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Coronavirus live news: Spain deaths lower for fourth day in a row as Germany sees further case drop Coronavirus live news: Spain deaths lower for fourth day in a row as Germany sees further case drop
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Japan prepares for state of emergency; US faces ‘hardest and saddest week’; UK PM Boris Johnson in hospital; Bronx Zoo tiger tests positiveJapan prepares for state of emergency; US faces ‘hardest and saddest week’; UK PM Boris Johnson in hospital; Bronx Zoo tiger tests positive
Eugen Tomac, a Romanian MEP, has tabled a written question in the European parliament asking what measures the European commission intends to take to forestall the spread of Covid-19 among refugees in the Greek islands.
Fears are growing that the conditions in which refugees are living on Europe’s borders are ripe for the spread of pandemic disease. Below I reported how two Cyprus-based NGOs had accused that country’s government of turning one migrant centre in to an effective prison camp, with inadequate provision for hygiene and social distancing to protect the health of residents and staff.
The text of Tomac’s question, posted on the European parliament website, reads:
Coronavirus-related deaths in Spain have dropped for the fourth consecutive day in a row, according to figures released on Monday, showing 637 deaths in the past 24 hours, the lowest number in nearly two weeks.
Fatalities, which were sharply down on the record 950 on Thursday, brought the total deaths in the country to 13,055, second only to Italy, AFP reports.
The number of new infections also slowed, increasing 3.3% to 135,032, down from a rise of 24.8% on 21 March. Over 40,000 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospital – nearly 30% of all confirmed cases of the disease.
The Spanish government is studying how to gradually ease the lockdown imposed on 14 March, which is due to last until 25 April.
The government plans to ramp up testing to be able to isolate people who are infected but not showing symptoms. As for face masks, foreign minister Arancha González Laya said on Monday: “We will probably all have to learn to use them as a prophylactic, at least until there is a vaccine.”
Wearing masks in public could soon be mandatory in Germany, according to a draft list of measures that officials think should allow life to return to normal.Wearing masks in public could soon be mandatory in Germany, according to a draft list of measures that officials think should allow life to return to normal.
The proposals, contained in a draft action plan document compiled by the interior ministry, seen by Reuters on Monday, include an obligation to wear masks in public, limits on public gatherings and the rapid tracing of infection chains.The proposals, contained in a draft action plan document compiled by the interior ministry, seen by Reuters on Monday, include an obligation to wear masks in public, limits on public gatherings and the rapid tracing of infection chains.
Officials say the measures should be sufficient to keep the number of people infected by each person below one, as public life is allowed gradually to resume.Officials say the measures should be sufficient to keep the number of people infected by each person below one, as public life is allowed gradually to resume.
For this to be possible, mechanisms will have to be in place to track more than 80% of people an infected person had contact with within 24 hours of diagnosis, the paper said.For this to be possible, mechanisms will have to be in place to track more than 80% of people an infected person had contact with within 24 hours of diagnosis, the paper said.
In return, schools will be able to reopen on a regional basis and strict border controls will be relaxed.In return, schools will be able to reopen on a regional basis and strict border controls will be relaxed.
Two refugee NGOs have criticised what they describe as prison-like conditions at a centre for asylum seekers on Cyprus, warning that conditions at the camp increases the risk of contracting Covid-19 to those held there.Two refugee NGOs have criticised what they describe as prison-like conditions at a centre for asylum seekers on Cyprus, warning that conditions at the camp increases the risk of contracting Covid-19 to those held there.
The Cyprus Refugee Council and Caritas Cyprus said the centre in Kokkinotrimithia has in the past month been turned into an effective detention centre, with conditions that place both residents and staff at risks.The Cyprus Refugee Council and Caritas Cyprus said the centre in Kokkinotrimithia has in the past month been turned into an effective detention centre, with conditions that place both residents and staff at risks.
Originally set up with EU funding the Kokkinotrimithia camp was intended as a first registration reception centre to house asylum seekers for 72 hours while they were registered and underwent medical checks. Originally set up with EU funding, the Kokkinotrimithia camp was intended as a first registration reception centre to house asylum seekers for 72 hours while they were registered and underwent medical checks.
In an online statement, the groups said:In an online statement, the groups said:
As 51 African countries report 9,198 cases of Covid-19 and 414 deaths, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has called for unity on the continent, a massive aid effort and “a new moral economy” that has “people and their welfare at its centre” when the crisis has passed, Jason Burke reports from Johannesburg.As 51 African countries report 9,198 cases of Covid-19 and 414 deaths, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has called for unity on the continent, a massive aid effort and “a new moral economy” that has “people and their welfare at its centre” when the crisis has passed, Jason Burke reports from Johannesburg.
Most experts believe the current total of cases in Africa is a very significant underestimate. There are widespread fears that not only could the death toll be very high, particularly among vulnerable communities such as refugees or HIV sufferers, but the economic impact could be devastating.Most experts believe the current total of cases in Africa is a very significant underestimate. There are widespread fears that not only could the death toll be very high, particularly among vulnerable communities such as refugees or HIV sufferers, but the economic impact could be devastating.
One study by the African Union found that many African states could lose up to a third of their tax revenue, with 20m jobs lost across the continent.One study by the African Union found that many African states could lose up to a third of their tax revenue, with 20m jobs lost across the continent.
In an op-ed in South African paper the Daily Maverick, Ramaphosa said:In an op-ed in South African paper the Daily Maverick, Ramaphosa said:
Many countries across Africa have now imposed strict lockdowns. In places where there has been effective public information campaigns, these are widely observed and broadly supported despite the economic distress they inflict on many millions who have no savings or salaries.Many countries across Africa have now imposed strict lockdowns. In places where there has been effective public information campaigns, these are widely observed and broadly supported despite the economic distress they inflict on many millions who have no savings or salaries.
In Kenya, where there is only a partial lockdown in forced, almost 70% of the population back stiffer measures.In Kenya, where there is only a partial lockdown in forced, almost 70% of the population back stiffer measures.
A United Nations official has called on governments around the world to safeguard the health of prisoners during the coronavirus pandemic, partially through early release of inmates, Owen Bowcott, the Guardian’s legal correspondent, reports.A United Nations official has called on governments around the world to safeguard the health of prisoners during the coronavirus pandemic, partially through early release of inmates, Owen Bowcott, the Guardian’s legal correspondent, reports.
Sir Malcolm Evans, who is professor of international law at Bristol University and chair of the UN subcommittee on prevention of torture (SPT), has urged states to take additional precautions to reduce health risks to those in jails, immigration detention centres, psychiatric hospitals and refugee camps. He said:Sir Malcolm Evans, who is professor of international law at Bristol University and chair of the UN subcommittee on prevention of torture (SPT), has urged states to take additional precautions to reduce health risks to those in jails, immigration detention centres, psychiatric hospitals and refugee camps. He said:
Guidance issued by the SPT includes considering reducing prison populations by implementing schemes of early, provisional or temporary release of low-risk offenders, reviewing all cases of pre-trial detention, extending the use of bail for all but the most serious cases, as well as reviewing and reducing the use of immigration detention and closed refugee camps. Evans added:Guidance issued by the SPT includes considering reducing prison populations by implementing schemes of early, provisional or temporary release of low-risk offenders, reviewing all cases of pre-trial detention, extending the use of bail for all but the most serious cases, as well as reviewing and reducing the use of immigration detention and closed refugee camps. Evans added:
Here are the latest lines in our global coronavirus coverage as we enter the afternoon here in London.Here are the latest lines in our global coronavirus coverage as we enter the afternoon here in London.
With deaths in Spain declining for the fourth consecutive day, Italy reporting its lowest death toll in two weeks and France recording a decline in new hospital admissions, there is tentative hope across Europe that lockdowns are starting to show results.With deaths in Spain declining for the fourth consecutive day, Italy reporting its lowest death toll in two weeks and France recording a decline in new hospital admissions, there is tentative hope across Europe that lockdowns are starting to show results.
Austria became the first European country to announce plans to lift its lockdown, with some shops being reopened from next week, and Spain said it would start widespread testing as a first step towards slowly easing restrictionsAustria became the first European country to announce plans to lift its lockdown, with some shops being reopened from next week, and Spain said it would start widespread testing as a first step towards slowly easing restrictions
Meanwhile, Japan’s government is poised to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday after a surge in coronavirus cases in Tokyo.Meanwhile, Japan’s government is poised to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday after a surge in coronavirus cases in Tokyo.
Prime minister Shinzo Abe is also expected to announce an “unprecedented” 108 trillion yen ($989 billion) package in response to the “biggest crisis” the global economy has faced since the second world war, a draft document has revealed.Prime minister Shinzo Abe is also expected to announce an “unprecedented” 108 trillion yen ($989 billion) package in response to the “biggest crisis” the global economy has faced since the second world war, a draft document has revealed.
In airline news, British Airways announced it would be suspending direct flights between Japan and the UK, and American Airlines Group Inc said late Sunday it would suspend more flights in and out of New York City’s three main airports for about a month.In airline news, British Airways announced it would be suspending direct flights between Japan and the UK, and American Airlines Group Inc said late Sunday it would suspend more flights in and out of New York City’s three main airports for about a month.
Indonesia recorded its biggest daily jump in cases, with 218 confirmed on Monday, and the Philippines recorded 414 new infections. Russia also recorded its biggest daily jump, with 954 new cases of the disease.Indonesia recorded its biggest daily jump in cases, with 218 confirmed on Monday, and the Philippines recorded 414 new infections. Russia also recorded its biggest daily jump, with 954 new cases of the disease.
A tiger at New York City’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus, in the first known case of Covid-19 in an animal in the US. But a veterinary expert says cat owners shouldn’t panic.A tiger at New York City’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus, in the first known case of Covid-19 in an animal in the US. But a veterinary expert says cat owners shouldn’t panic.
Three in four hospitals in the US are already treating patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections, according to a report compiled by the US government.Three in four hospitals in the US are already treating patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections, according to a report compiled by the US government.
The federal report due to published later on Monday, but already seen by the Associated Press, finds that hospitals expect to be overwhelmed, with a range of problems feeding off each other in a vicious cycle.The federal report due to published later on Monday, but already seen by the Associated Press, finds that hospitals expect to be overwhelmed, with a range of problems feeding off each other in a vicious cycle.
Ann Maxwell, an assistant inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services, told AP that problems such including insufficient tests, slow results, a scarcity of protective gear, a shortage of ventilators and burned-out medical staffs were leading to a cascade or domino effect.Ann Maxwell, an assistant inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services, told AP that problems such including insufficient tests, slow results, a scarcity of protective gear, a shortage of ventilators and burned-out medical staffs were leading to a cascade or domino effect.
The US has more diagnosed cases in the global pandemic than any other country, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Projections show the nation will see the peak impact later this month.The US has more diagnosed cases in the global pandemic than any other country, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Projections show the nation will see the peak impact later this month.
The report is based on a telephone survey of 323 hospitals around the country, from March 23-27. Of the 323 hospitals in the survey, 117 reported they were treating one or more patients with confirmed COVID-19, while 130 said they were treating one or more patients suspected to have the disease. Suspected infections are treated similarly, because of the uncertainties around testing.The report is based on a telephone survey of 323 hospitals around the country, from March 23-27. Of the 323 hospitals in the survey, 117 reported they were treating one or more patients with confirmed COVID-19, while 130 said they were treating one or more patients suspected to have the disease. Suspected infections are treated similarly, because of the uncertainties around testing.
Only 32 hospitals said they were not treating any patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Another 44 hospitals did not provide that information.Only 32 hospitals said they were not treating any patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Another 44 hospitals did not provide that information.
With most of its people still subject to lockdown until at least the middle of this month, France is on the brink of its deepest recession since the end of the Second World War, its finance minister has said.With most of its people still subject to lockdown until at least the middle of this month, France is on the brink of its deepest recession since the end of the Second World War, its finance minister has said.
According to an AFP report, Bruno Le Maire told a senate panel that the current slowdown was likely to be “very far beyond” that seen during the global financial crisis of 2009. He said:According to an AFP report, Bruno Le Maire told a senate panel that the current slowdown was likely to be “very far beyond” that seen during the global financial crisis of 2009. He said:
Officials have said the lockdown in France, which began on 17 March, will last until at least 15 April.Officials have said the lockdown in France, which began on 17 March, will last until at least 15 April.
Insee, France’s statistics office, said last month that the lockdown had already slashed overall economic activity by 35 percent, and that every month of shutdown would cut annual GPD by three percentage points.Insee, France’s statistics office, said last month that the lockdown had already slashed overall economic activity by 35 percent, and that every month of shutdown would cut annual GPD by three percentage points.
European countries should start releasing low-risk prisoners to protect their health and human rights as the Covid-19 outbreak sweeps the continent, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has said.European countries should start releasing low-risk prisoners to protect their health and human rights as the Covid-19 outbreak sweeps the continent, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has said.
In a statement on Monday, Dunja Mijatovic pointed out that people held in jails, high-risk environment where protective measures such as social distancing cannot be easily followed, are among those most at risk of viral contagion.In a statement on Monday, Dunja Mijatovic pointed out that people held in jails, high-risk environment where protective measures such as social distancing cannot be easily followed, are among those most at risk of viral contagion.
Several countries, including the UK, have already started to release some low-risk prisoners. However, a number of Covid-19 contaminations and deaths in prison have already been reported, leading to an increase of tensions in jails. Mijatovic’s statement, published on the Council of Europe website says:Several countries, including the UK, have already started to release some low-risk prisoners. However, a number of Covid-19 contaminations and deaths in prison have already been reported, leading to an increase of tensions in jails. Mijatovic’s statement, published on the Council of Europe website says:
Hi, this is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog for the next few hours, taking you through the latest coronavirus pandemic updates from around the world.Hi, this is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog for the next few hours, taking you through the latest coronavirus pandemic updates from around the world.
I will be posting the latest contributions from the Guardian’s network of correspondents, as well as the news wires. But if you have a tip for us, or you think we have missed something, please let me know either in an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via a direct message to my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.I will be posting the latest contributions from the Guardian’s network of correspondents, as well as the news wires. But if you have a tip for us, or you think we have missed something, please let me know either in an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via a direct message to my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
Coronavirus cases passed 60,000 in Iran, with 2,274 new cases confirmed in last 24 hours.A health ministry spokesman said the total number of infections now stands at 60,500 now.136 more patients have died of covid-19 in 24 hours in Iran, pushing the total number of deaths to 3,739.Kiyanoosh Jahanpour said 4,038 patients are in critical condition while 24,234 have recovered so far.Coronavirus cases passed 60,000 in Iran, with 2,274 new cases confirmed in last 24 hours.A health ministry spokesman said the total number of infections now stands at 60,500 now.136 more patients have died of covid-19 in 24 hours in Iran, pushing the total number of deaths to 3,739.Kiyanoosh Jahanpour said 4,038 patients are in critical condition while 24,234 have recovered so far.
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has classified the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny as essential workers but said, “the Easter Bunny might not get everywhere this year”.New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has classified the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny as essential workers but said, “the Easter Bunny might not get everywhere this year”.
In her message to children, Ardern said:In her message to children, Ardern said:
She encouraged children to create their own Easter egg hunts at home for children in their neighbourhood by sticking Easter eggs in their windows.She encouraged children to create their own Easter egg hunts at home for children in their neighbourhood by sticking Easter eggs in their windows.
In Spain, the daily number of deaths has declined for the fourth consecutive day, raising tentative hopes that the worst of the country’s outbreak is over.In Spain, the daily number of deaths has declined for the fourth consecutive day, raising tentative hopes that the worst of the country’s outbreak is over.
The daily death toll on Monday was recorded at 637, the lowest number reported since March 24.The daily death toll on Monday was recorded at 637, the lowest number reported since March 24.
The country remains one of the world’s hardest-hit by the pandemic, with 13,055 deaths. Another 135,032 people have tested positive for the virus, according to the health ministry.The country remains one of the world’s hardest-hit by the pandemic, with 13,055 deaths. Another 135,032 people have tested positive for the virus, according to the health ministry.
The country’s victims include 10 doctors, a nurse and an auxiliary nurse. More than 15,000 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, after a shortage of supplies forced them to resort to homemade protective gear as they battled one of the world’s fastest spreading outbreaks.The country’s victims include 10 doctors, a nurse and an auxiliary nurse. More than 15,000 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, after a shortage of supplies forced them to resort to homemade protective gear as they battled one of the world’s fastest spreading outbreaks.
The epidemic, which has left Spain with the highest number of deaths per million, collapsed hospitals and plunged the country into a near-total lockdown that is expected to stretch for at least six weeks.The epidemic, which has left Spain with the highest number of deaths per million, collapsed hospitals and plunged the country into a near-total lockdown that is expected to stretch for at least six weeks.
The Spanish government has said it is now studying the possibility of mass testing and isolating asymptomatic carriers of the virus.The Spanish government has said it is now studying the possibility of mass testing and isolating asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
“These figures continue to confirm the downward trend that we have been seeing,” said María José Sierra of Spain’s health emergency centre, citing a decrease in hospitalisations and critical care cases.“These figures continue to confirm the downward trend that we have been seeing,” said María José Sierra of Spain’s health emergency centre, citing a decrease in hospitalisations and critical care cases.
“We’re seeing the growth rate of the pandemic decreasing in practically all regions.”“We’re seeing the growth rate of the pandemic decreasing in practically all regions.”
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is poised to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures as early as Tuesday in an attempt to stem a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the capital and other major cities.Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is poised to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures as early as Tuesday in an attempt to stem a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the capital and other major cities.
The measure, to go into effect Wednesday, will enable local authorities to urge people to stay at home except to shop for food, seek medical care, go to work if necessary, and take daily exercise.The measure, to go into effect Wednesday, will enable local authorities to urge people to stay at home except to shop for food, seek medical care, go to work if necessary, and take daily exercise.
Abe’s apparent reluctance to implement tougher measures had drawn criticism from the Japan Medical Association and Yuriko Koike, the governor of Tokyo, where confirmed cases have risen dramatically over the past week.Japan has avoided the large number of Covid-19 cases and deaths that have prompted lockdowns in other countries, but there is growing alarm over the rise in infections in the capital, particularly among young people.Tokyo reported a record 143 new cases on Sunday, taking its total to 1,003, according to public broadcaster NHK. The majority of confirmed cases over the weekend involved people aged below 50, with many in their 20s and 30s.Abe’s apparent reluctance to implement tougher measures had drawn criticism from the Japan Medical Association and Yuriko Koike, the governor of Tokyo, where confirmed cases have risen dramatically over the past week.Japan has avoided the large number of Covid-19 cases and deaths that have prompted lockdowns in other countries, but there is growing alarm over the rise in infections in the capital, particularly among young people.Tokyo reported a record 143 new cases on Sunday, taking its total to 1,003, according to public broadcaster NHK. The majority of confirmed cases over the weekend involved people aged below 50, with many in their 20s and 30s.
More than 3,500 people have tested positive and 85 have died from the new coronavirus in Japan, according to public broadcaster NHK. While the figures are low compared to the US, China and parts of Europe, officials are concerned that a surge in infections could place intolerable strain on the country’s hospitals.More than 3,500 people have tested positive and 85 have died from the new coronavirus in Japan, according to public broadcaster NHK. While the figures are low compared to the US, China and parts of Europe, officials are concerned that a surge in infections could place intolerable strain on the country’s hospitals.
Monday’s declaration will allow the governors of Japan’s 47 prefectures to call on people to stay home and businesses to close, but they will not have the legal authority to impose the kind of lockdowns seen in other countries, or to fine residents who ignore the request. Abe is also expected to unveil “unprecedented” stimulus measures in response to the “biggest crisis” the global economy has faced since the second world war, according to a draft document.Monday’s declaration will allow the governors of Japan’s 47 prefectures to call on people to stay home and businesses to close, but they will not have the legal authority to impose the kind of lockdowns seen in other countries, or to fine residents who ignore the request. Abe is also expected to unveil “unprecedented” stimulus measures in response to the “biggest crisis” the global economy has faced since the second world war, according to a draft document.
The 108 trillion yen ($989 billion) package, which has yet to be finalised, would be bigger than the country’s response in the wake of the 2009 financial crisis.The 108 trillion yen ($989 billion) package, which has yet to be finalised, would be bigger than the country’s response in the wake of the 2009 financial crisis.
Spain said on Monday it plans to widen coronavirus testing to include people without symptoms as a first step towards slowly easing a lockdown in the nation with the second highest death toll from the global pandemic.Spain said on Monday it plans to widen coronavirus testing to include people without symptoms as a first step towards slowly easing a lockdown in the nation with the second highest death toll from the global pandemic.
As with worst-hit Italy, Spain has seen the rate of new infections and deaths slow in recent days, giving cause for hope the peak has passed.As with worst-hit Italy, Spain has seen the rate of new infections and deaths slow in recent days, giving cause for hope the peak has passed.
On Sunday, it reported 674 fatalities in the previous 24 hours - a 6% increase in total, but half the pace of a week previously.On Sunday, it reported 674 fatalities in the previous 24 hours - a 6% increase in total, but half the pace of a week previously.
“We are preparing ourselves for de-escalation for which it is important to know who is contaminated to be able to gradually lift Spanish citizens’ lockdown,” Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez told TV station Antena 3.“We are preparing ourselves for de-escalation for which it is important to know who is contaminated to be able to gradually lift Spanish citizens’ lockdown,” Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez told TV station Antena 3.
While so far only those infected or suspected of having Covid-19 have been tested, now checks will focus on the wider population to try and find carriers who may not be displaying symptoms, Gonzalez said.While so far only those infected or suspected of having Covid-19 have been tested, now checks will focus on the wider population to try and find carriers who may not be displaying symptoms, Gonzalez said.
Spanish companies are manufacturing 240,000 test kits per week and are boosting capacity, the minister said, while equipment is also being bought from abroad.Spanish companies are manufacturing 240,000 test kits per week and are boosting capacity, the minister said, while equipment is also being bought from abroad.
Spain has been in lockdown since March 14 and prime minister Pedro Sanchez said at the weekend that would remain in place until April 26.Spain has been in lockdown since March 14 and prime minister Pedro Sanchez said at the weekend that would remain in place until April 26.
However, Sanchez opened the door to easing some restrictions, such as keeping all non-essential workers at home, after Easter, even though shops and restaurants will stay shut.However, Sanchez opened the door to easing some restrictions, such as keeping all non-essential workers at home, after Easter, even though shops and restaurants will stay shut.
Spain’s death toll stood at 12,418 on Sunday, with 130,759 infections.Spain’s death toll stood at 12,418 on Sunday, with 130,759 infections.