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Coronavirus live news: 'I owe them my life' – Boris Johnson pays tribute to NHS staff Coronavirus live news: 'I owe them my life' – Boris Johnson pays tribute to NHS staff
(32 minutes later)
US death toll becomes the highest in the world; Italy and India extend lockdownUS death toll becomes the highest in the world; Italy and India extend lockdown
The U.S. Air Force Air Thunderbirds conducted a flyover in celebration of frontline workers, flying past all the major hospitals throughout the Las Vegas valley.
Brig. Gen. Robert Novotny said: “We were looking at how we could continue to fly and also give back to the community with a salute to the real heroes out there on the front lines who are keeping us safe from the virus.”
JPMorgan Chase & Co, one of the US’ largest mortgage lenders, is raising borrowing standards this week for most new home loans, as it tries to mitigate lending risk caused by coronavirus.
From Tuesday, customers applying for a new mortgage will need a credit score of at least 700, and will be required to make a down payment equal to 20% of the home’s value.
“Due to the economic uncertainty, we are making temporary changes that will allow us to more closely focus on serving our existing customers,” Amy Bonitatibus, chief marketing officer for JPMorgan Chase’s home lending business, told Reuters.
The changes will enable JPMorgan to reduce its exposure to borrowers who unexpectedly lose their job, suffer a decline in wages, or whose homes lose value.
The bank said the change will also free up staff to handle a surge in mortgage refinance requests, which are taking longer to process due to staff working from home and non-essential businesses being closed.
Thank you again to everyone sending tips and pointers. If you spot something which might be of interest, you can drop me a message on Twitter @mollyblackall.
A very powerful photograph of a quarantine patrol in El Salvador.
Department store chain Macy’s has hired investment bank Lazard Ltd to explore new options for improving its finances, as sales plunge due to coronavirus.Department store chain Macy’s has hired investment bank Lazard Ltd to explore new options for improving its finances, as sales plunge due to coronavirus.
Macy’s has asked its advisers to help manage its liabilities and explore options that could include new financing, sources told Reuters news agency, adding that no debt restructuring is imminent.Macy’s has asked its advisers to help manage its liabilities and explore options that could include new financing, sources told Reuters news agency, adding that no debt restructuring is imminent.
A spokeswoman for Macy’s said in a statement that the company is “exploring numerous options to strengthen our capital structure,” adding that it maintains relationships with a range of advisers.A spokeswoman for Macy’s said in a statement that the company is “exploring numerous options to strengthen our capital structure,” adding that it maintains relationships with a range of advisers.
British prime minister Boris Johnson has thanked NHS staff at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London for saving his life while he underwent treatment in intensive care for coronavirus, PA news agency are reporting.British prime minister Boris Johnson has thanked NHS staff at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London for saving his life while he underwent treatment in intensive care for coronavirus, PA news agency are reporting.
Issuing a short statement as he continues his recovery, Johnson said: “I can’t thank them enough. I owe them my life.”Issuing a short statement as he continues his recovery, Johnson said: “I can’t thank them enough. I owe them my life.”
Johnson is spending his seventh night in hospital after being admitted last Sunday. He has spent three nights in intensive care and received non-intrusive oxygen supplies.Johnson is spending his seventh night in hospital after being admitted last Sunday. He has spent three nights in intensive care and received non-intrusive oxygen supplies.
You can read more about the British prime minister’s time in hospital here:You can read more about the British prime minister’s time in hospital here:
Brazil’s deficit is fast approaching 500 billion reais ($96 billion), 7% of gross domestic product, compared to 61 billion reais, or 0.9% of GDP last year.Brazil’s deficit is fast approaching 500 billion reais ($96 billion), 7% of gross domestic product, compared to 61 billion reais, or 0.9% of GDP last year.
This figure does not include the state aid proposal of up to 222 billion reais to tackle coronavirus, the economy ministry said on Saturday.This figure does not include the state aid proposal of up to 222 billion reais to tackle coronavirus, the economy ministry said on Saturday.
“It is important that any new fiscal impact be discussed carefully to avoid an excessive growth of the primary deficit and public debt of the public sector beyond what is strictly necessary to reduce the economic and social impacts of the coronavirus crisis,” the ministry said in a statement.“It is important that any new fiscal impact be discussed carefully to avoid an excessive growth of the primary deficit and public debt of the public sector beyond what is strictly necessary to reduce the economic and social impacts of the coronavirus crisis,” the ministry said in a statement.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has balked at social distancing measures imposed by state governors and even his own health officials.Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has balked at social distancing measures imposed by state governors and even his own health officials.
He wants to see the economy re-started, arguing that extended shutdowns pose a greater risk than a disease he calls a “little cold.”He wants to see the economy re-started, arguing that extended shutdowns pose a greater risk than a disease he calls a “little cold.”
A British critical care nurse has warned that frontline health staff are “dehydrated” because they are skipping drinks in order not to waste personal protective equipment (PPE).A British critical care nurse has warned that frontline health staff are “dehydrated” because they are skipping drinks in order not to waste personal protective equipment (PPE).
The nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff felt they were being “lied to” about masks, and the situation was being handled “horrendously”.The nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff felt they were being “lied to” about masks, and the situation was being handled “horrendously”.
The health worker, from the North of England, hit back at suggestions staff were wasting equipment and said those working on her ward were afraid to take off their masks to drink, as this means they have to be thrown away, raising the risk of dehydration.The health worker, from the North of England, hit back at suggestions staff were wasting equipment and said those working on her ward were afraid to take off their masks to drink, as this means they have to be thrown away, raising the risk of dehydration.
She told the PA news agency: “We are being lied to about what masks we do and don’t have, and they’re hiding ones we are running out of.”She told the PA news agency: “We are being lied to about what masks we do and don’t have, and they’re hiding ones we are running out of.”
She said: “We can’t eat or drink enough because we can’t have water or snacks in the area and can’t take masks off.She said: “We can’t eat or drink enough because we can’t have water or snacks in the area and can’t take masks off.
“And we’re too scared to drink too much when we’re out because if we need to go to the toilet then it means taking it all off again and wasting it, so we are all horribly dehydrated.”“And we’re too scared to drink too much when we’re out because if we need to go to the toilet then it means taking it all off again and wasting it, so we are all horribly dehydrated.”
The Government is facing a backlash after Health Secretary Matt Hancock called PPE a “precious resource” and said it was important that healthcare workers use the “right amount”.The Government is facing a backlash after Health Secretary Matt Hancock called PPE a “precious resource” and said it was important that healthcare workers use the “right amount”.
Pope Francis urged people to “not yield to fear” and focused on a “message of hope” as he led an Easter eve mass in an empty St Peter’s Basilica tonight, reported Reuters, amid the coronavirus pandemic.Pope Francis urged people to “not yield to fear” and focused on a “message of hope” as he led an Easter eve mass in an empty St Peter’s Basilica tonight, reported Reuters, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The vigil, which normally takes place in a church packed with about 10,000 people, was attended by only about two dozen, including a few altar servers and a smaller-than-usual choir.The vigil, which normally takes place in a church packed with about 10,000 people, was attended by only about two dozen, including a few altar servers and a smaller-than-usual choir.
Because of the coronavirus outbreak, it was scaled back to eliminate several traditional features, such as the baptism of adult converts and a long procession up the main aisle of the church.Because of the coronavirus outbreak, it was scaled back to eliminate several traditional features, such as the baptism of adult converts and a long procession up the main aisle of the church.
Senior health officials in the UK are facing demands to reveal how much has been spent on millions of inaccurate coronavirus antibody tests, after it emerged that payments had been guaranteed even if the kits failed to work. Read the full story here:Senior health officials in the UK are facing demands to reveal how much has been spent on millions of inaccurate coronavirus antibody tests, after it emerged that payments had been guaranteed even if the kits failed to work. Read the full story here:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election rival Benny Gantz has asked for additional time to try to form a government with the long-time leader, to end more than a year of political deadlock.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election rival Benny Gantz has asked for additional time to try to form a government with the long-time leader, to end more than a year of political deadlock.
A 28-day mandate to put together a governing coalition, following an inconclusive March 2 election, expires on April 14.A 28-day mandate to put together a governing coalition, following an inconclusive March 2 election, expires on April 14.
Gantz, an ex-armed forces chief who heads the centrist Blue and White party, asked President Reuven Rivlin for a 14-day extension to the mandate.Gantz, an ex-armed forces chief who heads the centrist Blue and White party, asked President Reuven Rivlin for a 14-day extension to the mandate.
Gantz had run on a promise not to serve in a government with Netanyahu, citing the prime minister’s indictment on corruption charges. Netanyahu denies those charges. But in a reversal that dismayed many of his supporters, Gantz said the coronavirus crisis had made a national emergency government with Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party an imperative.Gantz had run on a promise not to serve in a government with Netanyahu, citing the prime minister’s indictment on corruption charges. Netanyahu denies those charges. But in a reversal that dismayed many of his supporters, Gantz said the coronavirus crisis had made a national emergency government with Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party an imperative.
“The political, health and social crisis have brought me to the decision that even at a heavy political and personal price, I will do all I can to establish a government with the Likud,” Gantz wrote in a letter to the president, published by his party.“The political, health and social crisis have brought me to the decision that even at a heavy political and personal price, I will do all I can to establish a government with the Likud,” Gantz wrote in a letter to the president, published by his party.
Rivlin gave no immediate word on whether he would grant more time to Gantz, who in his letter said the two political rivals appeared close to a final agreement.Rivlin gave no immediate word on whether he would grant more time to Gantz, who in his letter said the two political rivals appeared close to a final agreement.
Opposition parties across the UK, alongside senior Conservatives, have united to demand that parliament be recalled.Opposition parties across the UK, alongside senior Conservatives, have united to demand that parliament be recalled.
In a letter to the Leader of the Commons, newly elected Labour leader Keir Starmer demanded urgent talks with the Speaker, saying there was no substitute for parliamentary scrutiny” particularly “at this time of national crisis”.In a letter to the Leader of the Commons, newly elected Labour leader Keir Starmer demanded urgent talks with the Speaker, saying there was no substitute for parliamentary scrutiny” particularly “at this time of national crisis”.
You can read the full report from my colleagues here:You can read the full report from my colleagues here:
Illinois has reported 81 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the state’s total to 677.Illinois has reported 81 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the state’s total to 677.
Lily Kuo speaks to residents in Wuhan, where coronavirus originated, as they celebrate the end of lockdown after being confined to their homes for three months.
Seven African countries have demanded that China address their concerns that Africans living in Guangzhou city are being mistreated and harassed.
The countries claim that the African residents have been targeted out of fear that coronavirus could spread through imported cases.
In recent days Africans in the city have reported being ejected from their apartments by their landlords, being tested for coronavirus several times without being given results and being shunned and discriminated against in public. Such complaints have been made in local media, and on social media.
In a statement on Saturday, Ghana’s minister of foreign affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said she had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express her disappointment and demand action to address the “inhumane treatment.”
“I regret and highly condemn this...ill-treament and racial discrimination,” the minister said.
She said she had summoned Ambassador Shi Ting Wang to “register my disappointment and call for his government to immediately address the situation and bring their officials to order.”
There was no immediate response from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana to a request for comment from news agency Reuters on this.
In a tweeted statement on Saturday, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe dismissed the accusation of Chinese deliberately targeting Africans and suggested reports of racial discrimination and harassment were being sensationalised.
“It is harmful to sensationalise isolated incidents,” the statement said. “China treats all individuals in the country, Chinese and foreign alike, as equals.”
550 crew members from the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for Covid-19, the US Navy have said in a statement.
The ship gained international attention after its captain, Brett Crozier, was condemned and sacked by Donald Trump after he wrote a letter warning of the health risks posed to his crew as coronavirus spread on board.
In case you missed it, this is a great interactive piece looking at the fall in air pollution in big cities around the world.
A British nurse has died whilst self isolating at home, the NHS has confirmed.
Julie Omar was a highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse who had most recently been working as a sister on Ward 14 at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said.
In a message to colleagues, Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins said the 52-year-old would be known to many staff at its Worcester site from her time with the trauma team there.
Mr Hopkins’ message read: “It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team - Julie Omar - has died.
“Julie, who was just 52, had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms of Covid-19, but sadly her condition deteriorated and she died at home yesterday (Friday) morning.
“She leaves a husband and a grown-up daughter.“We have been asked by her family not to share any more details at this stage and we will of course respect those wishes.”
This photograph shows a deserted Rome. The area around the Coliseum, normally a tourist hotspot bursting with people, is almost empty.
The husband of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has shared a photograph of her attempting to cut her own hair. A very human insight into life in the highest echelons of Scottish politics!
Polish politician Jarosław Kaczyński was apparently allowed to visit the grave of his mother despite the cemetery being closed to the public, Polish news organisation Fakt24 are reporting.
Despite the government banning the visiting of graves, and signs on the cemetery announcing its closure, photographs appear to show that Kaczyński travelled in a limousine with his entourage to visit the grave in Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw yesterday.
The linked article is in Polish, but the page should have an option to translate into English.
Queen Elizabeth has told Britons that “coronavirus will not overcome” the nation, in her Easter audio address.
The 93-year-old monarch, who is the symbolic head of the Church of England, also stated that “Easter isn’t cancelled” in her first ever address to mark the Christian holy day.
She has said that the “new hope and fresh purpose” of Easter is more applicable now than ever.
You can read more here:
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