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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
China is cracking down on publication of academic research about the origins of the novel coronavirus, in what is likely to be part of a wider attempt to control the narrative surrounding the pandemic, documents published online by Chinese universities appear to show.
Two websites for leading Chinese universities appear to have recently published and then removed pages that reference a new policy requiring academic papers dealing with Covid-19 to undergo extra vetting before they are submitted for publication.
Prof Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London, said the Chinese government had had a heavy focus on how the evolution and management of the virus is perceived since the early days of the outbreak.
New York City 911 emergency operators are picking up new calls every 15 seconds as the service is placed under unprecedented strain.
The system in the US city is so overwhelmed, the Associated Press reported, and the city has started sending text and tweet alerts urging people to only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
The Fire Department said it has averaged more than 5,500 ambulance requests each day, about 40% higher than usual, eclipsing the total call volume on September 11 2001.
“When you hang up with one call, another one needs to be attended to immediately,” 911 operator Monique Brown said, “there’s no time for a minutes rest.”“We just pick up call after call after call,” said paramedic Ravi Kailayanathan.
Thanks Sarah.
Boris Johnson’s fiance, environmental campaigner and former Tory press officer Carrie Symonds, sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in intensive care, a Downing Street source has confirmed.
He received daily updates, including images of their unborn child, as he struggled with coronavirus at St Thomas’ hospital in central London.
Symonds, who is due to give birth in two months, and has also been ill with coronavirus-like symptoms in recent weeks, has not been tested. The two have reportedly not seen each other since he was admitted to hospital.
I am passing the live blog over to my colleague Mattha Busby now who will be running it for a short while so I can take a lunch break. Thanks everyone.I am passing the live blog over to my colleague Mattha Busby now who will be running it for a short while so I can take a lunch break. Thanks everyone.
The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, is making “very good progress” in his recovery from Covid-19, his office said on Saturday. Johnson was moved out of intensive care after three nights on Thursday, and Downing Street said on Friday he had managed to start walking, although his recovery was at an early stage. “The prime minister continues to make very good progress,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, is making “very good progress” in his recovery from Covid-19, his office said on Saturday. Johnson was moved out of intensive care after three nights on Thursday, and Downing Street said on Friday he had managed to start walking, although his recovery was at an early stage. “The prime minister continues to make very good progress,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,316 on Saturday to 24,413, health authorities said, with 132 new deaths. The country’s cumulative death toll is 2,643, the Netherlands’ National Institute for Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,316 on Saturday to 24,413, health authorities said, with 132 new deaths. The country’s cumulative death toll is 2,643, the Netherlands’ National Institute for Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.
US becomes first country to report 2,000 deaths in a dayUS becomes first country to report 2,000 deaths in a day
The US recorded more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths, the first country to see such a high number 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.The US recorded more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths, the first country to see such a high number 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. The news came as White House experts said the spread of the virus was 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.”America could soon surpass Italy as the country with the most coronavirus deaths worldwide. The news came as White House experts said the spread of the virus was 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.”
The pandemic peak still to come in BritainThe pandemic peak still to come in Britain
Britain has not yet reached the Covid-19 peak, which would allow for an easing of lockdown restrictions, said the health secretary, Matt Hancock. The death toll in British hospitals has reached almost 9,000, with 980 more deaths reported on Friday. The figure exceeded the deadliest day so far in Italy, the country worst hit by the virus. Hancock said the Easter weekend would be a “test of the nation’s resolve”. He issued another warning to the public to stay at home amid the coronavirus crisis.Britain has not yet reached the Covid-19 peak, which would allow for an easing of lockdown restrictions, said the health secretary, Matt Hancock. The death toll in British hospitals has reached almost 9,000, with 980 more deaths reported on Friday. The figure exceeded the deadliest day so far in Italy, the country worst hit by the virus. Hancock said the Easter weekend would be a “test of the nation’s resolve”. He issued another warning to the public to stay at home amid the coronavirus crisis.
Death toll in Spain falls for third dayDeath toll in Spain falls for third day
Spain’s daily coronavirus death toll fell for the third consecutive day on Saturday after 510 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said in a statement. It marked 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 consecutive day on Saturday after 510 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said in a statement. It marked 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.
South Korea plans tracking wristbandsSouth Korea plans tracking wristbands
South Korea has announced plans to strap tracking wristbands on people who ignore quarantine orders. Officials said stricter controls were required to enforce self-isolation rules.Some of the 57,000 people who are under orders to stay home have apparently slipped out by leaving behind their smartphones, which are used to monitor movement.South Korea has announced plans to strap tracking wristbands on people who ignore quarantine orders. Officials said stricter controls were required to enforce self-isolation rules.Some of the 57,000 people who are under orders to stay home have apparently slipped out by leaving behind their smartphones, which are used to monitor movement.
India extends lockdownIndia extends lockdown
The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, the Delhi chief minister said on Saturday. He did not say how long the extension would be. Earlier in the day, Modi held a video conference call with several state ministers. The Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said Modi had “taken a correct decision to extend the lockdown”, without sharing further details.The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, the Delhi chief minister said on Saturday. He did not say how long the extension would be. Earlier in the day, Modi held a video conference call with several state ministers. The Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said Modi had “taken a correct decision to extend the lockdown”, without sharing further details.
Iran death toll rises to more than 4,000Iran death toll rises to more than 4,000
Iran’s total death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 4,357 on Saturday, with 125 people having lost their lives in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said. The total number of people diagnosed with the disease rose by 1,837 in the past 24 hours to a total of 70,029, ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpur said, with 3,987 of those infected in critical condition. Iran is the country most affected by the pandemic in the Middle East.Iran’s total death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 4,357 on Saturday, with 125 people having lost their lives in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said. The total number of people diagnosed with the disease rose by 1,837 in the past 24 hours to a total of 70,029, ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpur said, with 3,987 of those infected in critical condition. Iran is the country most affected by the pandemic in the Middle East.
Thanks everyone, it’s been a busy few hours of news updates and I will be posting a summary shortly. I really appreciate all your messages, especially the ones thanking The Guardian for providing you with information. Please do share any news tips. They are always welcome, and apologies if I cannot reply to you all.Thanks everyone, it’s been a busy few hours of news updates and I will be posting a summary shortly. I really appreciate all your messages, especially the ones thanking The Guardian for providing you with information. Please do share any news tips. They are always welcome, and apologies if I cannot reply to you all.
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On Cyprus coronavirus may have offered a ray of light in reunification efforts for the war-divided country.On Cyprus coronavirus may have offered a ray of light in reunification efforts for the war-divided country.
Officials say the president on the island’s internationally recognised Greek south, Nicos Anastasiades, agreed to send vital medicines and other materials to the breakaway Turkish-run north after holding talks with the state’s leader, Mustafa Akıncı.Officials say the president on the island’s internationally recognised Greek south, Nicos Anastasiades, agreed to send vital medicines and other materials to the breakaway Turkish-run north after holding talks with the state’s leader, Mustafa Akıncı.
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.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.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.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 Akıncı, a moderate, was cited as saying on Thursday that the outbreak was “reaching a plateau but it’s not over yet and we mustn’t relax the measures we have taken”.Similar measures have been taken in the north where Akıncı, a moderate, was cited as saying on 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.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 PalermoA 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.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’’.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.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.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.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 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.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.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 on Friday saying the situation was under control and investigators were 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.