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Coronavirus live news: Italy's death toll passes 15,000 and Dubai enters lockdown Coronavirus live news: Italy's death toll passes 15,000 and Dubai enters lockdown
(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
Here is a brief summary of what Donald Trump has said at his press briefing so far:
He has spoken to New York governor Andrew Cuomo and is working to get additional resources to the state to help with the coronavirus outbreak.
The next two weeks will be the toughest and Americans must expect “a lot of death”.
Thousands of soldiers and military personnel will be sent to support states. We’re going to be adding a tremendous amount of military to help,” Trump said in a daily briefing with reporters.He added that 1,000 military personnel are being sent to New York City, including military doctors and nurses.
He’s reiterated a familiar line about his intention to open up the US as soon as possible, saying that the “cure must not be worse than the problem.
29 million doses of anti-malarial drugs will be put into a strategic national stockpile for coronavirus patients.
Donald Trump is currently giving a press briefing on coronavirus. You can watch it live here, and I’ll post a summary afterwards.
The two prisoner officers from Pentonville prison in London who have passed away after suffering from coronavirus symptoms (see 21.13) are the first prison officers to die from the virus in the UK, the Prison Officers’ Association has told the Guardian.
Mark Fairhurst, National Chair of the POA, told the Guardian that 7,900 prison staff, including officers, support grade staff and governors, were self isolating, and a further 15 had confirmed cases of coronavirus.
He also said that 90 prisoners had been confirmed as suffering from Covid-19, with another 1,200 prisoners self-isolating.
Officials from around the world have warned that they expect restrictive lockdown conditions to continue for weeks longer.
You can read more from my colleague Ashifa Kassam here:
Two staff members at a prison in London have died after suffering from symptoms of coronavirus, the Prison Officer’s Association has said.Two staff members at a prison in London have died after suffering from symptoms of coronavirus, the Prison Officer’s Association has said.
Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford, believed to be in their 60s, were both support staff workers at the jail.Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford, believed to be in their 60s, were both support staff workers at the jail.
POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths - two at the same prison is very concerning.”POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths - two at the same prison is very concerning.”
Mr Fairhurst said he did not know if either of the men had any underlying health conditions.Mr Fairhurst said he did not know if either of the men had any underlying health conditions.
He described Mr Peter as “an experienced member of staff” who was working at operational support grade at the prison, and “he died earlier this week due to Covid-19 symptoms”.He described Mr Peter as “an experienced member of staff” who was working at operational support grade at the prison, and “he died earlier this week due to Covid-19 symptoms”.
Mr Fairhurst added of Mr Peter’s death: “I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.Mr Fairhurst added of Mr Peter’s death: “I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.
“We are on the front line doing a commendable job on behalf of society and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. We wish the best for his family and friends.”“We are on the front line doing a commendable job on behalf of society and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. We wish the best for his family and friends.”
Albania reported 29 new cases on Saturday, their highest increase in a single day so far, bringing the total to 333.Albania reported 29 new cases on Saturday, their highest increase in a single day so far, bringing the total to 333.
The increase comes as Albania enters its third 40-hour lockdown, intended to halt the spread of coronavirus.The increase comes as Albania enters its third 40-hour lockdown, intended to halt the spread of coronavirus.
So far, there have been 18 deaths related to Covid-19.So far, there have been 18 deaths related to Covid-19.
In Peru, the government have ordered men and women to go out separately on alternate days, as part of their efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.In Peru, the government have ordered men and women to go out separately on alternate days, as part of their efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.
On Saturday, women were allowed out. Here are some photographs from Lima.On Saturday, women were allowed out. Here are some photographs from Lima.
The conspiracy theory that links 5G technology to the spread of coronavirus is “dangerous nonsense”, a British minister said at the government’s daily coronavirus briefing. The bizarre theory has led to phone masts around the UK being attacked.The conspiracy theory that links 5G technology to the spread of coronavirus is “dangerous nonsense”, a British minister said at the government’s daily coronavirus briefing. The bizarre theory has led to phone masts around the UK being attacked.
You can see Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and medical director of the NHS, Stephen Powis, debunk the theory here:You can see Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and medical director of the NHS, Stephen Powis, debunk the theory here:
Algeria will extend its curfew to limit the spread of coronavirus.Algeria will extend its curfew to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The curfew will last from 3pm to 7am in the capital of Algiers and eight other provinces, and from 7pm to 7am in the majority of others. The two provinces furthest south in the country currently have no confirmed cases of the virus, so will not be subject to the curfew.The curfew will last from 3pm to 7am in the capital of Algiers and eight other provinces, and from 7pm to 7am in the majority of others. The two provinces furthest south in the country currently have no confirmed cases of the virus, so will not be subject to the curfew.
Algeria has recorded 1,251 cases of coronavirus.Algeria has recorded 1,251 cases of coronavirus.
The president and ministers of Malawi will take a 10% salary cut and redirect the money towards combatting the spread of coronavirus, President Peter Mutharika has said.The president and ministers of Malawi will take a 10% salary cut and redirect the money towards combatting the spread of coronavirus, President Peter Mutharika has said.
The announcement came in a national address on state television, which also unveiled a number of measures to protect businesses, including tax breaks, reduction in fuel allowances and an increase in the risk allowances for health workers.The announcement came in a national address on state television, which also unveiled a number of measures to protect businesses, including tax breaks, reduction in fuel allowances and an increase in the risk allowances for health workers.
Donald Trump’s pick for a new watchdog to oversee the $2 trillion support package, issued to combat the economic fallout of coronavirus, is not independent enough, congressional Democrats have said.Donald Trump’s pick for a new watchdog to oversee the $2 trillion support package, issued to combat the economic fallout of coronavirus, is not independent enough, congressional Democrats have said.
Late on Friday, the White House announced that Trump would nominate Brian Miller, a special assistant to the president and senior associate counsel in the Office of White House Counsel, to the role of special inspector general for pandemic recovery.Late on Friday, the White House announced that Trump would nominate Brian Miller, a special assistant to the president and senior associate counsel in the Office of White House Counsel, to the role of special inspector general for pandemic recovery.
However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that the role must be “independent from politics” and that Miller’s appointment “clearly fails that”.However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that the role must be “independent from politics” and that Miller’s appointment “clearly fails that”.
Pelosi has also said she would form a bipartisan select committee on the coronavirus crisis to oversee the use of the $2 trillion approved by Congress to respond to the pandemic.Pelosi has also said she would form a bipartisan select committee on the coronavirus crisis to oversee the use of the $2 trillion approved by Congress to respond to the pandemic.
Senate Democrats, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the top Democratic senator on the Senate Finance Committee, also criticised the move.Senate Democrats, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the top Democratic senator on the Senate Finance Committee, also criticised the move.
Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal said in a post on Twitter that the appointment was akin to putting a “fox in charge of the henhouse.”Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal said in a post on Twitter that the appointment was akin to putting a “fox in charge of the henhouse.”
The new watchdog position, which comes with a $25m budget, was created to “conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of the making, purchase, management, and sale of loans, loan guarantees, and other investments” by Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.The new watchdog position, which comes with a $25m budget, was created to “conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of the making, purchase, management, and sale of loans, loan guarantees, and other investments” by Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.
After the news broke earlier that New York is to receive 1,000 ventilators from China, my colleague Jessica Glenza in the US takes a deeper look at the donation and the situation in the state:After the news broke earlier that New York is to receive 1,000 ventilators from China, my colleague Jessica Glenza in the US takes a deeper look at the donation and the situation in the state:
New York City authorities must better protect corrections officers at Rikers Island jail, a judge has ruled.New York City authorities must better protect corrections officers at Rikers Island jail, a judge has ruled.
The ruling stated that officers must be provided with protective masks and have their temperatures monitored for signs of coronavirus. It also said there should be an increase in the sanitation of their work spaces.The ruling stated that officers must be provided with protective masks and have their temperatures monitored for signs of coronavirus. It also said there should be an increase in the sanitation of their work spaces.
It comes after dozens of infections have been reported at the facility.It comes after dozens of infections have been reported at the facility.
The city has appealed the ruling - which stays the order until the appeal is heard.The city has appealed the ruling - which stays the order until the appeal is heard.
Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the New York City Law Department, said the city is deeply concerned about the health and safety of its employees and that “we are confident that the court will recognize the steps we have taken to ensure our correctional facilities are safe.”Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the New York City Law Department, said the city is deeply concerned about the health and safety of its employees and that “we are confident that the court will recognize the steps we have taken to ensure our correctional facilities are safe.”
The head of the union, Elias Husamudeen, said that the union was “outrageous that we even have to be in court to ensure our employer protects the lives of our members.”The head of the union, Elias Husamudeen, said that the union was “outrageous that we even have to be in court to ensure our employer protects the lives of our members.”
Thanks to all those getting in touch. Just a reminder that if you spot something I miss (or get wrong!) please feel free to drop me a message on Twitter @mollyblackall.
Your input is always appreciated!
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Turkey have reached 23,934, an increase of more than 3,000 since yesterday.
Coronavirus-related deaths rose by 71 to 501 people, health minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter.
In the last 24 hours, 19,664 tests were conducted bringing the total performed in Turkey so far to 161,380, Koca, said.
Here are the latest figures from France, from our Paris correspondent Kim Willsher.
The coronavirus death toll in France has reached 7,560 since 1 March, the health ministry has said. This figure includes hospitals and nursing homes.
Of these 5,532 occurred in hospital, up from 5,091 on Friday. This is a lower increase than in previous days.
The number of deaths in care homes was 2,028, up 612 from yesterday.
There are now 68,606 confirmed cases in France, and 28,143 in hospital. Of these 6,838 are in intensive care units up from 6,662 the previous day.
Of those in intensive care, 35% are under 60 years old, 60% are between 60 -80, 105 patients are under 30 years old).
15,438 patients have been cured.
Asked if France was seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, Jérôme Salomon, head of the French health authority, said: “It is not a drop in admissions to intensive care it is a drop in the increase.
“The number of people in intensive care is increasing every day, but it is a smaller increase. We are waiting for a drop in the numbers,” Salomon said.
“We are at the beginning of the period when we can examine the impact of the lockdown.”
We were told earlier that the 68,606 figure referred to confirmed cases in hospital, but my colleague Kim Willsher in France has amended this, confirming that it refers to the total confirmed cases. Apologies for any confusion - there are many different sources of information and this can make reporting difficult!
More than 25 organisations helping domestic violence victims in the UK have reported an increase in their caseload since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, my colleague Mark Townsend reports.
The rise in domestic abuse as a result of coronavirus is a trend sadly replicated around the world. You can read more on the situation in the UK here:
The number of coronavirus related deaths in New York has passed 3,000, governor Andrew Cuomo has announced.
In the last day, 630 people have died of coronavirus in the state - the highest increase so far. This takes the total death toll to 3,565.
Long Island, east of New York City, is the worst hit area, Cuomo said, describing the virus there as “like a fire spreading”.
Cuomo said that projections suggested the state was around a week away from the peak of the spread, despite only recording its first case 30 days ago.
New York City alone accounted for more than a quarter of the over 7,000 U.S. coronavirus deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University.
A senior Iranian health official has said that there may be a resurgence of coronavirus in the area in and around the capital of Tehran, as residents flout restrictions.
The warning came after many residents ignored advice to stay at home, with crowding and traffic jams on the city’s streets as the country’s New Year holidays ended on Saturday.
Iran is the worst-hit country by coronavirus in the Middle East. On Saturday, the country announced 158 more coronavirus patients had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 3,452. The total number of cases currently stands at 55,743.
“We are still concerned about the virus, for example with the level of traffic in Tehran today and queues of cars stuck on freeways, because these people can take the virus to their homes or workplaces,” Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi said on state TV.
“Even a medium level of virus here can spread to nearby cities with the high level of job-related traffic between nearby cities and Tehran,” said Harirchi, who has himself had the virus.
“Dr Harirchi cautioned about a probable return of coronavirus in case of negligence and said social distancing measures were absolutely necessary,” said the TV.
The television showed stores that had re-opened despite a closure order on non-essential services and businesses.
Tunisia’s parliament has given the government new powers to combat the spread of coronavirus and expected economic fallout.
This will allow the government to issue decrees, make purchasing agreements and seek finance without consulting parliament.
The decision was backed by all political parties.
Tunisia has 495 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 18 deaths, and has imposed a national lockdown until April 19.
Italy plans to extend special powers to protect key industries from unwelcome foreign interest, a government official has said.
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 has announced a two-week lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus 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.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, alongside food and drug delivery services will continue to work as normal.
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.