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Coronavirus live news: China remembers 'martyrs' as US urges face masks in public Coronavirus live news: China remembers 'martyrs' as US urges face masks in public
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China honours those who died fighting virus; Trump opts out of advice to wear non-surgical masks; World Bank warns of major recession. Follow the latest updatesChina honours those who died fighting virus; Trump opts out of advice to wear non-surgical masks; World Bank warns of major recession. Follow the latest updates
Anyone in need of a boost? As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, communities are coming together to support each other through difficult times. From dressing up as Spider-Man to leaving out food for strangers, here are some of the small things people are doing to keep each other’s spirits up.
Scarce supplies of medical equipment are leading to growing competition within the US and among nations, in what one French politician called a worldwide treasure hunt. The governor of New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, vowed to seize unused ventilators from private hospitals and companies, while president Donald Trump said he was preventing the export of N95 respirator masks and surgical gloves, a move he said was necessary to ensure that medical supplies are available in the U.S.The number of people infected in the US exceeded a quarter-million, and the death toll climbed past 7,000, with New York state alone accounting for more than 2,900 dead, an increase of over 560 in just one day. Most of the dead are in New York City, where hospitals are swamped with patients.
Sharing a beautiful article written by my colleague and friend Haroon Siddique, one of our senior reporters. He wrote about his dad, who died last week after being hospitalised with coronavirus symptoms.
Welcome to the Guardian’s global live feed, bringing you all the latest updates of the day on coronavirus from around the world. Please do share your thoughts, news tips or relevant insight and information from where you are with me. I will try to respond to as many of you as I can.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
South Korea has expanded a social distancing campaign by another two weeks to April 19 to stop the spread of the coronavirus.South Korea has expanded a social distancing campaign by another two weeks to April 19 to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
More than 10,000 cases have been reported in South Korea. At one point, it had the second-worst outbreak of COVID-19 after mainland China but it has brought it largely under control. More than 10,000 cases have been reported in South Korea. At one point, it had the second-worst outbreak of Covid-19 after mainland China, but it has brought it largely under control.
However the government has said it needs to maintain social distancing measures to avoid another spike in infections. Still, the government has said it needs to maintain social distancing measures to avoid another spike in infections.
“We have no choice but to continue an intense social distancing campaign for some time,” Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said. “We have no choice but to continue an intense social distancing campaign for some time,” the prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, said.
Britain will not be able to relax its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, a leading government adviser said on Saturday, warning that first the spread of coronavirus must slow and intense testing must be introduced. Neil Ferguson, a leading professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London, said work was underway to establish how more relaxed rules could be introduced in time. Speaking to BBC Radio, he said. Britain will not be able to relax its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, a leading government adviser has said, warning that first the spread of coronavirus must slow and intense testing must be introduced. Neil Ferguson, a leading professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London, said work was under way to establish how the rules could eventually be relaxed. Speaking to BBC Radio, he said.
The government has put Britain into a widespread lockdown, closing pubs, restaurants and nearly all shops, while banning social gatherings and ordering people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to venture out. By Friday, Britain’s death toll from the global pandemic had risen to 3,605, among 38,168 people who have tested positive for the highly infectious respiratory illness known as COVID-19. The government has put Britain into a widespread lockdown, closing pubs, restaurants and nearly all shops, while banning social gatherings and ordering people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to venture out. By Friday, Britain’s death toll from the global pandemic had risen to 3,605, among 38,168 people who have tested positive for the highly infectious respiratory illness known as Covid-19.
The Philippine health ministry on Saturday reported 76 additional coronavirus infections and eight new deaths. In a bulletin, the health ministry said a total of 144 people have died in the Philippines while 3,094 were infected, the majority of whom were reported in the past four weeks. The Philippines health ministry on Saturday reported 76 additional coronavirus infections and eight new deaths. In a bulletin, the health ministry said a total of 144 people have died in the Philippines while 3,094 have been infected, the majority of whom were reported in the past four weeks.
Australia reported a sustained fall in new coronavirus infections and conducted the biggest peacetime maritime operation on Sydney Harbour on Saturday, refuelling foreign cruise ships before expelling them from local waters. Confirmed cases rose by 198 over the 24-hour period to Saturday afternoon, bringing the national total to 5,548, health ministry data showed. The death toll from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, rose to 30. That kept the country’s daily new infection rate at about 5%, significantly below the 25%-30% increases recorded around two weeks ago, but officials stressed it was still too early to claim victory. “What I really would caution against is thinking we have got through this completely, because we definitely have not,” the deputy chief health officer, Paul Kelly, said in a televised briefing. “We really have to be hyper-vigilant now.”Australia reported a sustained fall in new coronavirus infections and conducted the biggest peacetime maritime operation on Sydney Harbour on Saturday, refuelling foreign cruise ships before expelling them from local waters. Confirmed cases rose by 198 over the 24-hour period to Saturday afternoon, bringing the national total to 5,548, health ministry data showed. The death toll from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, rose to 30. That kept the country’s daily new infection rate at about 5%, significantly below the 25%-30% increases recorded around two weeks ago, but officials stressed it was still too early to claim victory. “What I really would caution against is thinking we have got through this completely, because we definitely have not,” the deputy chief health officer, Paul Kelly, said in a televised briefing. “We really have to be hyper-vigilant now.”
China came to a standstill on Saturday to mourn patients and medical staff killed by the coronavirus, as the world’s most populous country observed a nationwide three-minute silence.China came to a standstill on Saturday to mourn patients and medical staff killed by the coronavirus, as the world’s most populous country observed a nationwide three-minute silence.
At 10am Beijing time, citizens paused; cars, trains and ships sounded their horns; and air-raid sirens rang out in memory of the more than 3,000 lives claimed by the virus in China.At 10am Beijing time, citizens paused; cars, trains and ships sounded their horns; and air-raid sirens rang out in memory of the more than 3,000 lives claimed by the virus in China.
In Wuhan – the city where the virus first emerged late last year – sirens and horns sounded as people fell silent in the streets.In Wuhan – the city where the virus first emerged late last year – sirens and horns sounded as people fell silent in the streets.
Staff at the Tongji hospital stood outside with heads bowed towards the main building, some in the protective hazmat suits that have become a symbol of the crisis worldwide.Staff at the Tongji hospital stood outside with heads bowed towards the main building, some in the protective hazmat suits that have become a symbol of the crisis worldwide.
“I feel a lot of sorrow about our colleagues and patients who died,” Xu, a nurse at Tongji who worked on the frontlines treating coronavirus patients, told Agence France-Presse, holding back tears.“I feel a lot of sorrow about our colleagues and patients who died,” Xu, a nurse at Tongji who worked on the frontlines treating coronavirus patients, told Agence France-Presse, holding back tears.
“I hope they can rest well in heaven.”“I hope they can rest well in heaven.”
Britain may be able to relax some physical distancing measures in a matter of weeks if the spread of the coronavirus eases and testing increases, a leading professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London said on Saturday. Britain may be able to relax some physical distancing measures by the end of May if the spread of the coronavirus eases and testing increases, a leading professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London said on Saturday.
“I’m hopeful that in a few weeks’ time we will be able to move to a regime which will not be normal life, – let me emphasise that – but will be somewhat more relaxed in terms of social distancing and the economy but rely more on testing,” Neil Ferguson told BBC Radio.
In England, cancer treatment has become a postcode lottery, with many patients not receiving vital care as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, according to leading doctors.In England, cancer treatment has become a postcode lottery, with many patients not receiving vital care as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, according to leading doctors.
It comes as the NHS said non-urgent operations would have to be put on hold so hospitals could focus on battling the Covid-19 pandemic, and NHS England guidance states that cancer services should continue to deliver care. However, it also calls for “local solutions to continue the proper managements”.It comes as the NHS said non-urgent operations would have to be put on hold so hospitals could focus on battling the Covid-19 pandemic, and NHS England guidance states that cancer services should continue to deliver care. However, it also calls for “local solutions to continue the proper managements”.
Prof Karol Sikora, the chief medical officer at Rutherford Health, which runs oncology centres, said the advice provided by NHS England around cancer was sensible but was being “implemented inconsistently” around the country.Prof Karol Sikora, the chief medical officer at Rutherford Health, which runs oncology centres, said the advice provided by NHS England around cancer was sensible but was being “implemented inconsistently” around the country.
“That is always the trouble – it becomes inconsistent, so people getting chemotherapy have now had it stopped even though they are category one and two patients, the highest priority. Also, some hospitals have put blanket bans on cancer treatment for two to three weeks ... Not everyone needs to rush ahead with cancer treatment but others need to continue despite this to get the best long-term cure,” he said.“That is always the trouble – it becomes inconsistent, so people getting chemotherapy have now had it stopped even though they are category one and two patients, the highest priority. Also, some hospitals have put blanket bans on cancer treatment for two to three weeks ... Not everyone needs to rush ahead with cancer treatment but others need to continue despite this to get the best long-term cure,” he said.
Angus George Dalgleish, a professor of oncology at St George’s, University of London, said: “It’s difficult. Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on how we deliver ordinary care – everything is out on hold or delayed.”Angus George Dalgleish, a professor of oncology at St George’s, University of London, said: “It’s difficult. Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on how we deliver ordinary care – everything is out on hold or delayed.”
Asked whether this could mean more indirect deaths because of patients not getting care, Dalgleish said: “We won’t know until it is all over. But we are already seeing the effects of patients who are not going to get treatment.Asked whether this could mean more indirect deaths because of patients not getting care, Dalgleish said: “We won’t know until it is all over. But we are already seeing the effects of patients who are not going to get treatment.
“I heard today St George’s is going to have nine wards full of coronavirus patients. They cannot do that without seriously impacting care of everyone else.”“I heard today St George’s is going to have nine wards full of coronavirus patients. They cannot do that without seriously impacting care of everyone else.”
Read more here.Read more here.
At least 15 medics in Egypt’s main cancer hospital have been quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials have said.At least 15 medics in Egypt’s main cancer hospital have been quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials have said.
The news raises fears the pandemic could prey on health facilities in the Arab world’s most populous country. Egypt has reported around 1,000 confirmed cases and 66 fatalities from the global pandemic. Authorities have closed schools and mosques, banned public gatherings and imposed a night-time curfew to prevent the virus from spreading among the population of 100 million, a fifth of whom live in the densely populated capital, Cairo. Dr Hatem Abu el-Kassem, the director of the National Cancer Institute, said three doctors and 12 nurses had tested positive for the virus. He said all other health workers at the facility, which treats hundreds of cancer patients every day, would be tested.The institute will be partly closed for three days to be sterilised, with only the emergency ward remaining open.The news raises fears the pandemic could prey on health facilities in the Arab world’s most populous country. Egypt has reported around 1,000 confirmed cases and 66 fatalities from the global pandemic. Authorities have closed schools and mosques, banned public gatherings and imposed a night-time curfew to prevent the virus from spreading among the population of 100 million, a fifth of whom live in the densely populated capital, Cairo. Dr Hatem Abu el-Kassem, the director of the National Cancer Institute, said three doctors and 12 nurses had tested positive for the virus. He said all other health workers at the facility, which treats hundreds of cancer patients every day, would be tested.The institute will be partly closed for three days to be sterilised, with only the emergency ward remaining open.
Hello everyone. I am taking over the Guardian’s global live feed and, as ever, getting your help to cover the latest information is key. So if you have any news tips or insight from where you are then please do get in touch via any of the channels below.
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Here’s a summary of the latest events:
People across China paused for three-minutes at 10am Beijing time to remember the more than 3,000 patients and medical workers who have died during the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Citizens stood still, cars, trains and ships sounded their horns, and air-raid sirens rung out. Saturday has been declared a day of mourning. The country reported 19 new cases on Friday, most of which were linked to foreign travel.
The World Bank Group president, David Malpass, said the rapidly spreading pandemic was expected to cause a “major global recession” that would be likely to hit the poorest and most vulnerable countries the hardest.
Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, has said he faces a stark choice between a lockdown to stop or slow an outbreak, and the need to protect the economy to ensure “people don’t die of hunger”.
Health officials in the US advised Americans to cover their faces when outside. But the president, Donald Trump, has undermined the guidance, saying: “I’m choosing not to do it.” Melania Trump later urged people to take the official advice seriously.
South Korea said it will extend a ban on sports, religious and other gatherings until daily cases drop down to 50 or fewer, a number that officials believe the health system will be able to manage.
You can also read a full summary of recent developments here. I’m now handing over to my colleague Sarah Marsh.
Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, has said that while educational institutions and shopping malls will remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the construction sector will open again.
Khan said he faced a stark choice between a lockdown to stop or slow an outbreak, and protecting the economy to ensure “people don’t die of hunger”.
Many celebrities and news outlets in China have toned down the colours on their social media profiles, as the country holds a day of mourning to remember those who have died in the coronavirus outbreak.
Today also marks the start of the annual Qingming tomb-sweeping festival, when millions of Chinese families often travel to pay their respects to their ancestors. But in Wuhan, the city where the outbreak began, all tomb-sweeping activities have been banned until at least the end of the month, and many are still in lockdown.
Instead authorities have encouraged people to watch cemetery staff carrying out the task through online streaming services. On pavements and in housing compounds, some residents burned joss paper, a tradition believed to send money and wealth to deceased relatives, Reuters reported.
Earlier today, people across China stopped for three minutes to pay tribute to those who have died in the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
Citizens stood still, while cars sounded their horns, and air-raid sirens rang out. Here is some footage of the moment people paused to remember the more than 3,000 lives lost.
Thailand has said that it will temporarily ban all incoming passenger flights, and that anyone whose flight took off before the ban is imposed will need to be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.
The suspension of flights - which will come into effect from Saturday morning, and be lifted late on Monday - will cause further misery for Thais stuck abroad. It is also likely to create more complications for stranded tourists who are attempting to leave Thailand.
Thailand, which has reported 1,978 cases of the coronavirus and 19 deaths, is attempting to reduce the risk of imported cases.
Here’s a bit more detail on South Korea, which announced earlier that it would be extending its social distancing rules. High-risk facilities have been closed and religious, sports and entertainment gatherings banned for the past 15 days. The health minister said this morning that these measures will remain in place until daily cases drop down to 50 or lower - a number that officials believe the health system will be able to manage.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told reporters:
The country has largely managed to bring under control what records suggest is Asia’s largest epidemic outside China, and has been praised for its use of mass testing.
The country now records around 100 or fewer new daily cases. Smaller outbreaks in churches, hospitals and nursing homes, as well as infections among travellers, continue to emerge.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 94 new cases on Saturday, taking the national tally to 10,156. The death toll rose by three to 177, while more than 300 recovered from the virus for a total of 6,325.
The singer Pink said that she has recently recovered from Covid-19, and announced that she is donating $500,000 each to two emergency funds helping tackle the outbreak.
In a statement posted on Twitter, she said that she had accessed a test through her family’s primary healthcare physician two weeks ago.
“It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely accessible. This illness is serious and real,” she wrote. She thanked health care workers and everyone around the world who is working hard to protect loved ones.
She added that she will donate $500,000 each to the Temple University Hospital Fund in Philadelphia and the COVID-19 response fund run by the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles
Here’s a summary of the latest events:
People across China people paused for three-minutes at 10am Beijing time to remember the more than 3,000 patients and medical workers who have died during the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Citizens stood still, cars, trains and ships sounded their horns, and air-raid sirens rung out. Saturday has been declared a day of mourning in the country. The country reported 19 new cases on Friday, most of which were linked to foreign travel.
World Bank Group president David Malpass said the rapidly spreading pandemic was expected to cause a “major global recession” that would likely hit the poorest and most vulnerable countries the hardest.
Health officials in the US advised Americans to cover their faces when outside. But the US president Donald Trump has undermined the guidance, saying: “I’m choosing not to do it.” Melania Trump later urged people to take the official advice seriously.
South Korea, which has been successful in containing a major outbreak, has said it will extend a ban on sports, religious and other gatherings. Prime minister Chung Sye-kyun cited concerns over imported cases and new outbreaks that continue to occur in small clusters.
US attorney general William Barr has ordered release of more federal inmates due to coronavirus pandemic, warning that the federal Bureau of Prisons is facing emergency conditions.
Thousands of people have been detained across Central America for violating rules put in place by their governments to curb the coronavirus transmission.
Mexico’s health ministry said 10 more people have died after becoming infected.
The European Union’s top diplomat has said sanctions should not stop the delivery of medical supplies to countries battling outbreaks.
US attorney general William Barr has ordered release of more federal inmates due to coronavirus pandemic, warning that the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is facing emergency conditions.Barr said under his emergency order, priority for releasing vulnerable inmates into home confinement should be given first to those housed in federal prisons that have been hardest hit by COVID-19, including facilities such as Oakdale in Louisiana, Elkton in Ohio and Danbury in Connecticut.Barr’s order comes after five inmates at FCI Oakdale 1 and two at FCI Elkton 1 died from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.The BOP said Friday that 91 inmates and 50 of its staff throughout its 122 institutions have fallen ill with COVID-19, though reports suggest the numbers affected is much higher.