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Coronavirus live news: Pope celebrates Easter mass by live stream as lockdowns tighten worldwide Coronavirus live news: Pope celebrates Easter mass by live stream 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
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands has topped 25,000, health authorities said on Sunday, according to Reuters. The number of deaths rose by 94 to 2,737.
The Netherlands’ National Institute for Health (RIVM) reported 1,188 new infections over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 25,587.
The rate of increase in infections and deaths has slowed for several days.
Hello, this is Jedidajah Otte taking over the blog for a bit from my colleague Josh Halliday. If you have an update to share, please get in touch on Twitter or email me.
Here is a roundup of the latest developments around the world. I’m handing over to my colleague Jedidajah Otte for a while.
The global death toll has reached 109,691, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. More than 1.78 million people have been diagnosed.
Pope Francis departed with centuries of tradition and livestreamed his Easter Sunday mass to allow the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday.
In a strikingly political speech, the pope said he hoped that rivalries from before the second world war “do not regain force” as a result of the pandemic. The pope said the European Union faced an “epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world”.
The infection rate in Spain continued to slow. Its death toll rose to 16,972 on Sunday – a daily rise of 619 – but there are signs the country’s strict lockdown appears to be paying off. It remains a global hotspot for the virus, with the highest total of confirmed cases in Europe.
Tight restrictions on movement came into force in Jerusalem where predominantly ultra-Orthodox Jewish areas have been hit disproportionately by the virus, in part because influential rabbis were slow to shut synagogues and religious seminaries.
Britain has pledged £200m to the World Health Organization 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.
One country marking a particularly difficult Easter this year is Sri Lanka. It is a year since more than 260 people, mostly Catholics, were killed in the Islamic State-inspired attacks on three churches and three hotels last Easter.One country marking a particularly difficult Easter this year is Sri Lanka. It is a year since more than 260 people, mostly Catholics, were killed in the Islamic State-inspired attacks on three churches and three hotels last Easter.
Due to coronavirus, there were no organised events to remember the victims as the country has been under curfew for most of the past three weeks. Like much of the rest of the world, Sri Lankan Christians observed Easter services on the internet and television.Due to coronavirus, there were no organised events to remember the victims as the country has been under curfew for most of the past three weeks. Like much of the rest of the world, Sri Lankan Christians observed Easter services on the internet and television.
Francesca Mudannayake, a Guardian reader in Sri Lanka, got in touch to describe the situation where she is:Francesca Mudannayake, a Guardian reader in Sri Lanka, got in touch to describe the situation where she is:
We have more on what was an extraordinary address by Pope Francis, who was delivering his most pressing and political speech since he was elected seven years ago.We have more on what was an extraordinary address by Pope Francis, who was delivering his most pressing and political speech since he was elected seven years ago.
The pope expressed particular concern for the future of Europe, saying he hoped that rivalries from before the second world war “do not regain force” as a result of the pandemic.The pope expressed particular concern for the future of Europe, saying he hoped that rivalries from before the second world war “do not regain force” as a result of the pandemic.
According to Reuters, he added:According to Reuters, he added:
The pope repeated a call for a ceasefire “in all corners of the world”, condemned arms manufacturing and said the pandemic should spur leaders to finally end long-running wars such as that in Syria. He also appealed for help for migrants and others suffering from existing humanitarian conflicts.The pope repeated a call for a ceasefire “in all corners of the world”, condemned arms manufacturing and said the pandemic should spur leaders to finally end long-running wars such as that in Syria. He also appealed for help for migrants and others suffering from existing humanitarian conflicts.
Pope Francis has departed from centuries of tradition and livestreamed his Easter Sunday mass to allow the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday.Pope Francis has departed from centuries of tradition and livestreamed his Easter Sunday mass to allow the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday.
In the Vatican, the pope delivered mass from a largely empty St Peter’s Basilica before a handful of token faithful sitting one per pew and with the choir’s Kyrie hymn echoing off the bare marble floors, reports the Associated Press.In the Vatican, the pope delivered mass from a largely empty St Peter’s Basilica before a handful of token faithful sitting one per pew and with the choir’s Kyrie hymn echoing off the bare marble floors, reports the Associated Press.
You can watch this historic occasion below:You can watch this historic occasion below:
Pope Francis called for global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, urging the relaxation of international sanctions, debt relief for poor nations and ceasefires in all conflicts.Pope Francis called for global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, urging the relaxation of international sanctions, debt relief for poor nations and ceasefires in all conflicts.
He also warned the European Union that it risked collapse if it did not agree on how to help the region recover.He also warned the European Union that it risked collapse if it did not agree on how to help the region recover.
This is from the Reuters report of the pope’s address:This is from the Reuters report of the pope’s address:
In Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, the number of deaths has risen by 117 in the past day to 4,474, the country’s health ministry has said.In Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, the number of deaths has risen by 117 in the past day to 4,474, the country’s health ministry has said.
In total, the Islamic Republic has recorded 71,686 cases of coronavirus – the eighth highest total in the world and the biggest in the region.In total, the Islamic Republic has recorded 71,686 cases of coronavirus – the eighth highest total in the world and the biggest in the region.
Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency $5m loan to fight the virus, which appears to be tearing through hospitals across the country. However, the US – which is the IMF’s largest shareholder – is reportedly planning to oppose the request amid its ongoing sanctions dispute with Iran.Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency $5m loan to fight the virus, which appears to be tearing through hospitals across the country. However, the US – which is the IMF’s largest shareholder – is reportedly planning to oppose the request amid its ongoing sanctions dispute with Iran.
Thank you to everyone getting in touch from around the world. In the past couple of hours I’ve had emails and tweets from Cameroon, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Ireland and more.Thank you to everyone getting in touch from around the world. In the past couple of hours I’ve had emails and tweets from Cameroon, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Ireland and more.
I try to read every message but I can’t always respond – so apologies if you’ve not heard back from me. Your insights are greatly appreciated in helping us understand how the epidemic is affecting people across the globe.I try to read every message but I can’t always respond – so apologies if you’ve not heard back from me. Your insights are greatly appreciated in helping us understand how the epidemic is affecting people across the globe.
Where we can, we will highlight the situation in your country. Also, keep an eye on this dedicated page for all of the Guardian’s coronavirus coverage.Where we can, we will highlight the situation in your country. Also, keep an eye on this dedicated page for all of the Guardian’s coronavirus coverage.
Despite the rise in the number of deaths and new cases in Spain, the country’s strict lockdown seems to be paying off. The overnight rise in new cases was 2.6% compared with a daily average of 12% at the end of March and 20% in mid-March.Despite the rise in the number of deaths and new cases in Spain, the country’s strict lockdown seems to be paying off. The overnight rise in new cases was 2.6% compared with a daily average of 12% at the end of March and 20% in mid-March.
The prime minister, who recently extended the lockdown until 26 April, is meeting the presidents of Spain’s autonomous regions by videoconference today to coordinate the country’s response.The prime minister, who recently extended the lockdown until 26 April, is meeting the presidents of Spain’s autonomous regions by videoconference today to coordinate the country’s response.
Meanwhile Luis de Guindos, the former Spanish finance minister who now serves as vice-president of the European Central Bank, has described the Covid-19 crisis as the most serious economic challenge Spain has faced “since the civil war”.Meanwhile Luis de Guindos, the former Spanish finance minister who now serves as vice-president of the European Central Bank, has described the Covid-19 crisis as the most serious economic challenge Spain has faced “since the civil war”.
De Guindos told La Vanguardia that the world was headed for a recession that would be felt particularly keenly in Europe- not least in Spain:De Guindos told La Vanguardia that the world was headed for a recession that would be felt particularly keenly in Europe- not least in Spain:
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Spain has risen by 619 since Saturday to a total of 16,972, Reuters reports.The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Spain has risen by 619 since Saturday to a total of 16,972, Reuters reports.
The country’s health ministry said the number of recorded cases had also risen, from 161,852 to 166,019 on Sunday.The country’s health ministry said the number of recorded cases had also risen, from 161,852 to 166,019 on Sunday.
Spain has been a global hotspot for the disease, with more recorded cases than any other country except the US. However, data shows that the number of new cases is now in decline.Spain has been a global hotspot for the disease, with more recorded cases than any other country except the US. However, data shows that the number of new cases is now in decline.
The latest daily jump of 4,167 new cases is the lowest the country has recorded since 22 March.The latest daily jump of 4,167 new cases is the lowest the country has recorded since 22 March.
Spain’s population of 47 million people remains in strict lockdown but some non-essential workers have been allowed to return to their jobs, prompting concern that the contagion could return if measures are lifted too early.Spain’s population of 47 million people remains in strict lockdown but some non-essential workers have been allowed to return to their jobs, prompting concern that the contagion could return if measures are lifted too early.
My colleague Oliver Holmes, the Guardian’s Jerusalem correspondent, has more on the historic city’s quarantine that came into effect at 12 noon on Sunday:My colleague Oliver Holmes, the Guardian’s Jerusalem correspondent, has more on the historic city’s quarantine that came into effect at 12 noon on Sunday:
Israel’s government has quarantined parts of Jerusalem, including the historic and densely packed Old City, in an attempt to stall the spread of the coronavirus.Israel’s government has quarantined parts of Jerusalem, including the historic and densely packed Old City, in an attempt to stall the spread of the coronavirus.
The measures will shut down travel in and out of several neighbourhoods, predominantly ultra-Orthodox Jewish areas. The minority group has been hit disproportionately by the virus, in part because influential rabbis were slow to shut synagogues and religious seminaries.The measures will shut down travel in and out of several neighbourhoods, predominantly ultra-Orthodox Jewish areas. The minority group has been hit disproportionately by the virus, in part because influential rabbis were slow to shut synagogues and religious seminaries.
In the Old City, which Israel has occupied since a 1967 war, already tight restrictions meant Easter Sunday celebrations were low-key. At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Easter Mass was held by clerics and priests to mostly empty rooms.In the Old City, which Israel has occupied since a 1967 war, already tight restrictions meant Easter Sunday celebrations were low-key. At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Easter Mass was held by clerics and priests to mostly empty rooms.
“Despite the sign of death and fear that we are seeing everywhere all over the world, we have to look at the good all those that are giving their lives for the others,” Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa said in the shuttered church.“Despite the sign of death and fear that we are seeing everywhere all over the world, we have to look at the good all those that are giving their lives for the others,” Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa said in the shuttered church.
“The message of Easter is that life, despite all will prevail,” he added.“The message of Easter is that life, despite all will prevail,” he added.
For the Jewish holiday of Passover, gatherings of at the Old City’s Western Wall – the holiest site where Jews can pray – have also been reduced. While tens of thousands of worshippers typically gather, only handfuls have been allowed to congregate.For the Jewish holiday of Passover, gatherings of at the Old City’s Western Wall – the holiest site where Jews can pray – have also been reduced. While tens of thousands of worshippers typically gather, only handfuls have been allowed to congregate.
Israel was quick to lock down most of the country as the pandemic spread worldwide. The country has confirmed around 10,000 cases, with roughly 100 deaths.Israel was quick to lock down most of the country as the pandemic spread worldwide. The country has confirmed around 10,000 cases, with roughly 100 deaths.
Indonesia has reported what appears to be its biggest daily increase in new coronavirus cases, which have risen by 399 to of 4,241, the country’s health ministry has said. It also reported 46 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing to the total to 373.Indonesia has reported what appears to be its biggest daily increase in new coronavirus cases, which have risen by 399 to 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 Johns Hopkins University tracker.Its previous largest daily rise was 337 new cases, recorded on 9 April, according to the Johns 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.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 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.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.