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/04/coronavirus-lives-news-china-prepares-to-mourn-martyrs-as-us-urges-everyone-to-wear-face-masks

The article has changed 42 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
Coronavirus live news: Spain records second day of fewer deaths as China honours 'martyrs' Coronavirus live news: Spain records second day of fewer deaths as China honours 'martyrs'
(32 minutes later)
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
The government is risking losing out on an offer of 400,000 coronavirus test kits from Korea to a rival country because they have not yet been tested by Public Health England, it has been claimed. Italy plans to extend special powers to protect key industries from unwelcome foreign interest, a government official has said.
A shareholder in the South Korean LG conglomerate has sourced the kits from five companies in the country and has offered them to the UK through a contact who was the former deputy leader of the Conservative Party in Westminster. There is allegedly concern in the Italian government that foreign investors might try to take advantage of the collapse of share prices caused by the coronavirus pandemic to buy assets in Italian industries.
Cabinet undersecretary Riccardo Fraccaro said on Saturday that Rome would expand its vetting powers to the whole banking and insurance sector, alongside the health and food industry.
The scheme would allow the government to oppose any move by non-EU and EU players to buy a stake in companies considered to be strategically important.
A draft will soon be proposed to Italy’s cabinet, and measures would also apply to transactions within the EU, Fraccaro said.
Since Italy imposed the first set of restrictive measures on 23 February, Milan’s all-share stock index has fallen by close to 35%.
Dubai’s lockdown will run for two weeks, beginning tonight, according to state news agency WAM. Mobility will be restricted, and legal action will be taken against those who do not comply, the government has said.
We were initially told that it would be extended to 24 hours, so sorry for any confusion. I’m not sure what that figure refers to but I’ll update you when I know.
Carrie Symonds, the pregnant partner of Boris Johnson, had coronavirus symptoms but is now getting better, she has revealed.
The UK prime minister said on Friday he was remaining in isolation with mild symptoms of coronavirus, including a raised temperature, seven days after he first tested positive.
A thousand ventilators will arrive in New York’s JFK airport from China on Saturday, governor Andrew Cuomo has said. For more information, we’ve compiled a video from a press conference with Cuomo:
The UK government is risking losing out on an offer of 400,000 coronavirus test kits from South Korea to a rival country because they have not yet been tested by Public Health England, it has been claimed.
A shareholder in the South Korean LG conglomerate has sourced the kits from five companies in the country and has offered them to the UK through a contact who was a former deputy leader of the Conservative party.
Nick Markham says has has been in touch with the government but they are dragging their heels insisting they won’t make a decision until the kits are tested.Nick Markham says has has been in touch with the government but they are dragging their heels insisting they won’t make a decision until the kits are tested.
More coming soon... More coming soon ...
The number of deaths from the coronavirus in Italy has passed 15,000. The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has passed 15,000.
On Saturday, the country registered 681 deaths from Covid-19 – 86 less than Friday, bringing the total to 15,362. Some 88.274 are currently infected with an increase of 2886 new cases, 547 more than Friday. Some 1.238 have recovered, bringing the total number to 20.996. On Saturday, the country registered 681 deaths from Covid-19 – 86 less than Friday, bringing the total to 15,362. Currently, 88,274 are infected, with an increase of 2,886 new cases, 547 more than Friday. At this point 1,238 have recovered, bringing the total number to 20,996.
The civil protection also announced that over 70 people have been discharged from intensive care in the last 24 hours, a daily record since the beginning of the outbreak. The civil protection announced that more than 70 people had been discharged from intensive care in the last 24 hours, a daily record since the beginning of the outbreak.
In total,124.632 people have tested positive with coronavirus in Italy, including people who have died, recovered and the ones who are currently infected. In total, 124,632 people have tested positive with coronavirus in Italy, including people who have died, recovered and the ones who are currently infected.
On Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling on the EU to be bolder as it faces up to the coronavirus emergency. On Friday, Giuseppe Conte, the Italian prime minister, wrote to Ursula von der Leyen, the European commission president, calling on the EU to be bolder as it faces up to the coronavirus emergency.
“European solidarity has not been felt and there is no more time to waste,” reads the letter, published by Italian daily La Repubblica, “It is time to show more ambition, more unity and more courage”. “European solidarity has not been felt and there is no more time to waste,” reads the letter, published by Italian daily La Repubblica. “It is time to show more ambition, more unity and more courage.”
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 1 May and “phase two” of living with the virus can begin in mid-May, emergency commissioner Angelo Borrelli said on 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 mid-April, but Borrelli stressed the importance of keeping to “the most rigorous conduct in observing lockdown rules”.
The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to 12,924, up from 11,747 yesterday.The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to 12,924, up from 11,747 yesterday.
There have been 214 recorded deaths. On 3 April, there were 152.There have been 214 recorded deaths. On 3 April, there were 152.
These figures are coming from Reuters, using the Canadian Public Health Agency’s data.These figures are coming from Reuters, using the Canadian Public Health Agency’s data.
Twenty doctors from Ukraine flew to Italy on Saturday to support medical efforts against coronavirus, and to learn from frontline workers to prepare for the outbreak in Ukraine.Twenty doctors from Ukraine flew to Italy on Saturday to support medical efforts against coronavirus, and to learn from frontline workers to prepare for the outbreak in Ukraine.
A team including surgeons, neurosurgeons, anaesthesiologists and nurses will be deployed to Marche in central Italy for two weeks.A team including surgeons, neurosurgeons, anaesthesiologists and nurses will be deployed to Marche in central Italy for two weeks.
At Kiev airport, before the medical mission’s departure, Davide La Cecilia, Italian ambassador to Ukraine, said: “The national health service in our country is very stressed. So we badly need medical personnel and are very happy that Ukraine is sending this humanitarian aid.”At Kiev airport, before the medical mission’s departure, Davide La Cecilia, Italian ambassador to Ukraine, said: “The national health service in our country is very stressed. So we badly need medical personnel and are very happy that Ukraine is sending this humanitarian aid.”
Thirteen people have died in a care home in Scotland of suspected coronavirus.Thirteen people have died in a care home in Scotland of suspected coronavirus.
The deaths at Burlington Care Home in Glasgow are not recorded in the official death toll, as that figure includes only hospital deaths.The deaths at Burlington Care Home in Glasgow are not recorded in the official death toll, as that figure includes only hospital deaths.
The Scottish government is going to be including deaths in the community from Monday.The Scottish government is going to be including deaths in the community from Monday.
Cats have been infected with coronavirus in Wuhan, and can get the virus from close contact with humans, Chinese state media is reporting.Cats have been infected with coronavirus in Wuhan, and can get the virus from close contact with humans, Chinese state media is reporting.
According to a new report, 15 of the serum samples of 102 cats collected in Wuhan, where the virus originated, tested positive for coronavirus.According to a new report, 15 of the serum samples of 102 cats collected in Wuhan, where the virus originated, tested positive for coronavirus.
In 11 of the 15 positive tests, neutralising antibodies for coronavirus were found. Three of the samples from cats whose owners had coronavirus had a higher number of neutralising antibodies, which indicates the cats may have been infected from close contact with their owners, the report suggests.In 11 of the 15 positive tests, neutralising antibodies for coronavirus were found. Three of the samples from cats whose owners had coronavirus had a higher number of neutralising antibodies, which indicates the cats may have been infected from close contact with their owners, the report suggests.
The report was published by researchers at the Huazhong Agricultural University and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the findings have been reported in China’s Global Times.The report was published by researchers at the Huazhong Agricultural University and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the findings have been reported in China’s Global Times.
Here’s a summary of the key points from Michael Gove in the UK’s daily coronavirus briefing. I’ll be updating this as the briefing goes on, so do refresh your screens.Here’s a summary of the key points from Michael Gove in the UK’s daily coronavirus briefing. I’ll be updating this as the briefing goes on, so do refresh your screens.
VentilatorsVentilators
British manufacturers are working with the government to produce ventilators. A team from University College London, working with Mercedes-Benz have produced a new device that has been clinically approved.British manufacturers are working with the government to produce ventilators. A team from University College London, working with Mercedes-Benz have produced a new device that has been clinically approved.
Gove said 200 were produced yesterday, with a further 200 to be produced today and tomorrow. This will increase to 1,000 a day next week.Gove said 200 were produced yesterday, with a further 200 to be produced today and tomorrow. This will increase to 1,000 a day next week.
Three-hundred have arrived today from China.Three-hundred have arrived today from China.
There are 8,000 ventilators in the NHS at the moment.There are 8,000 ventilators in the NHS at the moment.
Frontline staffFrontline staff
Seven healthcare professionals in the UK have now died from coronavirus.Seven healthcare professionals in the UK have now died from coronavirus.
Yesterday, 10,984 tests were administered to NHS staff.Yesterday, 10,984 tests were administered to NHS staff.
Hospital admissionsHospital admissions
In London, hospital admissions fell slightly between 1 and 2 April, but have gone up in other areas.In London, hospital admissions fell slightly between 1 and 2 April, but have gone up in other areas.
Admissions are steady in Wales.Admissions are steady in Wales.
Hospital admissions have gone up 35% in Yorkshire and the north-east.Hospital admissions have gone up 35% in Yorkshire and the north-east.
In the Midlands, they have gone up by 47%.In the Midlands, they have gone up by 47%.
Death tollDeath toll
708 people have been recorded as dying from coronavirus since yesterday, the highest daily total so far. This is an increase of 20%.708 people have been recorded as dying from coronavirus since yesterday, the highest daily total so far. This is an increase of 20%.
637 of these were in England. In England, the youngest of the daily rise was aged five years old, and the eldest 104. Of these, 40 had no known underlying health conditions, and this group were aged between 48 and 93.637 of these were in England. In England, the youngest of the daily rise was aged five years old, and the eldest 104. Of these, 40 had no known underlying health conditions, and this group were aged between 48 and 93.
Wales has recorded 154 deaths and Scotland, 218 and Northern Ireland, 56.Wales has recorded 154 deaths and Scotland, 218 and Northern Ireland, 56.
This brings the national death toll to 4,313 - important to remember that this is only the number of deaths in hospitals.This brings the national death toll to 4,313 - important to remember that this is only the number of deaths in hospitals.
Coronavirus deaths in English hospitals made up 3,939 of the UK’s total.Coronavirus deaths in English hospitals made up 3,939 of the UK’s total.
SchoolsSchools
School attendance is at just 2% in the UK at the moment.School attendance is at just 2% in the UK at the moment.
Gove said that the government would be doing more to help children eligible for free school meals and those in need during the Easter holiday and beyond.Gove said that the government would be doing more to help children eligible for free school meals and those in need during the Easter holiday and beyond.
In the UK, Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, is leading the UK’s daily coronavirus briefing. You can follow live updates on our UK blog, where my colleague Lucy Campbell is monitoring the briefing.In the UK, Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, is leading the UK’s daily coronavirus briefing. You can follow live updates on our UK blog, where my colleague Lucy Campbell is monitoring the briefing.
I’ll be adding a summary of the briefing here, when it’s finished.I’ll be adding a summary of the briefing here, when it’s finished.
Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the liveblog from Sarah Marsh. I’ll be bringing you all the key developments in the coronavirus pandemic from around the world for the next few hours.Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the liveblog from Sarah Marsh. I’ll be bringing you all the key developments in the coronavirus pandemic from around the world for the next few hours.
If you spot anything I miss, feel free to drop me a message on Twitter, @mollyblackall. I won’t be able to respond to everything, but I’ll certainly try to read it all. Thanks in advance!If you spot anything I miss, feel free to drop me a message on Twitter, @mollyblackall. I won’t be able to respond to everything, but I’ll certainly try to read it all. Thanks in advance!
I am going to be handing over the blog now to my colleague Molly Blackall who will be running it for the next few hours. Thanks for all your contributions today, it always makes the job a bit easier.
Egypt’s main cancer treatment facility has 17 cases of the novel coronavirus among its medical staff, an educational institute said, sparking fears of exposure among vulnerable patients.
Cairo University, with which the National Cancer Institute is affiliated, said in a statement on Saturday that “17 doctors and nurses” at the NCI had contracted Covid-19.
The university said it would open an investigation “to determine whether there was any negligence” at the institute.
Earlier in the day, the NCI director, Hatem Abulkassem, had told a private TV channel that three doctors and 12 nurses were infected.
Abulkassem said the facility would be sterilised and patients who were in contact with the medics would be tested, along with all staff members.
He said patient visits had been suspended in recent weeks.
In the UK, number of councils are banning funeral ceremonies because of the coronavirus crisis.
Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees councils have said families will no longer be able to attend services at crematoria. Instead the councils will offer “direct cremations”, in which there is no ceremony and mourners are not present; and burial services at gravesides, with a maximum of 10 mourners observing physical distancing guidelines.
The new rules will take effect from Monday in Kirklees and Bradford. Leeds has been offering direct cremations only for the past two week.
Read the full article here.
Hello everyone. I will be on the live blog for the next hour, so please do get in touch if you want to share any news tips with me, or information about what’s happening where you are.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Iran’s new cases of coronavirus have dropped for the fourth consecutive day, official figures released today show, as a two-week holiday in the Islamic republic came to an end.
Iran registered 2,560 new infections of Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours, the health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told a televised news conference. It is the fourth consecutive drop in new cases since Tehran declared a daily total of 3,111 on 31 March.
Jahanpour said there were 158 new fatalities from the virus, bringing the country’s official death toll to 3,452.
Iran is one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, with 55,743 officially declared cases, though there has been speculation abroad that the real number could be higher.
Saturday should have marked a return to regular activity in Iran after a two-week holiday for the Persian New Year. But in the capital, Tehran, many shops were still closed, Agence France-Presse reporters said.
Iraj Harirchi, a deputy health minister who tested positive for the virus in late February and has returned to public life, told state television on Saturday that “the increase in traffic in Tehran is worrying”.
President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday warned that the country might still battle the pandemic for another year.
The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has said he had a telephone conversation with the US president, Donald Trump, about using the two countries’ partnership to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. “We had a good discussion, and agreed to deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight Covid-19,” Modi said in a tweet.
I am back from lunch and with some nice news. The National Orchestra of France has been posting its performances to YouTube while players are confined to their homes under lockdown measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Using video and audio technology, the musicians recorded themselves playing Bolero alone at home but together online.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Portugal pushed past the 10,000 mark on Saturday, Reuters reports, as the country’s health minister said there was still “no light at the end of the tunnel”.
Marta Temido told a news conference:
Portugal has confirmed 10,524 coronavirus cases and 266 deaths, with health authorities expecting the outbreak to plateau at the end of May.
Portugal extended its state of emergency by another 15 days on Thursday, and tightened measures to restrict movements, especially during the normally busy Easter holiday period.
Sky News is reporting that the British retailer Cath Kidston – famous for its vintage floral designs – has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators as part of its attempt to find a buyer.
The move does not mean it will automatically fall into administration, but it gives the company breathing space as it tries to secure a sale.
Many retailers are battling for survival in the UK after the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of most stores.
Guardian reporters have looked at how the Indian prime minister’s handling of the pandemic has heaped more misery on the country’s poorest citizens.