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Coronavirus live news: Pope gives Easter mass by live stream as global death toll passes 110,000 Coronavirus live news: Pope gives Easter mass by live stream as global death toll passes 110,000
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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
Following international pressure, China has vowed to improve the treatment of Africans in the southern city of Guangzhou after facing accusations of discrimination linked to the pandemic, and said it rejected all “racist and discriminatory” remarks.
Africans in the industrial centre of 15 million say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing, particularly as Beijing steps up its fight against imported coronavirus cases.
The African Union expressed its “extreme concern” about the situation, calling on Beijing to take immediate corrective action. Meanwhile, the United States denounced what it called “xenophobia towards Africans by Chinese authorities.”
A recent cluster of coronavirus cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou, southern China’s largest city, sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus-prevention officials. Several Africans told AFP they had been forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away by hotels.
“The Chinese government has been attaching great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement.
“The Guangdong (provincial) authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method,” he added.
Among the measures Zhao announced were non-discriminatory health management services and hotels for foreigners who are required to undergo medical observation, to be offered at reduced rates for those in need.
In the UK, police are looking for thieves who stole personal protective equipment (PPE) from an NHS building, according to the Press Association.
The raid took place at the offices of the Care Homes medical practice in Salford, which cares for patients living in nursing and residential homes. Police were called to the premises shortly before 7.50am on Sunday and discovered that a number of laptops and a quantity of petty cash had also been taken. Inquiries are ongoing.
A spokeswoman for Salford Royal NHS foundation trust said: “We are shocked and saddened that one of our community bases has been burgled and belongings stolen, including some items of PPE equipment. Our priority has been supporting staff based at this unit and ensuring they have access to the equipment that they need to carry out their roles.
“It’s a testament to staff that service delivery has not been significantly impacted today following this incident. We will support Greater Manchester police in their ongoing inquiries.”
Police have caught a church in Paris holding a traditional Easter mass with dozens of worshippers, flouting the strict rules imposed to fight coronavirus, AFP reports.Police have caught a church in Paris holding a traditional Easter mass with dozens of worshippers, flouting the strict rules imposed to fight coronavirus, AFP reports.
Religious services and all gatherings have been banned in France for the past month, but the traditional Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Catholic church in the centre of Paris held an Easter mass late on Saturday, police sources said.Religious services and all gatherings have been banned in France for the past month, but the traditional Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Catholic church in the centre of Paris held an Easter mass late on Saturday, police sources said.
The priest was warned and booked for not respecting the confinement rules, the source said. This would have made him liable for a €200 (£176) fine.The priest was warned and booked for not respecting the confinement rules, the source said. This would have made him liable for a €200 (£176) fine.
Police had been tipped off by local residents who had heard music coming from the church in the fifth arrondissement in the heart of the French capital.Police had been tipped off by local residents who had heard music coming from the church in the fifth arrondissement in the heart of the French capital.
This has just come in from the Guardian’s Turkey and Middle East correspondent, Bethan McKernan:This has just come in from the Guardian’s Turkey and Middle East correspondent, Bethan McKernan:
Turkey’s interior minister, Süleyman Soylu, a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has resigned from his post after the bungled handling of a total lockdown across 31 Turkish cities over the weekend to contain Covid-19.Turkey’s interior minister, Süleyman Soylu, a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has resigned from his post after the bungled handling of a total lockdown across 31 Turkish cities over the weekend to contain Covid-19.
The government announced on Friday at 10.30pm that a 48-hour-long lockdown during which people would not be allowed to leave home would go into effect at midnight, causing panic across the country as people rushed to shops and bakeries to stock up before the curfew.The government announced on Friday at 10.30pm that a 48-hour-long lockdown during which people would not be allowed to leave home would go into effect at midnight, causing panic across the country as people rushed to shops and bakeries to stock up before the curfew.
While officials rushed to reassure citizens that the lockdown would not affect basics such as groceries and pharmacies, the last-minute decision was heavily criticised by civilians and politicians alike. Istanbul – home to 16 million people – had a significant surge in panic buying and traffic backed up as people made late-night trips to check on loved ones.While officials rushed to reassure citizens that the lockdown would not affect basics such as groceries and pharmacies, the last-minute decision was heavily criticised by civilians and politicians alike. Istanbul – home to 16 million people – had a significant surge in panic buying and traffic backed up as people made late-night trips to check on loved ones.
The city’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu of the opposition Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP), said in a video posted to Twitter that his municipality had not informed in advance of the expected shutdown.The city’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu of the opposition Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP), said in a video posted to Twitter that his municipality had not informed in advance of the expected shutdown.
Soylu addressed the criticism in remarks to Turkish media on Sunday morning, accepting “full responsibility” for Friday’s events, but announce his resignation via Twitter on Sunday evening.Soylu addressed the criticism in remarks to Turkish media on Sunday morning, accepting “full responsibility” for Friday’s events, but announce his resignation via Twitter on Sunday evening.
“I acted in good faith ... to prevent the epidemic spreading,” Soylu wrote. “The scenes that occured before the lockdown began, even for a short time, are my responsibility. My actions should not have caused this.”“I acted in good faith ... to prevent the epidemic spreading,” Soylu wrote. “The scenes that occured before the lockdown began, even for a short time, are my responsibility. My actions should not have caused this.”
Political resignations are rare in Turkey. The last time a minister from the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) party stepped down was in 2013.Political resignations are rare in Turkey. The last time a minister from the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) party stepped down was in 2013.
Turkey has become one of the countries with the fastest rising number of recorded cases, which stood at 56,956 on Sunday.Turkey has become one of the countries with the fastest rising number of recorded cases, which stood at 56,956 on Sunday.
Erdoğan, usually no stranger to heavy-handed tactics, has resisted calls by doctors’ unions and opposition politicians to order people to stop going to work and stay home, insisting that the “wheels of the economy must keep turning”.Erdoğan, usually no stranger to heavy-handed tactics, has resisted calls by doctors’ unions and opposition politicians to order people to stop going to work and stay home, insisting that the “wheels of the economy must keep turning”.
Jordan has extended its month-long lockdown until the end of April, according to Reuters.Jordan has extended its month-long lockdown until the end of April, according to Reuters.
A government spokesman said Prime Minister Omar Razzaz took the decision in light of “developments and recommendations” related to the pandemic. The country has registered 389 coronavirus cases and seven deaths.A government spokesman said Prime Minister Omar Razzaz took the decision in light of “developments and recommendations” related to the pandemic. The country has registered 389 coronavirus cases and seven deaths.
Jordan declared a 24-hour, nationwide curfew on March 20. The lockdown followed the Jordanian monarchy enacting emergency laws to give the government powers to restrict civil and political rights.Jordan declared a 24-hour, nationwide curfew on March 20. The lockdown followed the Jordanian monarchy enacting emergency laws to give the government powers to restrict civil and political rights.
Sudan has announced that it is banning all passenger road transport between cities and introducing emergency laws to enforce measures aimed at stopping Covid-19’s spread.Sudan has announced that it is banning all passenger road transport between cities and introducing emergency laws to enforce measures aimed at stopping Covid-19’s spread.
The country has 19 confirmed coronavirus cases and two deaths. Reports reports that officials are eager to prevent the virus’s spread, especially in light of the country’s economic crisis and weakened health system.The country has 19 confirmed coronavirus cases and two deaths. Reports reports that officials are eager to prevent the virus’s spread, especially in light of the country’s economic crisis and weakened health system.
Authorities have imposed a 12-hour curfew, shut down schools, universities and clubs, and banned gatherings, but compliance with the rules has been uneven. Emergency laws means those breaking quarantine rules, hiding information or impeding medical treatment could now face criminal prosecution.Authorities have imposed a 12-hour curfew, shut down schools, universities and clubs, and banned gatherings, but compliance with the rules has been uneven. Emergency laws means those breaking quarantine rules, hiding information or impeding medical treatment could now face criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile in the United States, President Trump is facing opposition to his keenness for a swift reopening of the economy.Meanwhile in the United States, President Trump is facing opposition to his keenness for a swift reopening of the economy.
Richard Luscombe, Edward Helmore and Martin Pengelly report: “Senior US public health officials have pushed back on Donald Trump’s eagerness to reopen the country quickly, as a senior World Health Organization (WHO) figure warned that Covid-19 ‘is going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long to come’.Richard Luscombe, Edward Helmore and Martin Pengelly report: “Senior US public health officials have pushed back on Donald Trump’s eagerness to reopen the country quickly, as a senior World Health Organization (WHO) figure warned that Covid-19 ‘is going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long to come’.
“According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, by Sunday lunchtime more than 530,000 Covid-19 cases had been confirmed in the US and close to 21,000 deaths, making the US the country with the most cases and the most fatalities.”“According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, by Sunday lunchtime more than 530,000 Covid-19 cases had been confirmed in the US and close to 21,000 deaths, making the US the country with the most cases and the most fatalities.”
Greece has registered five fatalities in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 98, authorities say. AP reports that all the victims were men. The country now has a total of 2,114 confirmed cases of the virus, with 33 added since Saturday afternoon.Greece has registered five fatalities in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 98, authorities say. AP reports that all the victims were men. The country now has a total of 2,114 confirmed cases of the virus, with 33 added since Saturday afternoon.
Authorities remain concerned that people will flout the country’s strict quarantine measures during the Orthodox Easter next Sunday. The feast is usually a period of mass exodus to the countryside, and on Sunday, 38 people were stopped trying to leave cities and fined €300 each.Authorities remain concerned that people will flout the country’s strict quarantine measures during the Orthodox Easter next Sunday. The feast is usually a period of mass exodus to the countryside, and on Sunday, 38 people were stopped trying to leave cities and fined €300 each.
Correspondents Tom Phillips and Dom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro have reported that experts fear the consequences of Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, continuing to downplay the threat of the coronavirus pandemic to public health.Correspondents Tom Phillips and Dom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro have reported that experts fear the consequences of Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, continuing to downplay the threat of the coronavirus pandemic to public health.
Medical experts have said they fear that Bolsonaro could be hastening the country’s march towards a devastating public health crisis like those to have hit northern Italy and New York by undermining social distancing measures.Medical experts have said they fear that Bolsonaro could be hastening the country’s march towards a devastating public health crisis like those to have hit northern Italy and New York by undermining social distancing measures.
France has reported a drop in coronavirus deaths on the previous 24 hours, with the total toll now 14,393, AFP reports. There were 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the day earlier.France has reported a drop in coronavirus deaths on the previous 24 hours, with the total toll now 14,393, AFP reports. There were 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the day earlier.
The health ministry confirmed that a “plateau” appeared to have been reached but warned the situation remained serious despite the slightly improving data.The health ministry confirmed that a “plateau” appeared to have been reached but warned the situation remained serious despite the slightly improving data.
The country announced a total of 95,403 confirmed coronavirus cases. The country’s nursing and care homes report 37,188 confirmed or suspected cases, according to Reuters.The country announced a total of 95,403 confirmed coronavirus cases. The country’s nursing and care homes report 37,188 confirmed or suspected cases, according to Reuters.
Here is a roundup of the latest developments around the world.Here is a roundup of the latest developments around the world.
The global death toll has passed 110,000, reaching 110,892, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The number of confirmed cases has passed 1.8m.The global death toll has passed 110,000, reaching 110,892, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The number of confirmed cases has passed 1.8m.
Singapore has announced 233 new infections, bringing the total number to 2,532.Singapore has announced 233 new infections, bringing the total number to 2,532.
Thousands of displaced Syrians have begun returning to Idlib, some driven by fear of the spread of the coronavirus to camps by the Turkish border.Thousands of displaced Syrians have begun returning to Idlib, some driven by fear of the spread of the coronavirus to camps by the Turkish border.
Italy’s death toll has continued to slow, reporting 431 deaths - the lowest daily rise since 19 March.Italy’s death toll has continued to slow, reporting 431 deaths - the lowest daily rise since 19 March.
Spain’s daily death toll has risen after falling for three days in a row, with 619 new deaths registered in the last 24 hours compared to 510 the day before.Spain’s daily death toll has risen after falling for three days in a row, with 619 new deaths registered in the last 24 hours compared to 510 the day before.
New York’s death toll has slowed, with governor Andrew Cuomo announcing there have been 758 deaths in the state in the last day, down from 783 the day before.New York’s death toll has slowed, with governor Andrew Cuomo announcing there have been 758 deaths in the state in the last day, down from 783 the day before.
The UK’s death toll has passed 10,000, as the government confirms that the total number of deaths from coronavirus in UK hospitals has reached 10,612.The UK’s death toll has passed 10,000, as the government confirms that the total number of deaths from coronavirus in UK hospitals has reached 10,612.
The Netherlands has topped 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, while the number of deaths has risen by 94 to 2,737.The Netherlands has topped 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, while the number of deaths has risen by 94 to 2,737.
Boris Johnson has been discharged from hospital. He thanked the NHS for “saving [his] life” after leaving St Thomas’ hospital in south London where he had been hospitalised for a week.Boris Johnson has been discharged from hospital. He thanked the NHS for “saving [his] life” after leaving St Thomas’ hospital in south London where he had been hospitalised for a week.
Italy has ordered 149 migrants onboard a rescue ship off its coast to be quarantined and tested for the coronavirus before they can disembark.Italy has ordered 149 migrants onboard a rescue ship off its coast to be quarantined and tested for the coronavirus before they can disembark.
Singapore has registered 233 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 2,532.Singapore has registered 233 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 2,532.
Thousands of displaced Syrians have begun returning to their homes in war-torn Idlib province, some driven by fear of the spread of the coronavirus in camps by the Turkish border.Thousands of displaced Syrians have begun returning to their homes in war-torn Idlib province, some driven by fear of the spread of the coronavirus in camps by the Turkish border.
Reuters reports that about 1 million Syrians fled Idlib and the surrounding countryside in northwest Syria this past year after Russian-backed government forces escalated a campaign to retake the last rebel stronghold. Fighting has calmed since a ceasefire was agreed in March.Reuters reports that about 1 million Syrians fled Idlib and the surrounding countryside in northwest Syria this past year after Russian-backed government forces escalated a campaign to retake the last rebel stronghold. Fighting has calmed since a ceasefire was agreed in March.
While Syria’s north-west does not yet have a confirmed case of coronavirus, doctors fear the area’s ravaged medical infrastructure and crowded camps would rapidly turn any outbreak into a humanitarian disaster.While Syria’s north-west does not yet have a confirmed case of coronavirus, doctors fear the area’s ravaged medical infrastructure and crowded camps would rapidly turn any outbreak into a humanitarian disaster.
As the tentative peace holds, displaced Syrians are faced with a grim choice: remain in overflowing camps where an outbreak could be deadly, or return home at risk of getting caught in renewed fighting.As the tentative peace holds, displaced Syrians are faced with a grim choice: remain in overflowing camps where an outbreak could be deadly, or return home at risk of getting caught in renewed fighting.
“Our lives go from danger to danger as we flee from bombing, the regime, and conflict, to overcrowding and coronavirus,” Abu Abdo, 45, told the news agency.“Our lives go from danger to danger as we flee from bombing, the regime, and conflict, to overcrowding and coronavirus,” Abu Abdo, 45, told the news agency.
The number of fatalities from coronavirus in Italy rose by 431 on Sunday, the lowest daily rise since 19 March.The number of fatalities from coronavirus in Italy rose by 431 on Sunday, the lowest daily rise since 19 March.
The civil protection authority said 102,253 people are currently infected with the virus, 1,984 more than on Saturday (2%). The curve for infections has been flattening over the past week or so, and Walter Ricciardi, the scientific adviser to the Italian government on the coronavirus outbreak, told the Guardian last week that the plateau could continue for 20-25 days before there is a definitive decrease.The civil protection authority said 102,253 people are currently infected with the virus, 1,984 more than on Saturday (2%). The curve for infections has been flattening over the past week or so, and Walter Ricciardi, the scientific adviser to the Italian government on the coronavirus outbreak, told the Guardian last week that the plateau could continue for 20-25 days before there is a definitive decrease.
To date, there have been 156,363 cases of coronavirus in Italy, including 19,899 victims and 34,211 survivors.To date, there have been 156,363 cases of coronavirus in Italy, including 19,899 victims and 34,211 survivors.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has warned that the country is “far from victory” in its fight against the coronavirus as the country’s death toll rose again after falling for three days in a row.Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has warned that the country is “far from victory” in its fight against the coronavirus as the country’s death toll rose again after falling for three days in a row.
The country registered 619 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 16,972, the health ministry said, the highest in the world after the US and Italy. The toll was 510 on Saturday, the lowest since 23 March, according to AFP.The country registered 619 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 16,972, the health ministry said, the highest in the world after the US and Italy. The toll was 510 on Saturday, the lowest since 23 March, according to AFP.
Conversely, the number of new infections continued to slow, rising by 4,167 to 166,019, a smaller increase than was recorded on Saturday.Conversely, the number of new infections continued to slow, rising by 4,167 to 166,019, a smaller increase than was recorded on Saturday.
Although health chiefs say the pandemic has peaked, they have urged citizens to strictly follow the national lockdown which began on 14 March.Although health chiefs say the pandemic has peaked, they have urged citizens to strictly follow the national lockdown which began on 14 March.
“We are still far from victory, from the moment when he will recover normality in our lives,” Sanchez said during a televised address.“We are still far from victory, from the moment when he will recover normality in our lives,” Sanchez said during a televised address.
“We are all keen to go back out on the streets … but out desire is even greater to win the war and prevent a relapse,” he added.“We are all keen to go back out on the streets … but out desire is even greater to win the war and prevent a relapse,” he added.