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Coronavirus live news: WHO says situation in Europe still 'very concerning' as China's Wuhan city reopens Coronavirus live news: WHO says situation in Europe still 'very concerning' as Wuhan reopens
(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
A government minister in South Africa has been placed on special leave after he was seen violating the country’s coronavirus lockdown by visiting a friend’s house for lunch.
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, the country’s communications and digital technologies minister, appeared in a picture posted on Instagram on Sunday with five other people at at the home of a former deputy minister earlier that day.
It came after the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, had ordered a three-week national lockdown to try to brake the virus, which has infected 1,749 people, killing 13 of them, according to an official tally.
“President Ramaphosa has placed the minister on special leave for two months,” Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement. The president has “accepted the minister’s apology for the violation but was unmoved by mitigating factors she tendered”, it said. Ramaphosa was quoted as saying:
The German economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10% in the second quarter as a result of the economic impact of lockdown conditions to stem the spread of coronavirus, according to research institutes in the country.
“The corona pandemic will trigger a serious recession in Germany,” the six thinktanks, including Ifo, DIW and RWI, said in their annual spring report, according to AFP.
Gross domestic product is likely to have contracted by 1.9% in the first three months of 2020, and is set to shrink by a 9.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, with normal economic life still essentially frozen by widespread shutdowns.
The second-quarter plunge is twice as big as seen during the 2008-09 financial crisis and marks the steepest fall since the institutes’ records began in 1970, the report noted.
Spain has reported 757 deaths in the past 24 hours, a slight increase from the 743 deaths reported one day earlier, writes Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.Spain has reported 757 deaths in the past 24 hours, a slight increase from the 743 deaths reported one day earlier, writes Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.
The virus has now claimed 14,555 lives in the country, while another 146,690 have tested positive, according to the health ministry.The virus has now claimed 14,555 lives in the country, while another 146,690 have tested positive, according to the health ministry.
This week has seen the daily death toll grow by 5% as compared to around 9% one week earlier the country’s health minister said Wednesday. “We have reached the peak of the curve and we are in a slowdown phase,” Salvador Illa told parliament. This week has seen the daily death toll grow by 5% compared with around 9% one week earlier, the country’s health minister said on Wednesday. “We have reached the peak of the curve and we are in a slowdown phase,” Salvador Illa told parliament.
The latest figures come amid speculation that the actual number of Covid-19 deaths in Spain is much higher than official figures.The latest figures come amid speculation that the actual number of Covid-19 deaths in Spain is much higher than official figures.
Recently released data from judicial authorities in Madrid, for example, suggest that 6,600 more people than usual died in the last two weeks of March, compared to the official tally of 3,500 Covid-19 deaths in the region. Recently released data from judicial authorities in Madrid, for example, suggest that 6,600 more people than usual died in the last two weeks of March, compared with the official tally of 3,500 Covid-19 deaths in the region.
When pressed, Spain’s health minister argued that Spain’s criteria ranks among the most stringent in Europe. “Everyone who tests positive and dies is counted as having died due to the coronavirus,” Illa told reporters. When pressed, the health minister argued that Spain’s criteria ranks among the most stringent in Europe. “Everyone who tests positive and dies is counted as having died due to the coronavirus,” Illa told reporters.
His explanation suggests that those who have died in elderly care homes and private residences – the vast majority of whom were not tested for the virus – are not included in the data.His explanation suggests that those who have died in elderly care homes and private residences – the vast majority of whom were not tested for the virus – are not included in the data.
Spain’s justice ministry has responded by requesting judicial authorities to urgently send all records of burials and cremations that have taken place since emergency measures were imposed in mid-March, according to broadcaster Cadena Ser.Spain’s justice ministry has responded by requesting judicial authorities to urgently send all records of burials and cremations that have taken place since emergency measures were imposed in mid-March, according to broadcaster Cadena Ser.
The confusion over the official figures comes as the Spanish government seeks to gauge the spread of the virus across the country. In the coming days, the health ministry said it would begin mass testing on more than 62,000 randomly chosen people.The confusion over the official figures comes as the Spanish government seeks to gauge the spread of the virus across the country. In the coming days, the health ministry said it would begin mass testing on more than 62,000 randomly chosen people.
After hard-hit regions such as Madrid and Catalonia instructed people with mild symptoms to self-isolate rather than seek testing, health officials in Spain have estimated that as many 90% of the country’s cases may have gone undetected.After hard-hit regions such as Madrid and Catalonia instructed people with mild symptoms to self-isolate rather than seek testing, health officials in Spain have estimated that as many 90% of the country’s cases may have gone undetected.
More than 17,000 people in Australia have joined a movement to stage a rent and mortgage payment strike, as many people in the country face running out of money as they are forced to self-isolate.More than 17,000 people in Australia have joined a movement to stage a rent and mortgage payment strike, as many people in the country face running out of money as they are forced to self-isolate.
With the global lockdown hammering vital sectors including hospitality and tourism, many workers face destitution from lost jobs or slashed hours, or from running out of limited sick pay entitlements if they are forced to take time off work.With the global lockdown hammering vital sectors including hospitality and tourism, many workers face destitution from lost jobs or slashed hours, or from running out of limited sick pay entitlements if they are forced to take time off work.
A campaign to raise awareness of the strike, created by the local chapter of the Industrial Workers of the World union, is running on the Megaphone website - with 17,115 signatories so far.A campaign to raise awareness of the strike, created by the local chapter of the Industrial Workers of the World union, is running on the Megaphone website - with 17,115 signatories so far.
It comes as calls for rent strikes are growing across the world, including in the US, where renters in California are calling for collective action, and in the UK, where groups of students at two universities, Bristol and SOAS, have already begun withholding rent.It comes as calls for rent strikes are growing across the world, including in the US, where renters in California are calling for collective action, and in the UK, where groups of students at two universities, Bristol and SOAS, have already begun withholding rent.
In a statement on Megaphone, the Australian campaign organisers say:In a statement on Megaphone, the Australian campaign organisers say:
Here’s a roundup of some of the most important developments over the last few hours:Here’s a roundup of some of the most important developments over the last few hours:
The World Health Organization has said it is “deeply concerned” over the development of Covid-19 in Europe. Regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge said the continent accounted for about half of confirmed cases globally and warned governments against relaxing lockdown measures.The World Health Organization has said it is “deeply concerned” over the development of Covid-19 in Europe. Regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge said the continent accounted for about half of confirmed cases globally and warned governments against relaxing lockdown measures.
Mumbai is to extend its lockdown until at least 30 April. The city, which has a population of more than 20 million, has become the centre of the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Other parts of India are scheduled to lift restrictions on Tuesday.Mumbai is to extend its lockdown until at least 30 April. The city, which has a population of more than 20 million, has become the centre of the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Other parts of India are scheduled to lift restrictions on Tuesday.
Singapore has announced plans to boost food production amid concerns over shortages. As part of the plans, the city-state, which produces only 10% of its food needs, will turn carpark rooftops into urban farms.Singapore has announced plans to boost food production amid concerns over shortages. As part of the plans, the city-state, which produces only 10% of its food needs, will turn carpark rooftops into urban farms.
Italy has closed its ports to migrant ships because of the pandemic. The decision, made by the government late last night, means charity migrant boats can no longer dock.Italy has closed its ports to migrant ships because of the pandemic. The decision, made by the government late last night, means charity migrant boats can no longer dock.
Concerns are mounting over the spread of the virus in Greek refugee camps. The government has said new asylum requests will not be examined during the crisis, leaving thousands trapped in camps. A total of 1,832 cases have been confirmed in the country.Concerns are mounting over the spread of the virus in Greek refugee camps. The government has said new asylum requests will not be examined during the crisis, leaving thousands trapped in camps. A total of 1,832 cases have been confirmed in the country.
The UK is “nowhere near lifting the lockdown”, according to the London mayor. Sadiq Khan made the comments as the prime minister, Boris Johnson, remained in intensive care with symptoms of the virus.The UK is “nowhere near lifting the lockdown”, according to the London mayor. Sadiq Khan made the comments as the prime minister, Boris Johnson, remained in intensive care with symptoms of the virus.
That’s it from me, Amy Walker, for today. I’ll be handing over to my colleague Damien Gayle.That’s it from me, Amy Walker, for today. I’ll be handing over to my colleague Damien Gayle.
Germany will take in up to 500 unaccompanied minors from Greek migrant camps over the coming weeks, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday, in an effort to ease the pressure on the camps caused by the coronavirus outbreak.Germany will take in up to 500 unaccompanied minors from Greek migrant camps over the coming weeks, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday, in an effort to ease the pressure on the camps caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
“We said (to the Greek authorities and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) that we want to take in between 350 and 500 children in the next few weeks,” Maas said in an interview with the RTL/ntv broadcaster, AFP reports.“We said (to the Greek authorities and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) that we want to take in between 350 and 500 children in the next few weeks,” Maas said in an interview with the RTL/ntv broadcaster, AFP reports.
The minister said he hoped other countries would follow suit. “We want to set an example here.”The minister said he hoped other countries would follow suit. “We want to set an example here.”
The transfers could begin next week, the interior ministry said in a statement.The transfers could begin next week, the interior ministry said in a statement.
The children and adolescents, who arrived at the camps without their parents, “will at first be placed in quarantine for two weeks” before being housed in various regions, the ministry said.The children and adolescents, who arrived at the camps without their parents, “will at first be placed in quarantine for two weeks” before being housed in various regions, the ministry said.
This is Damien Gayle taking over this live blog for the next eight or so hours, with the latest updates in coronavirus news from around the world.This is Damien Gayle taking over this live blog for the next eight or so hours, with the latest updates in coronavirus news from around the world.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage – particularly about regions or topics we’re lacking - please do send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle. If you’re sending us news from your area, if possible please do include a link so that I can source the information in any blog post I write.If you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage – particularly about regions or topics we’re lacking - please do send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle. If you’re sending us news from your area, if possible please do include a link so that I can source the information in any blog post I write.
I try my best to get to all messages, but it is not always possible, so if I miss yours then please accept my apologies in advance!I try my best to get to all messages, but it is not always possible, so if I miss yours then please accept my apologies in advance!
Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said on Twitter: “The Ethiopian government has declared an emergency because of the worsening epidemic.”Prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said on Twitter: “The Ethiopian government has declared an emergency because of the worsening epidemic.”
There are 52 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 in Ethiopia, and two people have died, according to John Hopkins University.There are 52 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 in Ethiopia, and two people have died, according to John Hopkins University.
During an update on the development of the virus on the continent, regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge said the “progress” Europe had made so far was “extremely fragile. He added:During an update on the development of the virus on the continent, regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge said the “progress” Europe had made so far was “extremely fragile. He added:
He warned that while the death toll was beginning to level off in hard-hit countries Italy and Spain, now was “not the time” to relax measures.He warned that while the death toll was beginning to level off in hard-hit countries Italy and Spain, now was “not the time” to relax measures.
Seven of the top 10 countries that are most affected by the virus are located in Europe, where as of this morning, 687,236 people have tested positive and 52,824 people have died.Seven of the top 10 countries that are most affected by the virus are located in Europe, where as of this morning, 687,236 people have tested positive and 52,824 people have died.
Russia reported a record increase in new coronavirus cases for a third straight day as the country’s tally of confirmed infections rose above 8,600.Russia reported a record increase in new coronavirus cases for a third straight day as the country’s tally of confirmed infections rose above 8,600.
Health officials reported 1,175 new cases in the country, a 15.7% increase to bring Russia’s total number of cases to 8,672.Health officials reported 1,175 new cases in the country, a 15.7% increase to bring Russia’s total number of cases to 8,672.
It recorded 1,154 new cases on Tuesday and 954 on Monday. The majority of the cases are located in Moscow, where 12 million city residents have been told to stay at home until the end of April.It recorded 1,154 new cases on Tuesday and 954 on Monday. The majority of the cases are located in Moscow, where 12 million city residents have been told to stay at home until the end of April.
Veronika Skvortsova, a senior Russian health official, said yesterday that Russia should expect to reach its peak for infections in the next 10-14 days, with the plateau lasting until mid-June.Veronika Skvortsova, a senior Russian health official, said yesterday that Russia should expect to reach its peak for infections in the next 10-14 days, with the plateau lasting until mid-June.
“Now is not the time to relax measures, it is the time to once again double and triple our collective efforts to drive towards suppression,” says Kluge.“Now is not the time to relax measures, it is the time to once again double and triple our collective efforts to drive towards suppression,” says Kluge.
He adds stresses that knowledge of the virus, and some positive signs from some countries does not yet represent victory.He adds stresses that knowledge of the virus, and some positive signs from some countries does not yet represent victory.
“Infection occurs across all ages but proportionally less in children under the age of 15,” says Kluge.“Infection occurs across all ages but proportionally less in children under the age of 15,” says Kluge.
“The burden of severe disease is greater in older people, particularly men and those with underlying health conditions.”“The burden of severe disease is greater in older people, particularly men and those with underlying health conditions.”
“Although the majority of cases remain mild, almost 40% result in hospitalisation and 5% require intensive care. Among those who have lost their lives, two-thirds are male and 95% are over the age of 60.“Although the majority of cases remain mild, almost 40% result in hospitalisation and 5% require intensive care. Among those who have lost their lives, two-thirds are male and 95% are over the age of 60.
“Most of these individuals had one or a combination of underlying conditions. Cardiovascular disease in 66%, diabetes in 29% and renal disease in 21%.”“Most of these individuals had one or a combination of underlying conditions. Cardiovascular disease in 66%, diabetes in 29% and renal disease in 21%.”
In both Spain and Italy, the “daily death toll is levelling off”, says Kluge.In both Spain and Italy, the “daily death toll is levelling off”, says Kluge.
He adds that 10 days after the implementation of broad public health and social measures, cases began to decline in Germany.He adds that 10 days after the implementation of broad public health and social measures, cases began to decline in Germany.
Mortality rates and the median age of confirmed cases in the country are lower than the average elsewhere. Kluge said:Mortality rates and the median age of confirmed cases in the country are lower than the average elsewhere. Kluge said:
Cases of coronavirus in Europe account for about half of those globally, says WHO regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge.Cases of coronavirus in Europe account for about half of those globally, says WHO regional director Dr Hans Henri P Kluge.
Seven of the top 10 countries that are most affected by the virus are located in Europe.Seven of the top 10 countries that are most affected by the virus are located in Europe.
New confirmed cases on the continent continue to increase, with the total number of confirmed cases standing at 687,236 as of this morning, including 52,824 deaths.New confirmed cases on the continent continue to increase, with the total number of confirmed cases standing at 687,236 as of this morning, including 52,824 deaths.
The World Health Organization has begun a situation update on the outbreak of Covid-19 in Europe.The World Health Organization has begun a situation update on the outbreak of Covid-19 in Europe.