme, said the evidence so far would indicate that antihypertensive drugs that many people are on does not have any impact on the severity of the disease.
The difference in mortality rates between countries could be down to the age profile of the country, some have a higher population of older populations, and the presence of underlying conditions.The difference in mortality rates between countries could be down to the age profile of the country, some have a higher population of older populations, and the presence of underlying conditions.
Italy registered 766 more deaths from Covid-19 on Friday - 6 more than Thursday - and remains the country worst affected by the outbreak with a total of 14,681 deaths. However, new infections continue to slow down, raising hopes of turnaround.Italy registered 766 more deaths from Covid-19 on Friday - 6 more than Thursday - and remains the country worst affected by the outbreak with a total of 14,681 deaths. However, new infections continue to slow down, raising hopes of turnaround.
Some 85.388 are currently infected with an increase of 2339 new cases, 138 less than Thursday. Some 1.480 have recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 19.758.Some 85.388 are currently infected with an increase of 2339 new cases, 138 less than Thursday. Some 1.480 have recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 19.758.
In total, 119.827 people have tested positive with coronavirus in Italy, including people who have died, recovered and the ones who are currently infected.In total, 119.827 people have tested positive with coronavirus in Italy, including people who have died, recovered and the ones who are currently infected.
Lockdown in the country could be extended until May 1 and ‘phase two’ of living with the virus can begin in mid-May, Emergency Commissioner Angelo Borrelli said Friday.Lockdown in the country could be extended until May 1 and ‘phase two’ of living with the virus can begin in mid-May, Emergency Commissioner Angelo Borrelli said Friday.
The government has officially extended the coronavirus lockdown until Easter in mid-April, but Borrelli stressed the importance of keeping to “the most rigorous conduct in observing lockdown rules’’.The government has officially extended the coronavirus lockdown until Easter in mid-April, but Borrelli stressed the importance of keeping to “the most rigorous conduct in observing lockdown rules’’.
‘’The date of emerging from lockdown is still not certain at all”, Borrelli added.‘’The date of emerging from lockdown is still not certain at all”, Borrelli added.
In the meantime, 77 health workers in Italy have died from coronavirus since the outbreak there began, as medics work relentlessly to try to turn the tide in Europe’s worst-affected country.In the meantime, 77 health workers in Italy have died from coronavirus since the outbreak there began, as medics work relentlessly to try to turn the tide in Europe’s worst-affected country.
The majority were on the frontline in the badly affected northern regions and contracted the illness at the start of the outbreak when protective equipment was lacking.The majority were on the frontline in the badly affected northern regions and contracted the illness at the start of the outbreak when protective equipment was lacking.
Adhanom said almost $690 million has now been pledged or received since it asked for support nearly two months agoAdhanom said almost $690 million has now been pledged or received since it asked for support nearly two months ago
Tedros Adhanom, WHO’s director general, is leading a press conference on the coronavirus. He has called for countries to provide free care and testing for covid-19, regardless of a person’s insurance, citizenship or residency status.Tedros Adhanom, WHO’s director general, is leading a press conference on the coronavirus. He has called for countries to provide free care and testing for covid-19, regardless of a person’s insurance, citizenship or residency status.
“This is an unprecedented crisis which requires an unprecedented response,” he said.“This is an unprecedented crisis which requires an unprecedented response,” he said.
Adhanom added that country’s should consider using cash transfers for the most vulnerable households.suspendAdhanom added that country’s should consider using cash transfers for the most vulnerable households.suspend