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Coronavirus live news: China's Wuhan city reopens as Boris Johnson spends second night in intensive care Coronavirus live news: China's Wuhan city reopens as Boris Johnson spends second night in intensive care
(32 minutes later)
Scientists predict UK will be worst-hit country in Europe; Trump threatens to stop WHO funding; Global cases pass 1.4 millionScientists predict UK will be worst-hit country in Europe; Trump threatens to stop WHO funding; Global cases pass 1.4 million
New cases of Covid-19 have risen in Germany for the second straight day after four previous days of drops, data from the Robert Koch Institute has shown.
The number of confirmed infections grew by 4,003 in the past 24 hours to 103,228 on Wednesday.
The federal government agency also reported that the death toll rose by 254 to 1,861.
The last-minute decision to carry out the May presidential election by post in Poland due to the coronavirus pandemic has raised concern, EU values and transparency commissioner Vera Jourova has said.
“I followed this process very closely. I’m concerned about free and fair elections and the quality of voting, of the legality and constitutionality of such a vote,” she told the Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita on Wednesday.
This week the country’s parliament, where ruling nationalists, the Law and Justice party, have a majority in alliance with two other parties, backed a plan to conduct the election on May 10 by postal ballot to limit the risks of spreading the virus.
Critics accuse the party of prioritising its own political interests over public health.
This is Amy Walker, taking over the global liveblog from my colleague Helen Sullivan. You can get in touch or follow me on Twitter (@amyrwalker).
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. I leave you now in the company of my colleague Amy Walker.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. I leave you now in the company of my colleague Amy Walker.
It has been 100 days since the WHO was first alerted to the existence of a new virus. Not sure about you, but where I’m sitting (at home) it feels a lot longer.It has been 100 days since the WHO was first alerted to the existence of a new virus. Not sure about you, but where I’m sitting (at home) it feels a lot longer.
My colleague Michael Safi takes you through the first three-and-a-bit months of the coronavirus crisis in the story below. It’s well worth a read. What a way to start the new decade.My colleague Michael Safi takes you through the first three-and-a-bit months of the coronavirus crisis in the story below. It’s well worth a read. What a way to start the new decade.
Campaigners have welcomed the relaxation of immigration restrictions by governments across Europe and the Americas to allow doctors, nurses and other key workers from refugee and migrant communities to join efforts against coronavirus.Campaigners have welcomed the relaxation of immigration restrictions by governments across Europe and the Americas to allow doctors, nurses and other key workers from refugee and migrant communities to join efforts against coronavirus.
And they urged countries still preventing medically-trained asylum seekers from working – including Britain – to follow suitAnd they urged countries still preventing medically-trained asylum seekers from working – including Britain – to follow suit
Fears of power vacuum as PM stays in ICUFears of power vacuum as PM stays in ICU
Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care in a “stable” condition with coronavirus symptoms as questions about who was running the country continued to rage. The prime minister was said to be breathing without any assistance and was conscious at St Thomas’ hospital in London.Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care in a “stable” condition with coronavirus symptoms as questions about who was running the country continued to rage. The prime minister was said to be breathing without any assistance and was conscious at St Thomas’ hospital in London.
Dominic Raab, who is the prime minister’s “designated survivor”, led the daily government briefing yesterday and said the PM would “pull through”. But it remains unclear how long Johnson will be in hospital and Raab said he would need cabinet agreement to reach any major decision such as lifting the lockdown. No 10 said last night that there would be no review of the curbs next week as promised by Johnson when he introduced them three weeks ago.Dominic Raab, who is the prime minister’s “designated survivor”, led the daily government briefing yesterday and said the PM would “pull through”. But it remains unclear how long Johnson will be in hospital and Raab said he would need cabinet agreement to reach any major decision such as lifting the lockdown. No 10 said last night that there would be no review of the curbs next week as promised by Johnson when he introduced them three weeks ago.
It was a testing day for Raab as Britain recorded its biggest daily death toll so far and an American university forecast that the UK would be the worst-hit country in Europe. It also saw chief medical officer Chris Whitty admit that the UK must learn from Germany, where the death rate has been far lower.It was a testing day for Raab as Britain recorded its biggest daily death toll so far and an American university forecast that the UK would be the worst-hit country in Europe. It also saw chief medical officer Chris Whitty admit that the UK must learn from Germany, where the death rate has been far lower.
How did coronavirus start and where did it come from? Was it really Wuhan’s animal market?How did coronavirus start and where did it come from? Was it really Wuhan’s animal market?
In the public mind, the origin story of coronavirus seems well fixed: in late 2019 someone at the now world-famous Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was infected with a virus from an animal.In the public mind, the origin story of coronavirus seems well fixed: in late 2019 someone at the now world-famous Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was infected with a virus from an animal.
The rest is part of an awful history still in the making, with Covid-19 spreading from that first cluster in the capital of China’s Hubei province to a pandemic that has killed about 80,000 people so far.The rest is part of an awful history still in the making, with Covid-19 spreading from that first cluster in the capital of China’s Hubei province to a pandemic that has killed about 80,000 people so far.
But there is uncertainty about several aspects of the Covid-19 origin story that scientists are trying hard to unravel, including which species passed it to a human. They’re trying hard because knowing how a pandemic starts is a key to stopping the next one.But there is uncertainty about several aspects of the Covid-19 origin story that scientists are trying hard to unravel, including which species passed it to a human. They’re trying hard because knowing how a pandemic starts is a key to stopping the next one.
Here is a wrap of the most important developments over the last few hours.Here is a wrap of the most important developments over the last few hours.
Donald Trump has criticised the World Health Organization (WHO), and by implication Beijing, saying the global body is “China centric” and “biased” towards the rival superpower.Donald Trump has criticised the World Health Organization (WHO), and by implication Beijing, saying the global body is “China centric” and “biased” towards the rival superpower.
As Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak, began to return to normal life, Trump said the WHO had “been wrong about a lot of things”, and threatened to put a hold on WHO funding. When asked if that was a good idea during a pandemic, Trump denied saying it, and then said they would “look at it”.As Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak, began to return to normal life, Trump said the WHO had “been wrong about a lot of things”, and threatened to put a hold on WHO funding. When asked if that was a good idea during a pandemic, Trump denied saying it, and then said they would “look at it”.
The US now has nearly 400,000 cases, and 13,000 deaths, compared with close to 83,000 cases in China and 3,337 deaths. Globally, there are more than 1.4m cases and just over 82,000 deaths.The US now has nearly 400,000 cases, and 13,000 deaths, compared with close to 83,000 cases in China and 3,337 deaths. Globally, there are more than 1.4m cases and just over 82,000 deaths.
Meanwhile, the British prime minister, Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care amid concerns about the seriousness of his condition, and the power vacuum he leaves behind. His “designated survivor”, Dominic Raab, still requires cabinet approval for major decisions.Meanwhile, the British prime minister, Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care amid concerns about the seriousness of his condition, and the power vacuum he leaves behind. His “designated survivor”, Dominic Raab, still requires cabinet approval for major decisions.
There are fears the UK will become the worst hit country in Europe, with more than 40% of the continent’s deaths, according to forecasts.There are fears the UK will become the worst hit country in Europe, with more than 40% of the continent’s deaths, according to forecasts.
Here’s a look at this morning’s front pages in the UK, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spends his second night in intensive care with coronavirus.Here’s a look at this morning’s front pages in the UK, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spends his second night in intensive care with coronavirus.
Methadone to be handed out without prescription during Covid-19 crisisMethadone to be handed out without prescription during Covid-19 crisis
Pharmacists are to be allowed to hand out a range of super-strength medicines, including the heroin substitute methadone, without prescription during the Covid-19 crisis, under emergency measures that official drug policy advisers have warned could trigger a spike in drug misuse.Pharmacists are to be allowed to hand out a range of super-strength medicines, including the heroin substitute methadone, without prescription during the Covid-19 crisis, under emergency measures that official drug policy advisers have warned could trigger a spike in drug misuse.
100 Days that Changed the World100 Days that Changed the World
A turbulent decade had reached its final day. It was New Year’s Eve 2019 and much of the world was preparing to celebrate.A turbulent decade had reached its final day. It was New Year’s Eve 2019 and much of the world was preparing to celebrate.
The obituaries of the 2010s had dwelt on eruptions and waves that would shape the era ahead: Brexit, the Syrian civil war, refugee crises, social media proliferation, and nationalism roaring back to life. They were written too soon.The obituaries of the 2010s had dwelt on eruptions and waves that would shape the era ahead: Brexit, the Syrian civil war, refugee crises, social media proliferation, and nationalism roaring back to life. They were written too soon.
It was not until these last hours, before the toasts and countdowns had commenced, that the decade’s most consequential development of all broke the surface.It was not until these last hours, before the toasts and countdowns had commenced, that the decade’s most consequential development of all broke the surface.
At 1.38pm on 31 December, a Chinese government website announced the detection of a “pneumonia of unknown cause” in the area surrounding the South China seafood wholesale market in Wuhan, an industrial city of 11 million people. Outside China, its discovery was barely noticed.At 1.38pm on 31 December, a Chinese government website announced the detection of a “pneumonia of unknown cause” in the area surrounding the South China seafood wholesale market in Wuhan, an industrial city of 11 million people. Outside China, its discovery was barely noticed.
Over the next 100 days, the virus would freeze international travel, extinguish economic activity and confine half of humanity to their homes, infecting more than a million people and counting, including the British prime minister, the heir to the British throne, an Iranian vice-president, and Idris Elba. By the middle of April, more than 75,000 would be dead.Over the next 100 days, the virus would freeze international travel, extinguish economic activity and confine half of humanity to their homes, infecting more than a million people and counting, including the British prime minister, the heir to the British throne, an Iranian vice-president, and Idris Elba. By the middle of April, more than 75,000 would be dead.
Ardern optimistic as New Zealand records lowest number of Covid-19 cases for two weeksArdern optimistic as New Zealand records lowest number of Covid-19 cases for two weeks
New Zealand has recorded its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in a fortnight, one day after testing a record number of people.New Zealand has recorded its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in a fortnight, one day after testing a record number of people.
There were 50 new confirmed or probable cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand on Wednesday, with 4,098 tests for the virus processed on Tuesday.There were 50 new confirmed or probable cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand on Wednesday, with 4,098 tests for the virus processed on Tuesday.
The number of new cases dropped from 54 on Tuesday and 67 on Monday. New Zealand’s government announced a strict national lockdown a fortnight ago that requires everyone except essential workers to stay home at all times, unless they are accessing vital services or walking for exercise.The number of new cases dropped from 54 on Tuesday and 67 on Monday. New Zealand’s government announced a strict national lockdown a fortnight ago that requires everyone except essential workers to stay home at all times, unless they are accessing vital services or walking for exercise.
Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister, said while the country “might see bumps along the way,” she was encouraged that the country might be “turning a corner” in quashing the spread of the virus.Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister, said while the country “might see bumps along the way,” she was encouraged that the country might be “turning a corner” in quashing the spread of the virus.
“I have cautious optimism, but now is the time to stay the course,” she told reporters at parliament in Wellington on Wednesday.“I have cautious optimism, but now is the time to stay the course,” she told reporters at parliament in Wellington on Wednesday.
You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan. While I’m not able to respond to every message right away, I do try to read them all. Thank you to everyone who has sent news and other helpful bits of information so far today.You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan. While I’m not able to respond to every message right away, I do try to read them all. Thank you to everyone who has sent news and other helpful bits of information so far today.
British prime minister Boris Johnson remains in intensive care. The foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who is running the government while Boris Johnson receives treatment in hospital for coronavirus, says he is confident the prime minister will recover. Johnson is spending a second night in intensive care.British prime minister Boris Johnson remains in intensive care. The foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who is running the government while Boris Johnson receives treatment in hospital for coronavirus, says he is confident the prime minister will recover. Johnson is spending a second night in intensive care.
Leading disease data analysts have projected that the UK will become the worst-affected country in Europe, accounting for more than 40% of total deaths across the continent.Leading disease data analysts have projected that the UK will become the worst-affected country in Europe, accounting for more than 40% of total deaths across the continent.
London’s NHS Nightingale opens with 4,000 beds. The first patients were admitted on Tuesday evening to the new NHS Nightingale hospital. Some of the 4,000 beds in the health facility have already been taken up by Covid-19 patients.London’s NHS Nightingale opens with 4,000 beds. The first patients were admitted on Tuesday evening to the new NHS Nightingale hospital. Some of the 4,000 beds in the health facility have already been taken up by Covid-19 patients.
Official global death toll passes 82,000. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, there have been 82,133 deaths so far. There are currently at least 1,430,453 confirmed cases worldwide. Due to suspected under-reporting, these figures are likely to be lower than the true statistics.Official global death toll passes 82,000. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, there have been 82,133 deaths so far. There are currently at least 1,430,453 confirmed cases worldwide. Due to suspected under-reporting, these figures are likely to be lower than the true statistics.
After 11 weeks of lockdown, the first train departed Wednesday morning from a re-opened Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, as residents once again were allowed to travel in and out of the sprawling central Chinese city, AP reports.After 11 weeks of lockdown, the first train departed Wednesday morning from a re-opened Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, as residents once again were allowed to travel in and out of the sprawling central Chinese city, AP reports.
US president Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization, which he says is “China-centric”. At Monday evening’s press briefing, after saying he would withdraw funding, he walked that back and said he was “looking into it”.US president Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization, which he says is “China-centric”. At Monday evening’s press briefing, after saying he would withdraw funding, he walked that back and said he was “looking into it”.
Schools and workplaces will be closed in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, as greater restrictions are imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus in the city, where a sudden rise in burials has raised concerns over undetected cases.Schools and workplaces will be closed in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, as greater restrictions are imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus in the city, where a sudden rise in burials has raised concerns over undetected cases.
Former Chinese property executive who criticised Xi is under investigation. Ren Zhiqiang went missing last month after criticising President Xi Jinping over his handling of the coronovirus outbreak. He is under investigation for “serious disciplinary violation”, the Beijing municipal anti-corruption watchdog said in a statement late on Tuesday.Former Chinese property executive who criticised Xi is under investigation. Ren Zhiqiang went missing last month after criticising President Xi Jinping over his handling of the coronovirus outbreak. He is under investigation for “serious disciplinary violation”, the Beijing municipal anti-corruption watchdog said in a statement late on Tuesday.
US folk and country singer John Prine has died aged 73 due to complications from Covid-19. Prine was hospitalised on 26 March, and was in intensive care for 13 days before dying on Tuesday, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.US folk and country singer John Prine has died aged 73 due to complications from Covid-19. Prine was hospitalised on 26 March, and was in intensive care for 13 days before dying on Tuesday, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.
Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, now has at least 10,000 cases – and experts believe the true scale of the outbreak is much greater. More than 1,700 of the cases are in South Africa, which has been rolling out an aggressive testing campaign.Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, now has at least 10,000 cases – and experts believe the true scale of the outbreak is much greater. More than 1,700 of the cases are in South Africa, which has been rolling out an aggressive testing campaign.
Turkey has world’s fastest rising infection rate. The number is increasing by more than 3,000 a day, reaching 30,217 since the first case was confirmed four weeks ago. Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 649.Turkey has world’s fastest rising infection rate. The number is increasing by more than 3,000 a day, reaching 30,217 since the first case was confirmed four weeks ago. Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 649.
The death toll in Italy continues to rise. The country reported 604 more deaths, though it marked the lowest day-to-day increase in new infections since introducing quarantine measures. New cases rose 0.9% to 880.The death toll in Italy continues to rise. The country reported 604 more deaths, though it marked the lowest day-to-day increase in new infections since introducing quarantine measures. New cases rose 0.9% to 880.
The US is still obstructing medical supply shipment. Justin Trudeau says Canada still has more work to do to persuade Washington to ensure supplies flow freely, after it emerged Donald Trump had blocked a shipment of masks to Ontario.The US is still obstructing medical supply shipment. Justin Trudeau says Canada still has more work to do to persuade Washington to ensure supplies flow freely, after it emerged Donald Trump had blocked a shipment of masks to Ontario.
The WHO held off recommending face mask use. Experts say that, despite evidence suggesting widespread use of masks could help reduce the virus’ spread, they are insufficient on their own, despite many places making them mandatory.The WHO held off recommending face mask use. Experts say that, despite evidence suggesting widespread use of masks could help reduce the virus’ spread, they are insufficient on their own, despite many places making them mandatory.
Hundreds of people held under mandatory quarantine in Kenya after returning from abroad are up in arms after the government extended their confinement for another 14 days.Hundreds of people held under mandatory quarantine in Kenya after returning from abroad are up in arms after the government extended their confinement for another 14 days.
Around 2,000 people were placed in forced quarantine as they arrived in the country from 22 March until international flights were banned three days later, a chaotic process criticised by some passengers as likely to have helped spread the virus.Around 2,000 people were placed in forced quarantine as they arrived in the country from 22 March until international flights were banned three days later, a chaotic process criticised by some passengers as likely to have helped spread the virus.
Mixed with those who had been in contact with patients who tested positive, the quarantined Kenyans and foreigners make up some 80% of the country’s coronavirus patients.Mixed with those who had been in contact with patients who tested positive, the quarantined Kenyans and foreigners make up some 80% of the country’s coronavirus patients.
Kenya has recorded 172 cases and six deaths.Kenya has recorded 172 cases and six deaths.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped up measures to stem rapidly growing coronavirus cases in Turkey but his refusal to impose a full lockdown to keep the economy afloat is drawing criticism, AFP reports.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped up measures to stem rapidly growing coronavirus cases in Turkey but his refusal to impose a full lockdown to keep the economy afloat is drawing criticism, AFP reports.
With gatherings banned, restrictions on intercity trips, and the obligation to wear masks almost anywhere, Erdogan has imposed a series of tough measures but thus far resisted calls for a complete confinement.With gatherings banned, restrictions on intercity trips, and the obligation to wear masks almost anywhere, Erdogan has imposed a series of tough measures but thus far resisted calls for a complete confinement.
Parliament began on Tuesday debating a government-sponsored bill to release up to a third of detainees in the country’s overcrowded prisons as a safety measure against the coronavirus outbreak.Parliament began on Tuesday debating a government-sponsored bill to release up to a third of detainees in the country’s overcrowded prisons as a safety measure against the coronavirus outbreak.
With 34,109 cases and 725 deaths, according to official figures published on Tuesday, Turkey is the ninth country in the world most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.With 34,109 cases and 725 deaths, according to official figures published on Tuesday, Turkey is the ninth country in the world most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s alarming is the fast spread of the disease in Turkey, which reported its first official case on March 11. The number of cases is doubling in every few days: From 7,400 on March 28, it reached 15,000 on April 1 and exceeded 30,000 on Monday, according to official figures.What’s alarming is the fast spread of the disease in Turkey, which reported its first official case on March 11. The number of cases is doubling in every few days: From 7,400 on March 28, it reached 15,000 on April 1 and exceeded 30,000 on Monday, according to official figures.
Podcast: How are African countries coping with Covid-19?Podcast: How are African countries coping with Covid-19?
Sarah Boseley speaks to Prof Trudie Lang about the outbreak on the continent and explores how a history of responding to Ebola and other public health emergencies could help.Sarah Boseley speaks to Prof Trudie Lang about the outbreak on the continent and explores how a history of responding to Ebola and other public health emergencies could help.