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Coronavirus live news: US cases pass 500,000 as Trump faces 'biggest decision' on curbs Coronavirus live news: US cases pass 500,000 as Trump faces 'biggest decision' on curbs
(32 minutes later)
US president says he is ‘not determined’ to open up the country in May; global death toll passes 100,000US president says he is ‘not determined’ to open up the country in May; global death toll passes 100,000
In the UK, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has posted revised – and significantly lower – forecasts for the number of deaths in the UK related to Covid-19. These new forecasts are the result of more data, with the numbers moving from 66,000 cumulative deaths to 37,000. The revised estimates fall within the range of the previous forecasts.
IHME said it saw fluctuations in its earlier estimates of US deaths, which have been revised to reflect increasing sources of data and the effects of physical distancing measures.
The new forecasts included four additional days’ worth of reported daily deaths for the UK (6, 7, 8, 9 April). The slower increase in daily deaths reported has led IHME to project a peak of 1,674 daily deaths (estimate range of 651 to 4,143) and 37,494 cumulative deaths (estimate range of 26,149 to 62,519) through the first wave of the pandemic.
The Philippines reported 26 new coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, taking the total to 247. It also confirmed 233 new infections bringing its total to 4,428. Seventeen more patients have recovered, the health ministry said in a bulletin, bringing the number of recoveries to 157.
Elsewhere, Malaysian health authorities reported 184 additional confirmed cases on Saturday, raising the cumulative tally to 4,530, the highest number for any country in southeast Asia.
The latest data includes three new deaths, raising the total fatalities from the outbreak to 73. The ministry said 44% of all confirmed cases had recovered.
An interesting article today, asking are state responses to the virus shifting the balance of power between China and the west?
World-renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall says the coronavirus pandemic was caused by humanity’s disregard for nature and disrespect for animals.World-renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall says the coronavirus pandemic was caused by humanity’s disregard for nature and disrespect for animals.
Goodall, who is best known for trailblazing research in Africa that revealed the true nature of chimpanzees, pleaded for the world to learn from past mistakes to prevent future disasters.Goodall, who is best known for trailblazing research in Africa that revealed the true nature of chimpanzees, pleaded for the world to learn from past mistakes to prevent future disasters.
During a conference call ahead of the release of the new National Geographic documentary “Jane Goodall: The Hope”, the 82-year-old also said everyone can make a difference.She said: During a conference call ahead of the release of the new National Geographic documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope, the 82-year-old said everyone can make a difference:
Turkey hospital sees hope as 93-year-old virus patient discharged, Turkey hospital sees hope as 93-year-old patient discharged
Cheered by her doctors, 93-year-old Alye Gunduz was discharged from an Istanbul hospital after recovering from the novel coronavirus following 10 days of treatment. Cheered by her doctors, Alye Gunduz was discharged from an Istanbul hospital after recovering from the coronavirus following 10 days of treatment.
Her recovery from the disease offered some hope to health workers at Istanbul’s Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty hospital as they battle the outbreak, which risks hitting Turkey hard.Her recovery from the disease offered some hope to health workers at Istanbul’s Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty hospital as they battle the outbreak, which risks hitting Turkey hard.
“It is promising because patients at this age and with chronic diseases are most of the time unable to recover because they are at highest risk from COVID-19,” chief physician Zekayi Kutlubay told AFP. “It is promising because patients at this age and with chronic diseases are most of the time unable to recover because they are at highest risk,” chief physician Zekayi Kutlubay told AFP.
“A 93-year-old woman walking out of intensive care sound and safe is inspiring for us as well as for other coronavirus patients at her age.” “A 93-year-old woman walking out of intensive care safe and sound is inspiring for us as well as for other coronavirus patients at her age.”
South Korea announced plans on Saturday to strap tracking wristbands on people who defy quarantine orders, while Christians across the globe were urged to stay home over the Easter weekend as the coronavirus death toll passed 100,000. South Korean officials said stricter controls were required because some of the 57,000 people who are under orders to stay home have slipped out by leaving behind smartphones with tracking apps. Plans for broader use of wristbands were scaled back after objections by human rights and legal activists. Meanwhile, US health authorities reported more outbreaks in New York City and the surrounding region, an area with some 20 million people that accounts for more than half of the 500,000 American cases. Other hot spots are in Detroit, Louisiana and the capital, Washington. Worldwide, confirmed infections rose to 1.7 million, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. In China, where the pandemic began in December, the government reported three deaths and 46 additional cases in the 24 hours to midnight on Friday. The number of new daily cases has declined dramatically, allowing the ruling Communist Party to reopen factories and stores.China has reported 3,339 deaths and 81,953 confirmed infections, though critics say the real totals might be higher.South Korea announced plans on Saturday to strap tracking wristbands on people who defy quarantine orders, while Christians across the globe were urged to stay home over the Easter weekend as the coronavirus death toll passed 100,000. South Korean officials said stricter controls were required because some of the 57,000 people who are under orders to stay home have slipped out by leaving behind smartphones with tracking apps. Plans for broader use of wristbands were scaled back after objections by human rights and legal activists. Meanwhile, US health authorities reported more outbreaks in New York City and the surrounding region, an area with some 20 million people that accounts for more than half of the 500,000 American cases. Other hot spots are in Detroit, Louisiana and the capital, Washington. Worldwide, confirmed infections rose to 1.7 million, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. In China, where the pandemic began in December, the government reported three deaths and 46 additional cases in the 24 hours to midnight on Friday. The number of new daily cases has declined dramatically, allowing the ruling Communist Party to reopen factories and stores.China has reported 3,339 deaths and 81,953 confirmed infections, though critics say the real totals might be higher.
A German science writer has expressed disbelief that despite great wealth and technological capabilities, the US has “sleepwalked” into the coronavirus disaster.A German science writer has expressed disbelief that despite great wealth and technological capabilities, the US has “sleepwalked” into the coronavirus disaster.
Kai Kupferschmidt said: “No matter how long I live, I don’t think I will ever get over how the U.S., with all its wealth and technological capability and academic prowess, sleepwalked into the disaster that is unfolding.”His comment came as the United States was surging past 100,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus, facing a critical lack of ventilators, masks and testing. Now it is more than 400,000. Kai Kupferschmidt said: “No matter how long I live, I don’t think I will ever get over how the US, with all its wealth and technological capability and academic prowess, sleepwalked into the disaster that is unfolding.”His comment came as the United States passed 100,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus, and was facing a critical lack of ventilators, face masks and testing. Now it is more than 500,000.
The global coronavirus death toll topped 100,000 as Easter weekend celebrations around the world kicked off in near-empty churches with billions of people stuck indoors to halt the pandemic. The global coronavirus death toll topped 100,000 as Easter weekend celebrations around the world kicked off in near-empty churches, with billions of people stuck indoors in an effort to halt the pandemic.
Extraordinary measures from New York to Naples to New Delhi have seen businesses and schools closed in a desperate bid to halt the virus’s spread, and the IMF has warned that the world now faces the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Extraordinary measures from New York to Naples to New Delhi have seen businesses and schools closed, and the IMF has warned that the world now faces the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
More than 102,000 people have died of COVID-19 with 1.7 million infections detected globally, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker, with nearly 70% of the fatalities in Europe. More than 102,000 people have died of Covid-19 with 1.7 million infections detected globally, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker, with nearly 70% of the fatalities in Europe.
The United States, now the pandemic’s epicentre, became the first country to record more than 2,000 virus deaths in one day and is closing in on Italy’s 18,849 fatalities - currently the highest national figure. The United States, now the centre of the pandemic, became the first country to record more than 2,000 virus deaths in one day and is closing in on Italy’s 18,849 fatalities - currently the highest national figure.
With more than half a million reported infections, the United States already has more coronavirus cases than anywhere else in the world.With more than half a million reported infections, the United States already has more coronavirus cases than anywhere else in the world.
Thanks to everyone emailing in today, great to hear what is happening where you are and get any news tips. Also – for those asking about my cat. Here is a photo of the overlord himself, who watches me as I blog. A little joy during a strange time.Thanks to everyone emailing in today, great to hear what is happening where you are and get any news tips. Also – for those asking about my cat. Here is a photo of the overlord himself, who watches me as I blog. A little joy during a strange time.
As ever please continue to get in touch As ever please continue to get in touch ...
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Indonesia confirmed 330 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, taking its tally to 3,842, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said. It also confirmed 21 virus-related deaths, taking the total to 327, Yurianto told a televised news conference.Indonesia confirmed 330 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, taking its tally to 3,842, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said. It also confirmed 21 virus-related deaths, taking the total to 327, Yurianto told a televised news conference.
In the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was “insulting” to suggest health careworkers were “wasting” personal protective equipment. His comments come after the health secretary, Matt Hancock, reminded NHS workers not to “overuse” PPE and to follow the guidelines for its correct use. Starmer tweeted: “It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE. “There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe.In the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was “insulting” to suggest health careworkers were “wasting” personal protective equipment. His comments come after the health secretary, Matt Hancock, reminded NHS workers not to “overuse” PPE and to follow the guidelines for its correct use. Starmer tweeted: “It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE. “There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe.
“The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.”“The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.”
Taiwan has accused the World Health Organization (WHO) of playing word games in a dispute over details it sought in an email querying if the new coronavirus could be transmitted between people. Taiwan is not a WHO member, because of objections from China, which claims the island as its own and deems it to have no right to membership of international bodies. Such an approach, Taiwan says, deprived it of timely information to fight the virus, and it accused the WHO of having ignored its communications early in the pandemic, which has infected 1.6 million people and killed 100,000 worldwide. Last month, Taiwan said it had received no reply from the WHO to a 31 December query for information on the outbreak in China’s central city of Wuhan, including whether it could be transmitted between people. The WHO has said the email it received made no mention of human-to-human transmission. In Taipei on Saturday, the health minister, Chen Shih-chung, quoted the text of the email written in English that the government sent to the WHO.
Most of Thailand’s provinces have banned sales of alcohol, heeding a central government call to discourage festive celebrations for the Thai New Year as the country seeks to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Thailand is among Southeast Asian countries that are cancelling or scaling back traditionally boisterous Buddhist New Year celebrations amid the global pandemic. The Thai New Year or water splashing Songkran celebrations are usually held April 13-15, but this year the government has postponed the holidays that would normally be taken then. A 10-day ban on the sale of wine, beer and spirits in the capital Bangkok went into effect on Friday. Some 47 of Thailand’s 77 provinces have implemented bans to April 15 or until the end of the month, the interior ministry said in a statement.
The US has become the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day.
Figures from Johns Hopkins University show 2,108 people died in the past 24 hours with more than half a million confirmed infections.
America could soon surpass Italy as the country with the most coronavirus deaths worldwide.
It comes as White House experts said the spread of the virus is starting to level off.
Dr Deborah Birx said there were good signs the outbreak was stabilising, but cautioned: “As encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak.”
President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranians to respect health protocols as “low-risk” economic activities resumed in most of the country on Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported. So-called low-risk businesses will resume across the country from Saturday with the exception of the capital Tehran, where they will restart from April 18. Iran is the Middle Eastern country worst-affected by the new coronavirus. “Easing restrictions does not mean ignoring health protocols ... social distancing and other health protocols should be respected seriously by people,” Rouhani was quoted as saying.
Britain has not yet reached the Covid-19 peak which would allow for an easing of tight restrictions of movement, health minister Matt Hancock said on Saturday. The death toll in British hospitals has reached almost 9,000, with 980 more deaths reported on Friday, a figure which exceeded the deadliest day so far in Italy, the country worst hit by the virus. Among those who have been infected is prime minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering in hospital after spending three nights in intensive care. His office said he was improving and was back on his feet although his recovery was still at an early stage. Britain imposed a lockdown three weeks ago in a bid to curb the spread of the virus and the government has come under increasing pressure to detail how long the strict measures on movements would last, with people forced to stay at home and many businesses unable to operate. Ministers have said Britain needed to pass the peak of the outbreak before changes could be made, and Hancock said although the number of hospital admissions had started to flatten out, there was not enough evidence yet to have confidence they were past the worst. “Our judgement is we’re not there yet. We haven’t seen a flattening enough to be able to say that we’ve reached the peak,” he told BBC radio. Some scientists have suggested the peak might still be some weeks off but Hancock said “nobody knows” when it would be. “There’s all sorts of suggestions. Their job is to make their best estimate and advise us and we have a whole load of different pieces of advice from different scientists,” he said. The death rate is also expected to increase over the next few days, health officials have cautioned, but they say they are hopeful that the lockdown will mean that the overall number of deaths will be below 20,000. Initially Johnson took a more modest response to the outbreak than other European leaders but changed tack when projections suggested a quarter of a million people could die in the United Kingdom. The government has come under fire for its initial response and a lack of preparedness, and there was criticism on Saturday from doctors and nurses who said they were having to treat patients without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. Among those to have died after testing positive for COVID-19 are 19 health care workers including 11 doctors.
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Iran’s president Rouhani has urged people to respect health protocols as coronavirus restrictions ease.
More to follow on this...
The Afghan interior ministry has pledged tighter control on movement as the number of Covid-19 infections reached 555, triggered by a surge in cases in Kandahar and Kabul.Three deaths and 34 new infections have been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 18.A health ministry spokesman said 4,090 suspected patients have so far been tested in Afghanistan since the outbreak began.The ministry warned that number of new infections continue to rise across the war-torn country and asked citizens to come to hospitals if they have any symptoms.Eight of new positive cases confirmed were in the country’s capital, Kabul, bringing the total number of infections to 119. Kabul is second worst affected city after Herat, which has 273 cases and four deaths.After a surge in number of cases in Kabul, the city went into full lockdown on Wednesday, and police will impose more restrictions on residents to curb unnecessary movements, officials said.Health workers and food suppliers, media workers, security officials and telecom services employees are exempt.The interior minister warned that if people in Kabul continue defying the order, police will use force against them. “If we see any sort of violation, we will act seriously”.Afghanistan has so far recorded 37 recoveries from the virus.
In the UK, the heath secretary, Matt Hancock, said it was still too early to determine whether the peak of coronavirus infections in the UK had been reached. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The good news is we have seen the number of hospital admissions starting – starting, I stress – to flatten out.
“You can see (from the government’s charts) that instead of going up exponentially, as they would have done if we had not taken the measures, that they are starting to come down and flatten. “We haven’t seen that enough to have confidence to make changes. The answer to your question, about have we reached the peak, is nobody knows.” Asked about the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, saying the UK was two weeks away from the peak, Hancock added: “Our judgment is that we are not there yet and that we haven’t seen a flattening enough to be able to say that we have reached the peak.”
Publicly-funded US broadcaster Voice of America has rubbished criticism from the White House that it is promoting Chinese “foreign propaganda” on the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Friday, Donald Trump’s administration claimed VOA pushed Beijing’s message by tweeting a video of celebrations at the end of Wuhan’s quarantine measures, and noting the US had surpassed China’s death toll.
“VOA too often speaks for America’s adversaries – not its citizens,” the White House claimed, adding: “Journalists should report the facts, but VOA has instead amplified Beijing’s propaganda.”
At least 18,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, compared with about 3,000 Chinese nationals, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
VOA director Amanda Bennet pushed back at the criticism, while not mentioning the Trump administration, noting that the broadcaster had reported on China’s efforts to initially hide the coronavirus outbreak.