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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
Hospitalisations and intensive care admissions in New York are continuing to decline, governor Andrew Cuomo has just said.
The number of cases of coronavirus in Canada has risen to 22,559, up from 21,243 on April 10, according to public health agency data.
So far, there have been 600 deaths, an increase of 69 from yesterday’s figure.
The British home secretary is currently giving the daily coronavirus briefing for the UK.
You can watch that live here:
Alternatively, you can follow live updates from my colleague Lucy Campbell here:
I’ll be posting a summary on this blog when it finishes.
Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the blog for the next few hours.
If you spot anything I miss, or want to get in touch, you can drop me a message on Twitter @mollyblackall.
I won’t be able to reply to everything, but will endeavour to read each one. Thanks in advance!
The Netherlands has called for proposals to develop smartphone apps or software that could be used to help combat the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, the health ministry announced it was looking for proposals on how to conduct “contract tracing” of people who may have been exposed to the virus, while maintaining individual privacy.
Finnish health authorities have reported that another 136 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past day after approximately 3,100 were tested.
More than 44,300 overall have now been tested for the virus in the Scandinavian country, with 1,816 confirmed cases.
In relation to the Finnish population of 5.5m people, the rate of cases is 53 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the Finnish institute for health and welfare said.
There have been 49 people who have died from the disease and personal data has been published about 35 of those people. It said:
I am now handing the blog over to Mattha Busby. Thanks everyone for your comments, and thoughts today.I am now handing the blog over to Mattha Busby. Thanks everyone for your comments, and thoughts today.
The number of coronavirus cases detected in the US rose past half a million over the Easter weekend with 18,700 deaths, as president Donald Trump said the decision on when it was safe to reopen the country would be the biggest he had ever had to make. Public health experts have warned that the death toll could spike to 200,000 over the summer if unprecedented stay-at-home orders that have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors are lifted after 30 days. Trump, seeking re-election in November, has said he wants life to return to normal as soon as possible and that the sweeping restrictions on movement aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus carry their own economic and public-health cost. “I’m going to have to make a decision, and I ... hope to God that it’s the right decision,” he told reporters on Friday. “It’s the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.” The number of coronavirus cases detected in the US rose past half a million over the Easter weekend with 18,700 deaths, as president Donald Trump said the decision on when it was safe to reopen the country would be the biggest he had ever had to make. Public health experts said the death toll could spike to 200,000 over the summer if unprecedented stay-at-home orders, which have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors, are lifted after 30 days. Trump, seeking re-election in November, has said he wants life to return to normal as soon as possible and that the sweeping restrictions on movement aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus carry their own economic and public health cost. “I’m going to have to make a decision, and I ... hope to God that it’s the right decision,” he told reporters on Friday. “It’s the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
I am now moving to my last 30-minutes on the blog before I enjoy some state-mandated exercise outside. A big thanks to everyone who has sent me emails today. Your insight is always really useful and makes this job a lot easier. If you want to share any news tips with me, then please do via any of the channels below.I am now moving to my last 30-minutes on the blog before I enjoy some state-mandated exercise outside. A big thanks to everyone who has sent me emails today. Your insight is always really useful and makes this job a lot easier. If you want to share any news tips with me, then please do via any of the channels below.
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The Spanish government has defended its decision to allow some non-essential workers to return to their jobs in factories and construction sites this coming week despite warnings that any relaxation of confinement measures could lead to a rise in contagion.The World Health Organization has said there could be a “deadly resurgence” of the coronavirus if countermeasures are lifted too soon, while one of the Spanish government’s own experts has said he thought it would have been “sensible” to keep non-essential workers at home for longer.Speaking on Saturday afternoon, the country’s health minister, Salvador Illa, said Spain remained in strict lockdown and that people were only allowed out to go to work or to buy food or medicines. “We still have very, very drastic restrictions in place,” he added.Illa said that the ban on non-essential workers leaving their homes to work had only ever been a temporary measure intended to reduce the pressure on Spain’s overstretched intensive care units.The minister insisted that all decisions were “taken on the basis of consensus” and said the government followed the recommendations of experts.Illa also said the current lockdown could go on for a few more weeks at least. “As the prime minister has already said, it’s very probable that these measures will be in force beyond 26 April,” he said. “Spain is not de-escalating; we remain in lockdown.”He said the government was following the disease’s movement on a daily basis and adapting its response accordingly. “We are maintaining the current measures - and haven’t ruled anything out,” he said.“The information we have at the moment confirms a slowing down of the disease and the growth in new cases is much lower than it was last week, or two weeks ago, or a month ago. “But today we still have 4,830 new cases and that means we need to stay in lockdown. We know this is a big sacrifice for everyone, but it’s one that has to be made. If the epidemic carries on going in the same direction, we may be able to alter the response, but it will always be done prudently, cautiously, and on the basis of the scientific evidence we have.”The Spanish government has defended its decision to allow some non-essential workers to return to their jobs in factories and construction sites this coming week despite warnings that any relaxation of confinement measures could lead to a rise in contagion.The World Health Organization has said there could be a “deadly resurgence” of the coronavirus if countermeasures are lifted too soon, while one of the Spanish government’s own experts has said he thought it would have been “sensible” to keep non-essential workers at home for longer.Speaking on Saturday afternoon, the country’s health minister, Salvador Illa, said Spain remained in strict lockdown and that people were only allowed out to go to work or to buy food or medicines. “We still have very, very drastic restrictions in place,” he added.Illa said that the ban on non-essential workers leaving their homes to work had only ever been a temporary measure intended to reduce the pressure on Spain’s overstretched intensive care units.The minister insisted that all decisions were “taken on the basis of consensus” and said the government followed the recommendations of experts.Illa also said the current lockdown could go on for a few more weeks at least. “As the prime minister has already said, it’s very probable that these measures will be in force beyond 26 April,” he said. “Spain is not de-escalating; we remain in lockdown.”He said the government was following the disease’s movement on a daily basis and adapting its response accordingly. “We are maintaining the current measures - and haven’t ruled anything out,” he said.“The information we have at the moment confirms a slowing down of the disease and the growth in new cases is much lower than it was last week, or two weeks ago, or a month ago. “But today we still have 4,830 new cases and that means we need to stay in lockdown. We know this is a big sacrifice for everyone, but it’s one that has to be made. If the epidemic carries on going in the same direction, we may be able to alter the response, but it will always be done prudently, cautiously, and on the basis of the scientific evidence we have.”
The Spanish government has advised people to maintain careful social distancing as some of those who cannot work from home begin to resume their jobs. It has also said face-masks will be handed out at metro and rail stations.The Spanish government has advised people to maintain careful social distancing as some of those who cannot work from home begin to resume their jobs. It has also said face-masks will be handed out at metro and rail stations.
In Egypt, police used tear gas to disperse a group of villagers who tried to stop the burial of a physician who died from the Covid-19. The villagers feared the burial would spread contagion.In Egypt, police used tear gas to disperse a group of villagers who tried to stop the burial of a physician who died from the Covid-19. The villagers feared the burial would spread contagion.
Residents of the village of Shubra el-Bahou in the Nile Delta blocked the road to the cemetery to prevent the physician’s burial, according to Egyptian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief reporters.The physician died at a quarantined hospital in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia and her body was being transferred to her husband’s village for burial. The officials said police fired tear gas after the villagers halted the ambulance carrying the body. There were no reports of any serious injuries.Ahmed el-Sayed, a village resident, said the police intervened after security and health officials failed to persuade the villagers to open the road. Egypt has reported 135 fatalities among about 1,800 confirmed cases.Residents of the village of Shubra el-Bahou in the Nile Delta blocked the road to the cemetery to prevent the physician’s burial, according to Egyptian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief reporters.The physician died at a quarantined hospital in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia and her body was being transferred to her husband’s village for burial. The officials said police fired tear gas after the villagers halted the ambulance carrying the body. There were no reports of any serious injuries.Ahmed el-Sayed, a village resident, said the police intervened after security and health officials failed to persuade the villagers to open the road. Egypt has reported 135 fatalities among about 1,800 confirmed cases.
Iran has started reopening government offices after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst coronavirus outbreak which has killed more than 4,300 people in the country.Authorities had ordered most government agencies and all non-essential businesses to remain closed for a week after the Nowruz holiday ended on Apr. 4.Government offices outside Iran’s capital, Tehran, reopened Saturday with a third of all employees working from home, state media reported. Women who have young children were given priority in deciding who works remotely. Businesses in Tehran will be allowed to reopen next Saturday, provided they register with authorities and follow guidelines on social distancing set out by the Health Ministry. The Health Ministry meanwhile reported another 125 deaths, bringing the overall toll to 4,357. Iran has reported more than 70,000 confirmed cases, and authorities say more than 40,000 have recovered.For weeks, Iran declined to impose the kind of wide-scale lockdowns adopted by other Middle Eastern countries, even as the number of confirmed cases and fatalities steadily climbed. Iran has started reopening government offices after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 4,300 people in the country.Authorities had ordered most government agencies and all non-essential businesses to remain closed for a week after the Nowruz holiday ended on 4 April.Government offices outside Iran’s capital, Tehran, reopened Saturday with a third of all employees working from home, state media reported. Women who have young children were given priority in deciding who works remotely. Businesses in Tehran will be allowed to reopen next Saturday, provided they register with authorities and follow guidelines on social distancing set out by the health ministry. The health ministry meanwhile reported another 125 deaths, bringing the overall toll to 4,357. Iran has reported more than 70,000 confirmed cases, and authorities said more than 40,000 have recovered.
Authorities have defended their response, saying they have to consider the economic impact of any quarantine measures since the country is under severe US sanctions. The US has offered humanitarian aid to help Iran combat the outbreak, but Iran’s leaders have rejected it, instead demanding that the sanctions be lifted. For weeks, Iran declined to impose the kind of large-scale lockdowns adopted by other Middle Eastern countries, even as the number of confirmed cases and fatalities steadily climbed.
Authorities have defended their response, saying they had to consider the economic impact of any quarantine measures, since the country is under severe US sanctions. The US has offered humanitarian aid to help Iran combat the outbreak but Iran’s leaders have rejected it, instead demanding that the sanctions be lifted.
European countries are trying to keep people from traveling as the weather heats up for Easter.In Asia, South Korea announced plans to strap tracking wristbands on people who defy quarantine orders. The Japanese government appealed to the public nationwide to avoid bars, clubs and restaurants, broadening a measure announced earlier for seven urban areas, including Tokyo.In Europe, Italian authorities stepped up checks, particularly around the northern Lombardy region, which has borne the brunt of the Covid-19 outbreak. Roadblocks were set up on main thoroughfares in and out of Milan and along highway exits to discourage people from going on holiday trips.“Don’t do silly things,” said Domenico Arcuri, Italy’s special commissioner for the virus emergency. “Don’t go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.” He added: “The virus has not been defeated, but we are on the right path. We see the indicators but not the end of the tunnel. In fact, the end of the tunnel is still far away.”In Spain, which recorded its smallest day-to-day increase in deaths in nearly three weeks, of 510, police set up thousands of roadblocks around the country.In Britain, police were urged to keep a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on what was set to be the hottest day of the year. Police seized a motorcycle from a rider making a non-essential journey in central England.European countries are trying to keep people from traveling as the weather heats up for Easter.In Asia, South Korea announced plans to strap tracking wristbands on people who defy quarantine orders. The Japanese government appealed to the public nationwide to avoid bars, clubs and restaurants, broadening a measure announced earlier for seven urban areas, including Tokyo.In Europe, Italian authorities stepped up checks, particularly around the northern Lombardy region, which has borne the brunt of the Covid-19 outbreak. Roadblocks were set up on main thoroughfares in and out of Milan and along highway exits to discourage people from going on holiday trips.“Don’t do silly things,” said Domenico Arcuri, Italy’s special commissioner for the virus emergency. “Don’t go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.” He added: “The virus has not been defeated, but we are on the right path. We see the indicators but not the end of the tunnel. In fact, the end of the tunnel is still far away.”In Spain, which recorded its smallest day-to-day increase in deaths in nearly three weeks, of 510, police set up thousands of roadblocks around the country.In Britain, police were urged to keep a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on what was set to be the hottest day of the year. Police seized a motorcycle from a rider making a non-essential journey in central England.
The New York City mayor, Bill de Blasio, said on Saturday public schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year as the city battles the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. “Having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful, but I can also tell you it is the right thing to do,” he told a news conference. De Blasio had ordered public schools shut beginning March 16 to curb the spread of the disease, with an initial goal of reopening by 20 April. But the mayor said it soon became clear that date goal was unrealistic as the city emerged as a major US coronavirus hotspot.The New York City mayor, Bill de Blasio, said on Saturday public schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year as the city battles the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. “Having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful, but I can also tell you it is the right thing to do,” he told a news conference. De Blasio had ordered public schools shut beginning March 16 to curb the spread of the disease, with an initial goal of reopening by 20 April. But the mayor said it soon became clear that date goal was unrealistic as the city emerged as a major US coronavirus hotspot.
Singapore’s health ministry has confirmed 191 new coronavirus cases, taking the total infections to 2,299.Singapore’s health ministry has confirmed 191 new coronavirus cases, taking the total infections to 2,299.
Elsewhere, the New York City mayor, Bill De Blasio, said public schools would remain closed for the remainder of the year.Elsewhere, the New York City mayor, Bill De Blasio, said public schools would remain closed for the remainder of the year.
The Chinese customs agency has announced it will be doing quality control on certain medical items for export, including ventilators, hospital gowns and N95 respirators.The Chinese customs agency has announced it will be doing quality control on certain medical items for export, including ventilators, hospital gowns and N95 respirators.
The new policy follows complaints from some countries over the quality of the medical equipment that China has been sending out. It was announced by China’s General Administration of Customs on Friday.The new policy follows complaints from some countries over the quality of the medical equipment that China has been sending out. It was announced by China’s General Administration of Customs on Friday.
Up until now, the agency has been solely responsible for checking numbers, intellectual property issues, and documents. From now on, they will also check the quality of consignments.Up until now, the agency has been solely responsible for checking numbers, intellectual property issues, and documents. From now on, they will also check the quality of consignments.
There were immediate delays to exports, according to the New York Times, as manufacturers tried to understand how to comply.There were immediate delays to exports, according to the New York Times, as manufacturers tried to understand how to comply.
In Australia earlier this month, border forces began intercepting deliveries of some faulty Chinese equipment. Meanwhile, authorities in Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands said that some of the Chinese equipment they were receiving was below standard or defective.In Australia earlier this month, border forces began intercepting deliveries of some faulty Chinese equipment. Meanwhile, authorities in Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands said that some of the Chinese equipment they were receiving was below standard or defective.
Traffic fatalities were down nearly 40% in France from last year thanks to nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures that have kept millions of cars, pedestrians and cyclists off the roads.Traffic fatalities were down nearly 40% in France from last year thanks to nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures that have kept millions of cars, pedestrians and cyclists off the roads.
France’s 67 million citizens have been ordered to stay indoors since 17 March, with most people only permitted to leave the house for essentials outings.France’s 67 million citizens have been ordered to stay indoors since 17 March, with most people only permitted to leave the house for essentials outings.
Cross-country travel is also restricted as the country seeks to halt the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 13,000 out of at least 124,000 infected.Cross-country travel is also restricted as the country seeks to halt the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 13,000 out of at least 124,000 infected.
Interesting article today on the Guardian about how from Berlin to Bogotá, there are new footpaths and bike lanes as world cities turn their streets over to walkers and cyclists.Interesting article today on the Guardian about how from Berlin to Bogotá, there are new footpaths and bike lanes as world cities turn their streets over to walkers and cyclists.
The death toll from coronavirus in the UK rose by 917 to 9,875 people as of 4pm GMT on 10 April, health officials said on Saturday.The death toll from coronavirus in the UK rose by 917 to 9,875 people as of 4pm GMT on 10 April, health officials said on Saturday.