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Coronavirus live news: Christians adapt to Easter without ceremonies as lockdowns tighten worldwide Coronavirus live news: Christians adapt to Easter without ceremonies as lockdowns tighten worldwide
(32 minutes later)
Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico extend lockdown; Britain pledges £200m to WHO; partner of Julian Assange calls for prison releaseItaly, India, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico extend lockdown; Britain pledges £200m to WHO; partner of Julian Assange calls for prison release
Indonesia has reported what appears to be its biggest daily rise of new coronavirus cases, which have risen by 399 to a total of 4,241, the country’s health ministry has said. It also reported 46 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing to the total to 373.
Its previous largest daily rise was 337 new cases, recorded on 9 April, according to the John Hopkins University tracker.
However, Indonesia’s tally must be seen in context: my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe reported last week on how the country of 264 million people is thought to be able to process only 240 of the most accurate tests a day and is instead relying on quicker, less reliable tests. A sudden rise in burials has raised concerns over undetected cases in the country.
The European Union has directed €117m to help Afghanistan’s fight against the coronavirus as the country’s number of confirmed cases reached 600, my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.The European Union has directed €117m to help Afghanistan’s fight against the coronavirus as the country’s number of confirmed cases reached 600, my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports.
All roads to the capital, Kabul, were blocked this morning, with tightened restrictions on movement in a city of around six million people. Afghanistan has recorded 45 new cases in the last 24 hours – 28 of which were in Kabul and eight in Kandahar. All roads to the capital, Kabul, were blocked this morning, with tightened restrictions on movement in a city of about 6 million people. Afghanistan has recorded 45 new cases in the last 24 hours – 28 of which were in Kabul and eight in Kandahar.
The EU said it recognised that Afghanistan “may be severely affected” by the pandemic as its public health system is “weakened by years of conflict, has to cope with limited resources, and is not accessible throughout the country”.The EU said it recognised that Afghanistan “may be severely affected” by the pandemic as its public health system is “weakened by years of conflict, has to cope with limited resources, and is not accessible throughout the country”.
Afghanistan has so far reported 18 deaths of Covid-19 and 37 recoveries. Concerns are high in Kandahar as thousands of Afghan migrants poured back from Pakistan in recent days.Afghanistan has so far reported 18 deaths of Covid-19 and 37 recoveries. Concerns are high in Kandahar as thousands of Afghan migrants poured back from Pakistan in recent days.
Staying on Russia for a minute, the city of Suifenhe on the Chinese side of the border has implemented strict controls to prevent cases being imported from its neighbouring country.Staying on Russia for a minute, the city of Suifenhe on the Chinese side of the border has implemented strict controls to prevent cases being imported from its neighbouring country.
The remote border city – which is 1,000 miles from Beijing – has recorded an increase in coronavirus cases even as China’s infection rate slows dramatically. The country reported 73 new cases on Saturday, according to the John Hopkins University tracker.The remote border city – which is 1,000 miles from Beijing – has recorded an increase in coronavirus cases even as China’s infection rate slows dramatically. The country reported 73 new cases on Saturday, according to the John Hopkins University tracker.
Last Wednesday, the whole of China reported 59 imported cases of Covid-19; state media reported that 25 of those were Chinese citizens who were returning through Suifenhe after flying from Moscow to Vladivostok, about 100 miles south.Last Wednesday, the whole of China reported 59 imported cases of Covid-19; state media reported that 25 of those were Chinese citizens who were returning through Suifenhe after flying from Moscow to Vladivostok, about 100 miles south.
Suifenhe’s authorities said on Sunday they were stepping up controls on traffic and enforcing quarantine measures. The city has banned all types of gatherings and drawn up a list of businesses that must be suspended from operations, Reuters reports.Suifenhe’s authorities said on Sunday they were stepping up controls on traffic and enforcing quarantine measures. The city has banned all types of gatherings and drawn up a list of businesses that must be suspended from operations, Reuters reports.
Russia has reported its biggest daily increase in new coronavirus cases, up by 2,186 to a total of 15,770. The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 24 to 130, Reuters reports.Russia has reported its biggest daily increase in new coronavirus cases, up by 2,186 to a total of 15,770. The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 24 to 130, Reuters reports.
My colleague Andrew Roth, in Moscow, reported last week on how Vladimir Putin appears to have taken a backseat during the crisis, delegating powers to trusted lieutenants and focusing on cushioning the blow to Russia’s economy.My colleague Andrew Roth, in Moscow, reported last week on how Vladimir Putin appears to have taken a backseat during the crisis, delegating powers to trusted lieutenants and focusing on cushioning the blow to Russia’s economy.
The Israeli government has approved tight restrictions on several areas of Jerusalem, including the historic Old City, in a bid to slow the spread of the outbreak among its most vulnerable communities.The Israeli government has approved tight restrictions on several areas of Jerusalem, including the historic Old City, in a bid to slow the spread of the outbreak among its most vulnerable communities.
The measures, which come into force today until Wednesday, mean residents in several areas will only be able to leave their homes for “work, essential medical care, the funeral of a direct family member, the transfer of a minor between divorced parents, legal processes and any other essential reasons that have been the subject of prior approval”, reports Haaretz.The measures, which come into force today until Wednesday, mean residents in several areas will only be able to leave their homes for “work, essential medical care, the funeral of a direct family member, the transfer of a minor between divorced parents, legal processes and any other essential reasons that have been the subject of prior approval”, reports Haaretz.
The extended curfew had faced opposition from ultra-orthodox ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who rejected the singling out of their constituencies.The extended curfew had faced opposition from ultra-orthodox ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who rejected the singling out of their constituencies.
Israel’s health ministry has documented more than 10,000 cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 100 deaths. About a fifth of all cases in Israel are in Jerusalem. A large percentage of the Covid-19 cases are in the country’s ultra-orthodox community, which for weeks did not adhere to government orders to maintain social distancing, the Associated Press reports.Israel’s health ministry has documented more than 10,000 cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 100 deaths. About a fifth of all cases in Israel are in Jerusalem. A large percentage of the Covid-19 cases are in the country’s ultra-orthodox community, which for weeks did not adhere to government orders to maintain social distancing, the Associated Press reports.
Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing global coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing global coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many thanks to Helen, in Sydney, for steering us through the last seven hours. This is Josh Halliday, in Manchester, to guide you from here.Many thanks to Helen, in Sydney, for steering us through the last seven hours. This is Josh Halliday, in Manchester, to guide you from here.
I’ve just looked at the readership figures: this blog has an extraordinary international reach, with readers joining us from the UK to Canada, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Thank you all for reading.I’ve just looked at the readership figures: this blog has an extraordinary international reach, with readers joining us from the UK to Canada, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Thank you all for reading.
I’m interested in how your town, city and country are affected by the outbreak. If you would like to get in touch, please do drop me an email or contact me on Twitter.I’m interested in how your town, city and country are affected by the outbreak. If you would like to get in touch, please do drop me an email or contact me on Twitter.
Twitter: @JoshHallidayEmail: josh.halliday@theguardian.comTwitter: @JoshHallidayEmail: josh.halliday@theguardian.com
I’ll hand over to my colleagues in London now. Thanks for your company. Here is a quick roundup of the latest developments.I’ll hand over to my colleagues in London now. Thanks for your company. Here is a quick roundup of the latest developments.
Thanks so much.Thanks so much.
The global death toll has reached 108,867, according to the Johns Hopkins university tracker. More than 1.77m people have been diagnosed.The global death toll has reached 108,867, according to the Johns Hopkins university tracker. More than 1.77m people have been diagnosed.
Britain has pledged 200m pounds to the World Health Organisation and charities to assist containment in vulnerable countries.Britain has pledged 200m pounds to the World Health Organisation and charities to assist containment in vulnerable countries.
Elderly people may have to be kept isolated until the end of the year to protect them from the coronavirus, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has said.Elderly people may have to be kept isolated until the end of the year to protect them from the coronavirus, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has said.
The partner of Julian Assange has pleaded for him to be released from prison on bail over fears he could contract Covid-19.The partner of Julian Assange has pleaded for him to be released from prison on bail over fears he could contract Covid-19.
The World Bank has warned the pandemic is a “perfect storm” for the vulnerable economies of both South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.The World Bank has warned the pandemic is a “perfect storm” for the vulnerable economies of both South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
China could take control of debt-struck nations’ assets at an accelerated rate because of the pandemic, or it could boost its soft diplomacy by forgiving debt.China could take control of debt-struck nations’ assets at an accelerated rate because of the pandemic, or it could boost its soft diplomacy by forgiving debt.
Mainland China has reported 99 new cases on Saturday, of which all but two were imported. The country’s national health commission said no one had died from the virus on Saturday.Mainland China has reported 99 new cases on Saturday, of which all but two were imported. The country’s national health commission said no one had died from the virus on Saturday.
A “huge influx” of coronavirus patients in Russia has started to put a strain on Moscow’s hospitals.A “huge influx” of coronavirus patients in Russia has started to put a strain on Moscow’s hospitals.
Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections and three new deaths on Sunday, while Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections rose by 2,821 on Sunday, with 129 new deaths,Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections and three new deaths on Sunday, while Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections rose by 2,821 on Sunday, with 129 new deaths,
For the first time in history, all 50 US states are now under disaster declarations, after Wyoming became the final state to announce.For the first time in history, all 50 US states are now under disaster declarations, after Wyoming became the final state to announce.
Pope Francis has urged people not to “yield to fear” at his Easter address. The event was scaled back due to coronavirus, with just two dozen attendees, a smaller choir, and no processions or baptisms.Pope Francis has urged people not to “yield to fear” at his Easter address. The event was scaled back due to coronavirus, with just two dozen attendees, a smaller choir, and no processions or baptisms.
British prime minister Boris Johnson has said he owes his life to the NHS. He has been in hospital since Sunday night, and had spent three nights in intensive care.British prime minister Boris Johnson has said he owes his life to the NHS. He has been in hospital since Sunday night, and had spent three nights in intensive care.
Seven African states have called on authorities to explain allegations of mistreatment of Africans in Guangzhou city. Many report having been evicted, tested for coronavirus several times without being given results and being shunned and discriminated against in public.Seven African states have called on authorities to explain allegations of mistreatment of Africans in Guangzhou city. Many report having been evicted, tested for coronavirus several times without being given results and being shunned and discriminated against in public.
For the first time in 25 years sub-Saharan Africa is about to go into recession, according to World Bank estimates.For the first time in 25 years sub-Saharan Africa is about to go into recession, according to World Bank estimates.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s two biggest economies, South Africa and Nigeria are heading for deep recessions, it said, as demand drops from developed nations for raw materials such as oil and precious metals.Sub-Saharan Africa’s two biggest economies, South Africa and Nigeria are heading for deep recessions, it said, as demand drops from developed nations for raw materials such as oil and precious metals.
The same goes for Angola, Africa’s second biggest oil exporter.The same goes for Angola, Africa’s second biggest oil exporter.
Oil prices have fallen to between $20 and $30 a barrel, nearing the cost of production in Nigeria.Oil prices have fallen to between $20 and $30 a barrel, nearing the cost of production in Nigeria.
Following 2.4% growth last year, the estimate for sub-Saharan Africa 2020 is between -2.1 and -5.1 % as the economy contracts.Following 2.4% growth last year, the estimate for sub-Saharan Africa 2020 is between -2.1 and -5.1 % as the economy contracts.
This is in part a knock-on effect from the economic hits being taken by Africa’s main trading partners: China, the EU and the United States.This is in part a knock-on effect from the economic hits being taken by Africa’s main trading partners: China, the EU and the United States.
Add to that the slump in the key markets of raw materials and tourism as well as the effect of measures to confine populations at home and you have the perfect economic storm for the continent.Add to that the slump in the key markets of raw materials and tourism as well as the effect of measures to confine populations at home and you have the perfect economic storm for the continent.
The African Development Bank remains less pessimistic but still sees a fall into recession of between -0.7 and -2.8 %.The African Development Bank remains less pessimistic but still sees a fall into recession of between -0.7 and -2.8 %.
The African Union estimates that around 20m jobs, in formal and informal sectors, are under threat.The African Union estimates that around 20m jobs, in formal and informal sectors, are under threat.
The United Nations puts the figure much higher, at up to 50m.The United Nations puts the figure much higher, at up to 50m.
High unemployment and economic slowdown are also hitting African workers abroad, and therefore their money transfers back home, which are often a vital part of the economy.High unemployment and economic slowdown are also hitting African workers abroad, and therefore their money transfers back home, which are often a vital part of the economy.
Reuters: Britain said on Sunday it was pledging £200m ($248m) to the World Health Organization (WHO) and charities to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in vulnerable countries and so help prevent a second wave of infections.Reuters: Britain said on Sunday it was pledging £200m ($248m) to the World Health Organization (WHO) and charities to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in vulnerable countries and so help prevent a second wave of infections.
More than 1.6 million people are reported to have been infected by the novel coronavirus globally and deaths have topped 100,000 according to a Reuters tally.More than 1.6 million people are reported to have been infected by the novel coronavirus globally and deaths have topped 100,000 according to a Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in 210 countries since the first cases were identified in China in December last year and British aid minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said assisting the poorest nations now would help prevent the virus returning to the United Kingdom.Infections have been reported in 210 countries since the first cases were identified in China in December last year and British aid minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said assisting the poorest nations now would help prevent the virus returning to the United Kingdom.
Britain has reported almost 10,000 deaths from the coronavirus so far, the fifth highest national number globally.Britain has reported almost 10,000 deaths from the coronavirus so far, the fifth highest national number globally.
“While our brilliant doctors and nurses fight coronavirus at home, we’re deploying British expertise and funding around the world to prevent a second deadly wave reaching the UK,” Trevelyan said in a statement.“While our brilliant doctors and nurses fight coronavirus at home, we’re deploying British expertise and funding around the world to prevent a second deadly wave reaching the UK,” Trevelyan said in a statement.
“Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too.”“Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too.”
From AFP:From AFP:
It’s a grim truth that times are good for the coffin business when they’re bad for people, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception.It’s a grim truth that times are good for the coffin business when they’re bad for people, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception.
At a factory belonging to Europe’s largest coffin maker, OGF, in eastern France, workers are doing overtime to meet demand from families parting with their loved ones.At a factory belonging to Europe’s largest coffin maker, OGF, in eastern France, workers are doing overtime to meet demand from families parting with their loved ones.
“Due to the epidemic, we decided to manufacture just four models of coffins that are top sellers with families” compared to the 15 types usually on offer, said factory director Emmanuel Garret.“Due to the epidemic, we decided to manufacture just four models of coffins that are top sellers with families” compared to the 15 types usually on offer, said factory director Emmanuel Garret.
The change “allowed us to optimise production”, he added.The change “allowed us to optimise production”, he added.
Output has risen to 410 coffins per day, compared to 370 normally.Output has risen to 410 coffins per day, compared to 370 normally.
Workers are putting in nearly an extra hour per day.Workers are putting in nearly an extra hour per day.
“People have been forewarned and are ready to come in and work on Saturdays,” said Didier Pidancet, who heads up the team that selects the wood for the coffins.“People have been forewarned and are ready to come in and work on Saturdays,” said Didier Pidancet, who heads up the team that selects the wood for the coffins.
France has been one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus.France has been one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus.
“We’re proud to be participating in this national effort, we’re doing our best to ensure that victims can have their final overcoat, as we say,” added Pidancet.“We’re proud to be participating in this national effort, we’re doing our best to ensure that victims can have their final overcoat, as we say,” added Pidancet.
Mathematician John Horton Conway has died after contracting Covid-19, his colleagues have reported.Mathematician John Horton Conway has died after contracting Covid-19, his colleagues have reported.
Conway was the subject of this engaging long-read published in 2015.Conway was the subject of this engaging long-read published in 2015.
Conway’s greatest accomplishments were in fields such as finite groups and lattices, which won him great fame in the mathematical community, but one of his most accessible creations - still used to teach beginner programming to this day - was the “Game of Life”.Conway’s greatest accomplishments were in fields such as finite groups and lattices, which won him great fame in the mathematical community, but one of his most accessible creations - still used to teach beginner programming to this day - was the “Game of Life”.
Less a winnable game than a system (or a ‘cellula automata’), it is often used to demonstrate that apparent complexity can arise from simple rules – or, to put it another way, that dizzying complexity can be explained by fundamental principles.Less a winnable game than a system (or a ‘cellula automata’), it is often used to demonstrate that apparent complexity can arise from simple rules – or, to put it another way, that dizzying complexity can be explained by fundamental principles.
From Reuters: Indonesia has imposed curbs on public transport ahead of the annual exodus to home villages that marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the government said on Sunday.From Reuters: Indonesia has imposed curbs on public transport ahead of the annual exodus to home villages that marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the government said on Sunday.
About 75m Indonesians usually stream home from bigger cities at the end of Ramadan, due this year at the end of May, but health experts have warned against a surge in cases after a slow government response masked the scale of the outbreak.About 75m Indonesians usually stream home from bigger cities at the end of Ramadan, due this year at the end of May, but health experts have warned against a surge in cases after a slow government response masked the scale of the outbreak.
Public buses, trains, airplanes and ships will be allowed to fill only half their passenger seats, under a new regulation that also limits occupation of a private car to just half the seats, while a motorcycle may be ridden only by one person.Public buses, trains, airplanes and ships will be allowed to fill only half their passenger seats, under a new regulation that also limits occupation of a private car to just half the seats, while a motorcycle may be ridden only by one person.
The ministry also ordered public transport operators to check passengers’ temperature, while bus terminals, train stations, airports and seaports must provide soap and hand sanitizers and standby medical staff.The ministry also ordered public transport operators to check passengers’ temperature, while bus terminals, train stations, airports and seaports must provide soap and hand sanitizers and standby medical staff.
“The essence of this new regulation is to carry out public transport control...while still meeting the needs of the people,” transport ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati said in a statement posted on the cabinet secretariat website.“The essence of this new regulation is to carry out public transport control...while still meeting the needs of the people,” transport ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati said in a statement posted on the cabinet secretariat website.
The capital Jakarta is the epicentre of the outbreak in the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, with the most infections and deaths among a national tally of 3,842 cases and 327 fatalities.The capital Jakarta is the epicentre of the outbreak in the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, with the most infections and deaths among a national tally of 3,842 cases and 327 fatalities.
A video clip showing the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, encouraging people to stay home has prompted ridicule and anger online, as Tokyo registered another record daily rise in infections.A video clip showing the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, encouraging people to stay home has prompted ridicule and anger online, as Tokyo registered another record daily rise in infections.
The clip, posted on Twitter on Sunday, shows an expressionless Abe at home cuddling his dog, sipping what appears to be tea or coffee, reading and clicking his TV remote control, while on another screen the popular singer and actor Gen Hoshino plays acoustic guitar and performs his song promoting social distancing, with the lyrics: “Let’s survive and dance, each one of us, wherever we are, all of us as one, let’s sing at home.”The clip, posted on Twitter on Sunday, shows an expressionless Abe at home cuddling his dog, sipping what appears to be tea or coffee, reading and clicking his TV remote control, while on another screen the popular singer and actor Gen Hoshino plays acoustic guitar and performs his song promoting social distancing, with the lyrics: “Let’s survive and dance, each one of us, wherever we are, all of us as one, let’s sing at home.”
Some pointed to Abe’s detached demeanour throughout the awkward one-minute video, while others were angered by his message, which began with words intended as sympathy for people who were unable to see friends or go out drinking.Some pointed to Abe’s detached demeanour throughout the awkward one-minute video, while others were angered by his message, which began with words intended as sympathy for people who were unable to see friends or go out drinking.
But, he added, “this is the kind of behaviour that is going to save many lives” and reduce the burden on medical workers “who are battling the virus in the toughest of circumstances.But, he added, “this is the kind of behaviour that is going to save many lives” and reduce the burden on medical workers “who are battling the virus in the toughest of circumstances.
Many on Twitter were unimpressed. “Are you kidding?” asked one user.Many on Twitter were unimpressed. “Are you kidding?” asked one user.
“This really isn’t what we need right now, said another, while one woman berated him for complaining about disruptions to his social life while students were being forced to drop out of college because they could no longer afford their tuition fees.“This really isn’t what we need right now, said another, while one woman berated him for complaining about disruptions to his social life while students were being forced to drop out of college because they could no longer afford their tuition fees.
Summing up the general mood, one critic tweeted: “This person is far removed from the lives of ordinary people.”Summing up the general mood, one critic tweeted: “This person is far removed from the lives of ordinary people.”
Abe, who just a month ago was insisting that the Tokyo Olympics would go ahead as planned this summer, has attracted criticism for his response to the coronavirus outbreak, which includes the distribution of two reusable masks per household and restrictions on movement that some experts say do not go far enough.Abe, who just a month ago was insisting that the Tokyo Olympics would go ahead as planned this summer, has attracted criticism for his response to the coronavirus outbreak, which includes the distribution of two reusable masks per household and restrictions on movement that some experts say do not go far enough.
Abe declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other areas last week amid a sharp rise in cases in urban areas. The measures, including requests that people avoid nonessential trips outside, and work from home where possible, and that businesses close or reduce their hours - have since been expanded to all 47 of Japan’s prefectures.Abe declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other areas last week amid a sharp rise in cases in urban areas. The measures, including requests that people avoid nonessential trips outside, and work from home where possible, and that businesses close or reduce their hours - have since been expanded to all 47 of Japan’s prefectures.
Tokyo reported almost 200 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday - the fourth straight day of record increases - bringing the number of infections in the capital to more than 1,900, according to the Kyodo news agency.Tokyo reported almost 200 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday - the fourth straight day of record increases - bringing the number of infections in the capital to more than 1,900, according to the Kyodo news agency.
This post was edited for clarity at 3:51pm AESTThis post was edited for clarity at 3:51pm AEST