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Coronavirus live news: Julian Assange at risk from virus, says partner as she pleads for release Coronavirus live news: Julian Assange at risk from virus, says partner as she pleads for release
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Stella Moris says Wikileaks founder should be freed fromBelmarsh prison; Christians adapt to Easter without ceremonies; Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico extend lockdownStella Moris says Wikileaks founder should be freed fromBelmarsh prison; Christians adapt to Easter without ceremonies; Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico extend lockdown
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.
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 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.
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 a complaint that he was unable to see his friends or go to drinking parties. 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 AEST
Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,551 cases, as well as three more deaths, taking the southeast Asian nation’s toll to 38.Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,551 cases, as well as three more deaths, taking the southeast Asian nation’s toll to 38.
Two Thai men aged 74 and 44, and a woman aged 65 died, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration.Two Thai men aged 74 and 44, and a woman aged 65 died, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration.
Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections rose by 2,821 on Sunday to 120,479, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed.Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections rose by 2,821 on Sunday to 120,479, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed.
That was lower than a 4,133 increase reported on Saturday, and marked the second decline after four days of increases. The reported death toll rose by 129 to 2,673.That was lower than a 4,133 increase reported on Saturday, and marked the second decline after four days of increases. The reported death toll rose by 129 to 2,673.
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.
Stella Moris, who also revealed the couple have two children, aged one and three, said Assange had been in poor health for months and there were now genuine fears that the coronavirus was spreading the London’s Belmarsh prison where he is being held, awaiting an extradition hearing.Stella Moris, who also revealed the couple have two children, aged one and three, said Assange had been in poor health for months and there were now genuine fears that the coronavirus was spreading the London’s Belmarsh prison where he is being held, awaiting an extradition hearing.
One prisoner has died and a number of prison officers are off sick with suspected Covid-19, Assange’s friends have claimed.One prisoner has died and a number of prison officers are off sick with suspected Covid-19, Assange’s friends have claimed.
Moris said Assange was in isolation 23 hours an day and all visits had been stopped.Moris said Assange was in isolation 23 hours an day and all visits had been stopped.
The pandemic has been a “perfect storm” for South Asian countries, the World Bank has said. AFP has more on the World Bank report released on Sunday.The pandemic has been a “perfect storm” for South Asian countries, the World Bank has said. AFP has more on the World Bank report released on Sunday.
South Asia is on course for its worst economic performance in 40 years, with decades of progress in the battle against poverty at risk, because of coronavirus.South Asia is on course for its worst economic performance in 40 years, with decades of progress in the battle against poverty at risk, because of coronavirus.
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other smaller nations, which have 1.8bn people and some of the planet’s most densely populated cities, have so far reported relatively few coronavirus cases but experts fear they could be the next hotspots.India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other smaller nations, which have 1.8bn people and some of the planet’s most densely populated cities, have so far reported relatively few coronavirus cases but experts fear they could be the next hotspots.
The dire economic effects are already much in evidence, with widespread lockdowns freezing most normal activity, Western factory orders cancelled and vast numbers of poor workers suddenly jobless.The dire economic effects are already much in evidence, with widespread lockdowns freezing most normal activity, Western factory orders cancelled and vast numbers of poor workers suddenly jobless.
“South Asia finds itself in a perfect storm of adverse effects. Tourism has dried up, supply chains have been disrupted, demand for garments has collapsed and consumer and investor sentiments have deteriorated,” said a World Bank report.“South Asia finds itself in a perfect storm of adverse effects. Tourism has dried up, supply chains have been disrupted, demand for garments has collapsed and consumer and investor sentiments have deteriorated,” said a World Bank report.
It slashed its growth forecast for the region this year to 1.8-2.8 % from its pre-pandemic projection of 6.3 %, with at least half the countries falling into “deep recession”.It slashed its growth forecast for the region this year to 1.8-2.8 % from its pre-pandemic projection of 6.3 %, with at least half the countries falling into “deep recession”.
Worst hit will be the Maldives where the collapse of tourism will result in gross domestic output contracting by as much as 13 %, while Afghanistan could shrink by as much as 5.9 % and Pakistan by up to 2.2 %.Worst hit will be the Maldives where the collapse of tourism will result in gross domestic output contracting by as much as 13 %, while Afghanistan could shrink by as much as 5.9 % and Pakistan by up to 2.2 %.
Regional heavyweight India, where the fiscal year began on April 1, will see growth of just 1.5-2.8% in its current financial year, down from an expected 4.8-5.0% for the year just ended, the bank predicted.Regional heavyweight India, where the fiscal year began on April 1, will see growth of just 1.5-2.8% in its current financial year, down from an expected 4.8-5.0% for the year just ended, the bank predicted.
Donald Trump has said that reopening parts of the US for working life will be one of the toughest decisions he ever makes, and he’ll be making it “reasonably soon”.Donald Trump has said that reopening parts of the US for working life will be one of the toughest decisions he ever makes, and he’ll be making it “reasonably soon”.
Speaking with Fox show “Justice with Judge Jeanine”, Trump said:Speaking with Fox show “Justice with Judge Jeanine”, Trump said:
“I think it’s going to be the toughest decision I ever made and hopefully the most difficult I will ever have to make. I hope I’m going to make the right decision. I will be basing it on a lot of very smart people, a lot of professionals, doctors and business leaders. There are a lot of things that go into a decision like that. And it’s going to be based on a lot of facts and instincts.”“I think it’s going to be the toughest decision I ever made and hopefully the most difficult I will ever have to make. I hope I’m going to make the right decision. I will be basing it on a lot of very smart people, a lot of professionals, doctors and business leaders. There are a lot of things that go into a decision like that. And it’s going to be based on a lot of facts and instincts.”
“People want to get back, they want to get back to work. We have to bring our country back,” he said.“People want to get back, they want to get back to work. We have to bring our country back,” he said.
Separately, Trump has also continued his attacks on parts of the media, including the New York Times which ran an investigation into his and his administrations actions in January and February when the outbreak was spreading across the world.Separately, Trump has also continued his attacks on parts of the media, including the New York Times which ran an investigation into his and his administrations actions in January and February when the outbreak was spreading across the world.
As the coronavirus pandemic causes global economic devastation, China could take control of debt-struck nations’ assets at an accelerated rate, or it could boost its soft diplomacy by forgiving debt.As the coronavirus pandemic causes global economic devastation, China could take control of debt-struck nations’ assets at an accelerated rate, or it could boost its soft diplomacy by forgiving debt.
The choice has been laid out by the authors of a Harvard report on a Chinese tactic dubbed “debtbook diplomacy”, and comes amid calls for G20 nations to endorse a year-long debt moratorium for the poorest countries.The choice has been laid out by the authors of a Harvard report on a Chinese tactic dubbed “debtbook diplomacy”, and comes amid calls for G20 nations to endorse a year-long debt moratorium for the poorest countries.
State-owned Chinese companies and banks have become major international lenders, including through large scale infrastructure investments under Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road initiative.State-owned Chinese companies and banks have become major international lenders, including through large scale infrastructure investments under Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road initiative.
China watchers have previously warned about the “debtbook diplomacy” ploy, where developing nations are unable to service heavy loan repayments on Chinese infrastructure investments, forcing them to relinquish control of assets to China.China watchers have previously warned about the “debtbook diplomacy” ploy, where developing nations are unable to service heavy loan repayments on Chinese infrastructure investments, forcing them to relinquish control of assets to China.
“Debt is a very flexible instrument,” said report co-author Gabrielle Chefitz.“Debt is a very flexible instrument,” said report co-author Gabrielle Chefitz.
“As we see China making big soft power push, looking down the line … there are opportunities for China to require payment on debt perhaps with strategic assets in return, or to forgive that debt which furthers that soft power narrative as a global leader.”“As we see China making big soft power push, looking down the line … there are opportunities for China to require payment on debt perhaps with strategic assets in return, or to forgive that debt which furthers that soft power narrative as a global leader.”
More here:More here:
Guatemala has reported 16 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the central American nation’s total to 153 cases, president Alejandro Giammattei said. Three people have died from the disease.Guatemala has reported 16 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the central American nation’s total to 153 cases, president Alejandro Giammattei said. Three people have died from the disease.
Great story from the Miami Herald which reports that Florida’s governor allegedly put pressure on the paper’s lawyers to quash a law suit demanding that the state divulge records showing how many people in care homes have tested positive for the virus.Great story from the Miami Herald which reports that Florida’s governor allegedly put pressure on the paper’s lawyers to quash a law suit demanding that the state divulge records showing how many people in care homes have tested positive for the virus.
The law firm, Holland & Knight, told Sanford Bohrer, a senior partner with decades of representing the Miami Herald, to stand down and abandon the lawsuit, the paper reports. It has refiled the suit through another law firm.The law firm, Holland & Knight, told Sanford Bohrer, a senior partner with decades of representing the Miami Herald, to stand down and abandon the lawsuit, the paper reports. It has refiled the suit through another law firm.
The governor, Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has been accused of responding too slowly to the threat of the virus.The governor, Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has been accused of responding too slowly to the threat of the virus.
The coronavirus behind Covid-19 can produce three times more pathogens than the one behind Sars, a Hong Kong University study has found.The coronavirus behind Covid-19 can produce three times more pathogens than the one behind Sars, a Hong Kong University study has found.
According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the study is the first of its kind based on testing of lung tissue from Covid-19 patients.According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the study is the first of its kind based on testing of lung tissue from Covid-19 patients.
The team infected lung tissues donated by six patients and found that Sars-CoV-2 could replicate by about 100 time within 48 hours, compared to the Sars virus peaking at about 10-20. The new virus also induced slower immune and inflammatory responses, it said.The team infected lung tissues donated by six patients and found that Sars-CoV-2 could replicate by about 100 time within 48 hours, compared to the Sars virus peaking at about 10-20. The new virus also induced slower immune and inflammatory responses, it said.
“The virus is like a ninja, replicating inside the body with lower inteferons and inflammatory response,” said Dr Jasper Chan Fok-woo, a colinical assistant professor at HKU’s medical school.“The virus is like a ninja, replicating inside the body with lower inteferons and inflammatory response,” said Dr Jasper Chan Fok-woo, a colinical assistant professor at HKU’s medical school.
Mild symptoms or a lack of them has made this virus particularly difficult to contain, and the scientists warned measures would have to continue.Mild symptoms or a lack of them has made this virus particularly difficult to contain, and the scientists warned measures would have to continue.
Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung sai there was “almost no possibility of containing the virus before July”.Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung sai there was “almost no possibility of containing the virus before July”.
A meeting of the North Korean ruling party’s central committee, presided over by Kim Jong Un, has called for stricter and more thorough countermeasures to ensure the safety of its citizens.A meeting of the North Korean ruling party’s central committee, presided over by Kim Jong Un, has called for stricter and more thorough countermeasures to ensure the safety of its citizens.
A joint resolution was adopted to take “more thorough state measures for protecting life and safety of (its) people from the great worldwide epidemic disease.”A joint resolution was adopted to take “more thorough state measures for protecting life and safety of (its) people from the great worldwide epidemic disease.”
The Korean Central News Agency said the widespread virus has created obstacles to the country’s effort in its economic construction, though it added the country “has been maintaining (a) very stable anti-epidemic situation” thanks to its “strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures ... consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures.”The Korean Central News Agency said the widespread virus has created obstacles to the country’s effort in its economic construction, though it added the country “has been maintaining (a) very stable anti-epidemic situation” thanks to its “strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures ... consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures.”
A World Health Organisation representative to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea told Reuters on Tuesday that the country continues testing of the coronavirus and has more than 500 people in quarantine but still had no confirmed cases yet.A World Health Organisation representative to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea told Reuters on Tuesday that the country continues testing of the coronavirus and has more than 500 people in quarantine but still had no confirmed cases yet.