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Coronavirus live news: Spain in ‘stabilisation phase’ but US sees 2,000 deaths in a day Coronavirus live news: Spain in ‘stabilisation phase’ but US sees 2,000 deaths in a day
(32 minutes later)
India extends lockdown, while IHME revises down forecast for number of deaths in the UKIndia extends lockdown, while IHME revises down forecast for number of deaths in the UK
An inmate was found dead Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison under a coronavirus lockdown in eastern Siberia, authorities said. On Cyprus coronavirus may have offered a ray of light in reunification efforts for the war-divided country.
Officials say president Nicos Anastasiades in the island’s internationally recognised Greek south, agreed to send vital medicines and other materials to the breakaway Turkish-run north after holding talks with the state’s leader Mustafa Akinci today.
In a statement, government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios said the two men underlined the need to reinforce the bi-communal technical health committee on which experts from both sides sit in an effort to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus.
The move was immediately welcomed by those who support the reunification of Cyprus, split since 1974 when a coup aimed at union with Greece, and orchestrated in Athens, prompted Turkey to invade and seize the island’s northern third.
Anastasiades has enforced a stringent lockdown in the south including a night curfew. On Friday the Greek Cypriot Health ministry announced that the overnight tally of confirmed coronavirus cases had risen by 31, bringing the total number to 595. To date there have been nine covid-19 related deaths in the south.
Similar measures have been taken in the north where Akinci, a moderate, was cited as saying Thursday that the outbreak was “reaching a plateau but it’s not over yet and we mustn’t relax the measures we have taken.”
Three people have died from Covid-19 in the north which on Friday identified three new cases of the virus bringing the total to 99.
A dispatch below from Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo
As prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced the third extension of Italy’s lockdown until 3 May, the Italian interior ministry issued a warning, on Saturday, about the risk that extremist groups may take advantage of the coronavirus emergency to carry out acts of revolt in the country.
In a directive sent to the prefects, the interior minister, Luciana Lamorgese, asked the police to intensify the checks, due to “serious tensions’’ and the risk of “riots by groups of extremists’’.
Since the beginning of the crisis, numerous warnings have been issued by the authorities concerning the risk that criminal groups could take advantage of the crisis.
As Italy struggles to pull its economy through the coronavirus crisis, the Mafia is gaining local support by distributing free food to poor families in quarantine who have run out of cash, authorities have warned.
In recent weeks, videos have surfaced of known Mafia gangs delivering essential goods to Italians hit hard by the coronavirus emergency in the districts of Palermo and Naples.
The ramifications of the lockdown in Italy are affecting the estimated 3.3 million people in Italy who work off the books. Of those, more than 1 million live in the south, according to the most recent figures from CGIA Mestre, a Venice-based small business association. There have been reports of small shop owners being pressured to give food for free, while police are patrolling supermarkets in some areas to stop thefts. Videos of people in Sicily protesting against the government’s stalled response, or people beating their fists outside banks in Bari for a €50 (£44) loan are going viral and throwing fuel on the crisis; a fire the mafia is more than willing to stoke.
The Swiss death toll from the coronavirus has reached 831, the country’s public health ministry has said, rising from 805 people on Friday. The number of positive tests also increased to 24,900 from 24,308 on Friday, it said.
An inmate was found dead on Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison under a coronavirus lockdown in eastern Siberia, authorities said.
Trouble erupted at penal colony No 15 in Angarsk on Thursday with authorities blaming prisoners, while human rights activists said inmates self-harmed en masse to protest systematic mistreatment.Trouble erupted at penal colony No 15 in Angarsk on Thursday with authorities blaming prisoners, while human rights activists said inmates self-harmed en masse to protest systematic mistreatment.
On Friday, the work yard of the colony was engulfed in flames as riot police cordoned off roads leading to the prison, turning away independent observers. The fire was extinguished by Saturday morning.On Friday, the work yard of the colony was engulfed in flames as riot police cordoned off roads leading to the prison, turning away independent observers. The fire was extinguished by Saturday morning.
“When they cleared the debris, they found the body of an inmate,” said Irkutsk region rights ombudsman Viktor Ignatenko, quoted by Interfax news agency. “It was a violent death.”“When they cleared the debris, they found the body of an inmate,” said Irkutsk region rights ombudsman Viktor Ignatenko, quoted by Interfax news agency. “It was a violent death.”
The regional penal service issued a statement late Friday saying the situation is “under control” and investigators are on site after “inmates set several buildings in the work yard on fire”. The regional penal service issued a statement late on Friday saying the situation was under control and investigators were on site after “inmates set several buildings in the work yard on fire”.
Armenia has extended the state of emergency by another 30 days. It declared the measures last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected nearly 1,000 people.Armenia has extended the state of emergency by another 30 days. It declared the measures last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected nearly 1,000 people.
Armenia has closed educational institutions, halted all public transportation and barred foreigners from entering. The former Soviet country, which has population of 3 million, has also said it will postpone a referendum on changes to the constitutional court until after the emergency. The decision to extend the state of emergency, announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is expected to be formally approved by parliament next week.Armenia has closed educational institutions, halted all public transportation and barred foreigners from entering. The former Soviet country, which has population of 3 million, has also said it will postpone a referendum on changes to the constitutional court until after the emergency. The decision to extend the state of emergency, announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is expected to be formally approved by parliament next week.
The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, the Delhi state’s chief minister said on Saturday, without saying how long the extension would be. Modi earlier in the day held a video conference call with several state ministers. Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said Modi had “taken a correct decision to extend the lockdown”, without sharing further details. “If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp (important) to extend it,” Kejriwal said on Twitter. India’s 21-day lockdown ends on Tuesday but several states had urged Modi to extend it further, even as concerns have risen that the shutdown has put millions of poor people out of work and forced an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages.The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, the Delhi state’s chief minister said on Saturday, without saying how long the extension would be. Modi earlier in the day held a video conference call with several state ministers. Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said Modi had “taken a correct decision to extend the lockdown”, without sharing further details. “If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp (important) to extend it,” Kejriwal said on Twitter. India’s 21-day lockdown ends on Tuesday but several states had urged Modi to extend it further, even as concerns have risen that the shutdown has put millions of poor people out of work and forced an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages.
Thanks everyone who has been sending over emails with news tips and thoughts. It’s very much appreciated. I’ve also had a few cat pictures sent my way (also much appreciated). Please do continue to get in touch as I bring you the latest developments of the day.Thanks everyone who has been sending over emails with news tips and thoughts. It’s very much appreciated. I’ve also had a few cat pictures sent my way (also much appreciated). Please do continue to get in touch as I bring you the latest developments of the day.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
The coronavirus pandemic has crippled major retailers and small shops worldwide, but it may also be making a dent in illicit business.The coronavirus pandemic has crippled major retailers and small shops worldwide, but it may also be making a dent in illicit business.
In Chicago, one of the most violent places in the US, drug arrests in the weeks since the city shut down are down by 42% compared with the same period last year.In Chicago, one of the most violent places in the US, drug arrests in the weeks since the city shut down are down by 42% compared with the same period last year.
Some criminal lawyers say part of the reason is that dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump.Some criminal lawyers say part of the reason is that dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump.
“The feedback I’m getting is that they aren’t able to move, to sell anything anywhere,” said Joseph Lopez, a lawyer in Chicago who represents drug dealers.“The feedback I’m getting is that they aren’t able to move, to sell anything anywhere,” said Joseph Lopez, a lawyer in Chicago who represents drug dealers.
Overall, Chicago’s crime has declined by 10% since the pandemic struck, a trend that is playing out globally. Fewer people are being killed and fewer robberies are taking place.Overall, Chicago’s crime has declined by 10% since the pandemic struck, a trend that is playing out globally. Fewer people are being killed and fewer robberies are taking place.
Still, law enforcement officials worry about a surge of unreported domestic violence, and also what will happen when restrictions are lifted or go on too long.Still, law enforcement officials worry about a surge of unreported domestic violence, and also what will happen when restrictions are lifted or go on too long.
More than half of a group of severely ill coronavirus patients improved after receiving one of the experimental antiviral drug that Donald Trump offered to ship over for Boris Johnson.More than half of a group of severely ill coronavirus patients improved after receiving one of the experimental antiviral drug that Donald Trump offered to ship over for Boris Johnson.
However, the experimental tests on Remdesivir, published by the New England Journal of Medicine on Friday, were carried out on a sample of just 53 patients, with no control group.However, the experimental tests on Remdesivir, published by the New England Journal of Medicine on Friday, were carried out on a sample of just 53 patients, with no control group.
The results are the first for Remdesivir used on Covid-19 patients. The Gilead Sciences drug has shown promise against other coronaviruses in the past, and in lab tests against the one causing the current pandemic.The results are the first for Remdesivir used on Covid-19 patients. The Gilead Sciences drug has shown promise against other coronaviruses in the past, and in lab tests against the one causing the current pandemic.
No drugs are currently approved for treating the disease. At least five large studies are testing Remdesivir, and the company also has given it to more than 1,700 patients on a case-by-case emergency basis.No drugs are currently approved for treating the disease. At least five large studies are testing Remdesivir, and the company also has given it to more than 1,700 patients on a case-by-case emergency basis.
Friday’s results were on 53 of those patients, aged 23 to 82 and hospitalised in the United States, Europe, Canada and Japan. Thirty-four of them were sick enough to require breathing machines.Friday’s results were on 53 of those patients, aged 23 to 82 and hospitalised in the United States, Europe, Canada and Japan. Thirty-four of them were sick enough to require breathing machines.
All were given the drug through an IV for 10 days or as long as they tolerated it.All were given the drug through an IV for 10 days or as long as they tolerated it.
The number of cases of Covid-19 has passed 70,000 in Iran with 1,837 new infections confirmed in the last 24 hours.A health ministry spokesman said the total number of infections now stands at 70,029. One hundred and twenty five new deaths have also been reported in the Middle East’s worst affected country, pushing the total to 4,357.Kiyanoosh Jahanpour said 3,987 patients were in critical condition; 251,703 suspected patients have so far been tested in Iran since the outbreak began.The number of cases of Covid-19 has passed 70,000 in Iran with 1,837 new infections confirmed in the last 24 hours.A health ministry spokesman said the total number of infections now stands at 70,029. One hundred and twenty five new deaths have also been reported in the Middle East’s worst affected country, pushing the total to 4,357.Kiyanoosh Jahanpour said 3,987 patients were in critical condition; 251,703 suspected patients have so far been tested in Iran since the outbreak began.
France has decided to allow people outside to adopt a pet from animal shelters, despite strict home confinement measures.France has decided to allow people outside to adopt a pet from animal shelters, despite strict home confinement measures.
The interior ministry announced on Saturday that “tolerance will be granted” for the mercy missions from Thursday after a call from the Animal Protection Society (SPA).The interior ministry announced on Saturday that “tolerance will be granted” for the mercy missions from Thursday after a call from the Animal Protection Society (SPA).
The society shut its 62 centres to the public in line with official decrees to limit contact three weeks ago.The society shut its 62 centres to the public in line with official decrees to limit contact three weeks ago.
But on Monday the SPA urged a re-think and warned of overcrowding with thousands of animals waiting for a new home.But on Monday the SPA urged a re-think and warned of overcrowding with thousands of animals waiting for a new home.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was looking into reports of some Covid-19 patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge. South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought to be clear of the coronavirus had tested positive again. Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing that the virus may have been “reactivated” rather than the patients being re-infected. The Geneva-based WHO, asked about the report from Seoul, told Reuters in a brief statement: “We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for Covid-19 using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and then after some days testing positive again. “We are closely liaising with our clinical experts and working hard to get more information on those individual cases. It is important to make sure that when samples are collected for testing on suspected patients, procedures are followed properly.”The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was looking into reports of some Covid-19 patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge. South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought to be clear of the coronavirus had tested positive again. Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing that the virus may have been “reactivated” rather than the patients being re-infected. The Geneva-based WHO, asked about the report from Seoul, told Reuters in a brief statement: “We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for Covid-19 using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and then after some days testing positive again. “We are closely liaising with our clinical experts and working hard to get more information on those individual cases. It is important to make sure that when samples are collected for testing on suspected patients, procedures are followed properly.”
In the UK, the health secretary Matt Hancock has said that 19 NHS workers have died during the coronavirus outbreak.In the UK, the health secretary Matt Hancock has said that 19 NHS workers have died during the coronavirus outbreak.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said:Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said:
The latest figures from Spain’s health ministry show that 510 people died between Friday and Saturday, the lowest single-day death toll since 23 March. To date, the country has recorded a total of 161,852 cases of the coronavirus and 16,353 deaths. The growth rate in new cases stands at around 3% - down from a daily average of 12% at the end of March and 20% in mid-March.The statistics suggest the lockdown measures are continuing to pay off and that the country is in the so-called “stabilisation phase”.Spain’s lockdown, which has been in place since a state of emergency was declared on 14 March, was once again extended this week and will remain in effect until at least 26 April. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, says another extension seems inevitable. “I’m sure that in two weeks’ time I’ll have to extend the state of emergency again,” he told parliament on Thursday.Despite the continuing general lockdown, from Monday or Tuesday next week, some non-essential workers will be allowed to begin returning to jobs in factories and construction sites and face masks will be handed out at metro and train stations.The ban on non-essential workers travelling to do their jobs was a two-week measure intended to ease pressure on the country’s overstretched intensive care units, and it elapsed on 9 April.The latest figures from Spain’s health ministry show that 510 people died between Friday and Saturday, the lowest single-day death toll since 23 March. To date, the country has recorded a total of 161,852 cases of the coronavirus and 16,353 deaths. The growth rate in new cases stands at around 3% - down from a daily average of 12% at the end of March and 20% in mid-March.The statistics suggest the lockdown measures are continuing to pay off and that the country is in the so-called “stabilisation phase”.Spain’s lockdown, which has been in place since a state of emergency was declared on 14 March, was once again extended this week and will remain in effect until at least 26 April. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, says another extension seems inevitable. “I’m sure that in two weeks’ time I’ll have to extend the state of emergency again,” he told parliament on Thursday.Despite the continuing general lockdown, from Monday or Tuesday next week, some non-essential workers will be allowed to begin returning to jobs in factories and construction sites and face masks will be handed out at metro and train stations.The ban on non-essential workers travelling to do their jobs was a two-week measure intended to ease pressure on the country’s overstretched intensive care units, and it elapsed on 9 April.
Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, has stressed that the nationwide lockdown remains in place and reminded people that the country would be “in a phase of very tough measures” until further notice.“Businesses that have been authorised to restart their activities may do so [from next week],” he said on Friday. “It means that Spaniards will be allowed on to the streets to go to work and to get basic items such as food and medicine, but for no other reasons.”According to media reports, at least one member of the government’s expert panel on the coronavirus has questioned the decision, saying he believes it would have been “sensible” to keep the ban on all non-essential work in force for longer.Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, has stressed that the nationwide lockdown remains in place and reminded people that the country would be “in a phase of very tough measures” until further notice.“Businesses that have been authorised to restart their activities may do so [from next week],” he said on Friday. “It means that Spaniards will be allowed on to the streets to go to work and to get basic items such as food and medicine, but for no other reasons.”According to media reports, at least one member of the government’s expert panel on the coronavirus has questioned the decision, saying he believes it would have been “sensible” to keep the ban on all non-essential work in force for longer.
Spain’s daily coronavirus death toll fell for the third day in a row on Saturday after 510 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said in a statement, marking the smallest overnight increase since 23 March. Total fatalities from the virus rose to 16,353, from 15,843 on Friday, the ministry said, while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 161,852 from 157,022.Spain’s daily coronavirus death toll fell for the third day in a row on Saturday after 510 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said in a statement, marking the smallest overnight increase since 23 March. Total fatalities from the virus rose to 16,353, from 15,843 on Friday, the ministry said, while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 161,852 from 157,022.
Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has announced a coronavirus aid package for poor people and hard-hit firms, as cases continue to rise in the war-torn west African state.Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has announced a coronavirus aid package for poor people and hard-hit firms, as cases continue to rise in the war-torn west African state.
The president warned on Friday that the country’s already war-battered economy was facing a shock, and declared a package worth some 500bn CFA francs ($832m).The president warned on Friday that the country’s already war-battered economy was facing a shock, and declared a package worth some 500bn CFA francs ($832m).
“The government of Mali ... is willing to make the greatest sacrifice to lessen the negative impact of the pandemic on our economy and society,” Keita said in a televised address.“The government of Mali ... is willing to make the greatest sacrifice to lessen the negative impact of the pandemic on our economy and society,” Keita said in a televised address.
Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been struggling since 2012 to quell a jihadist insurgency that has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians.Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been struggling since 2012 to quell a jihadist insurgency that has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians.
The conflict – which has left swathes of the country outside state control – has aggravated fears that Mali is ill prepared to tackle a large coronavirus outbreak.The conflict – which has left swathes of the country outside state control – has aggravated fears that Mali is ill prepared to tackle a large coronavirus outbreak.
Africans in southern China’s largest city say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing as the country steps up its fight against imported infections.Africans in southern China’s largest city say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing as the country steps up its fight against imported infections.
China says it has largely curbed its Covid-19 outbreak but a recent cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus prevention officials.China says it has largely curbed its Covid-19 outbreak but a recent cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus prevention officials.
Local authorities in the industrial centre of 15 million said at least eight people diagnosed with the illness had spent time in the city’s Yuexiu district, known as “Little Africa”.Local authorities in the industrial centre of 15 million said at least eight people diagnosed with the illness had spent time in the city’s Yuexiu district, known as “Little Africa”.
Five were Nigerian nationals who faced widespread anger after reports surfaced that they had broken a mandatory quarantine and been to eight restaurants and other public places instead of staying home.Five were Nigerian nationals who faced widespread anger after reports surfaced that they had broken a mandatory quarantine and been to eight restaurants and other public places instead of staying home.
As a result, nearly 2,000 people they came into contact with had to be tested for Covid-19 or undergo quarantine, state media said.As a result, nearly 2,000 people they came into contact with had to be tested for Covid-19 or undergo quarantine, state media said.
Guangzhou had confirmed 114 imported coronavirus cases as of Thursday - 16 of which were Africans. The rest were returning Chinese nationals.Guangzhou had confirmed 114 imported coronavirus cases as of Thursday - 16 of which were Africans. The rest were returning Chinese nationals.
It has led to Africans becoming targets of suspicion, distrust and racism in China.It has led to Africans becoming targets of suspicion, distrust and racism in China.
Several Africans told AFP they had been forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away by hotels.Several Africans told AFP they had been forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away by hotels.
“I’ve been sleeping under the bridge for four days with no food to eat... I cannot buy food anywhere, no shops or restaurants will serve me,” said Tony Mathias, an exchange student from Uganda who was forced from his apartment on Monday.“I’ve been sleeping under the bridge for four days with no food to eat... I cannot buy food anywhere, no shops or restaurants will serve me,” said Tony Mathias, an exchange student from Uganda who was forced from his apartment on Monday.
“We’re like beggars on the street,” the 24-year-old said.“We’re like beggars on the street,” the 24-year-old said.
Police in Guangzhou declined to comment when contacted by AFP.Police in Guangzhou declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
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.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.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 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.