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Coronavirus live news: cases worldwide pass 1.85m as oil producers sign historic deal Coronavirus live news: cases worldwide pass 1.85m as oil producers sign historic deal
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China reports highest daily cases in over five weeks: WHO official warns Covid-19 will ‘stalk’ human race; New York deaths slow. Follow the latest updatesChina reports highest daily cases in over five weeks: WHO official warns Covid-19 will ‘stalk’ human race; New York deaths slow. Follow the latest updates
Two mixed martial arts events planned behind closed doors in Singapore this month have been postponed after the city-state tightened restrictions to fight the coronavirus, organisers said.
A spokeswoman for Asia’s biggest mixed martial arts promotion, One Championship, confirmed that the events, on April 17 and 24, have been postponed.
Two more closed-door events next month could also be shelved because of the tougher restrictions imposed by the city-state, she told AFP.
It is still unclear about the fate of another One Championship event scheduled for May 29 in the Philippines capital Manila, which is also under a government lockdown.
“We are living through the most extraordinary of times. The good news is that these short-term restrictions will undoubtedly slow down the coronavirus, and flatten the curve,” One Championship chairman and chief executive, Chatri Sityodtong, said in a Facebook post last week.
Singapore won praise for keeping its outbreak in check in the early stages but has seen a surge in cases this month, with many linked to foreign workers’ dormitories. Health authorities have reported 2,532 COVID-19 cases, including eight deaths.
The Guardian’s front page on Monday. The UK government has been warned that Britain risks having the highest death toll from coronavirus in Europe as the total number of fatalities from the disease in UK hospitals rose above 10,000.
As Boris Johnson left hospital on Sunday, criticism of the government’s response to the pandemic was mounting from senior medics and politicians, particularly over its failure to get enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing to NHS and care home workers.
People across the UK are being given incorrect information from the government about whether or not to isolate, with some wrongly instructed to remain indoors for 12 weeks, GPs have warned.
Doctors fear out-of-date information is being used as they are getting an increasing number of calls from people who do not understand why they have received a text or letter saying they are in the most at risk group. At the same time, some of those who are in priority groups are complaining they have been given no information, they said.
The list of who to contact, which would normally take weeks to do, was compiled in 48 hours, and given the huge undertaking errors are likely to have crept in.
Last month, the government announced it would contact 1.5 million people by 29 March to tell them that they should be “shielding”, which means they are most at risk to the virus and should stay indoors for 12 weeks.
Dr Francesca Silman, a London GP, said: “Unfortunately a number of people I know did not receive letters despite fitting in the shielding category, some only received letters in the past few days, and others have received letters even though they don’t actually need to shield.”
She added: “It is all a bit of a mess. Part of the problem was I think originally NHS England thought the GPs could do some of the searches – but this is not at all an easy task and the guidance for GPs to go ahead was retracted … Meanwhile, I think the public are unaware of this issue and likely to be following the letters they have or haven’t received unless they have been proactive themselves and looked up the guidance.”
Amazon will begin to put new grocery delivery customers on a waitlist and curtail shopping hours at some Whole Foods stores to prioritize orders from existing customers buying food online during the coronavirus outbreak, the company said on Sunday. Many shoppers recently seeking to purchase groceries from the Seattle-based *e-commerce company found they could not place orders due to a lack of available delivery slots.
Amazon said it would have to relegate all new online grocery customers to a wait list starting Monday while working on adding capacity each week. In recent weeks, it increased the number of Whole Foods stores offering grocery pickup *to more than 150 locations, up from 80 previously.
Hello. I am taking over the Guardian’s global live feed, bringing you all the latest news and information from around the world. I’ve just sat down with a tea, as it’s the morning here in London.
Please do share with me any information, insight or news tips with me via any of the means below.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan. If I weren’t a little tired, maybe I’d make this pie:
Good thing my colleague Sarah Marsh is here to take you through the next few hours of global coronavirus news.
China infections rise as some Spanish companies prepare to restart work
China has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases along its northern border with Russia, as some Spanish factories and construction sites are preparing to resume work amid other continuing restrictions.
On Sunday China’s national health commission reported 108 new infections, the highest number in more than five weeks, surpassing Saturday’s 99, which was nearly double the 46 reported on Friday. All but 10 of the cases were imported, and seven of the local infections were in the Heilongjiang province, a northern region where authorities are increasing restrictions and monitoring after a rise in people with Covid-19 crossing the Russian border.
In Europe, Italy and France reported a drop in deaths in the past 24 hours – with Italy, the European nation most afflicted by the disease, reporting its lowest toll in more than three weeks.
Some Spanish companies will resume operations on Monday, at the end of a two-weeks halt to all non-essential activity. The country’s death toll has fallen over recent days, but as a small bump in deaths was reported on Sunday, the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, warned that the locked-down country was “far from victory”.
‘Now there is nobody’: living in a tourist attraction under lockdown‘Now there is nobody’: living in a tourist attraction under lockdown
On a typical day, upwards of 3,000 tourists would stream through her home. But as Spain’snear-total lockdown stretches beyond Easter, Ana Viladomiu has found herself weeks into living a near-solitary life in one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions.On a typical day, upwards of 3,000 tourists would stream through her home. But as Spain’snear-total lockdown stretches beyond Easter, Ana Viladomiu has found herself weeks into living a near-solitary life in one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions.
For more than 30 years, Viladomiu has lived in La Pedrera, a modernist jewel built more than a century ago by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. The passing decades saw almost all the other tenants move out, supplanted by ever growing throngs of visitors lured by the building’s rippling stone facade and knotted balconies.For more than 30 years, Viladomiu has lived in La Pedrera, a modernist jewel built more than a century ago by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. The passing decades saw almost all the other tenants move out, supplanted by ever growing throngs of visitors lured by the building’s rippling stone facade and knotted balconies.
Coronavirus diplomacy: how Russia, China and EU vie to win over SerbiaCoronavirus diplomacy: how Russia, China and EU vie to win over Serbia
As the pandemic gathers speed, major players are looking to use soft power and aid to fulfil their foreign policy goals. For the EU, it’s trying to prove that talk of European values and solidarity is not just empty words. For China, it’s changing the narrative to present the country as the solution to coronavirus, not its cause.As the pandemic gathers speed, major players are looking to use soft power and aid to fulfil their foreign policy goals. For the EU, it’s trying to prove that talk of European values and solidarity is not just empty words. For China, it’s changing the narrative to present the country as the solution to coronavirus, not its cause.
For Russia, it’s using more modest resources for maximum effect, with Russian military vehicles driving through Italy or a planeload of equipment despatched to the US partly produced by a sanctioned company.For Russia, it’s using more modest resources for maximum effect, with Russian military vehicles driving through Italy or a planeload of equipment despatched to the US partly produced by a sanctioned company.
The Americans, focused internally under the Trump administration, have largely been absent from the coronavirus diplomacy game.The Americans, focused internally under the Trump administration, have largely been absent from the coronavirus diplomacy game.
Iran’s president has left nation open to second Covid-19 wave – criticsIran’s president has left nation open to second Covid-19 wave – critics
Iran’s president has been accused of leaving the country exposed to a second coronavirus outbreak after he relaxed social distancing rules in the face of concerns that as many as 7 million Iranians had been left jobless or suffering wage cuts because of the restrictions imposed by the government over the last month.Iran’s president has been accused of leaving the country exposed to a second coronavirus outbreak after he relaxed social distancing rules in the face of concerns that as many as 7 million Iranians had been left jobless or suffering wage cuts because of the restrictions imposed by the government over the last month.
You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
The global number of confirmed cases has passed 1.85 million, to reach 1,850,527, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. There have been 114,245 deaths globally.The global number of confirmed cases has passed 1.85 million, to reach 1,850,527, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. There have been 114,245 deaths globally.
China reported the highest daily infections in over five weeks.Mainland China reported 108 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and 46 reported on Friday.China reported the highest daily infections in over five weeks.Mainland China reported 108 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and 46 reported on Friday.
Top oil-producing countries agreed Sunday on “historic” output cuts in a bid to boost plummeting oil prices due to the new coronavirus crisis and a Russia-Saudi price war.Top oil-producing countries agreed Sunday on “historic” output cuts in a bid to boost plummeting oil prices due to the new coronavirus crisis and a Russia-Saudi price war.
Alabama cannot block abortions during coronavirus crisis, a judge has ruled.Alabama cannot block abortions during coronavirus crisis, a judge has ruled.
Spain is readying to reopen parts of its economy as governments grapple with a once-in-a-century recession. Spain’s death toll has fallen over recent days, but as a small bump in deaths was reported on Sunday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that the locked-down country was “far from victory”.Spain is readying to reopen parts of its economy as governments grapple with a once-in-a-century recession. Spain’s death toll has fallen over recent days, but as a small bump in deaths was reported on Sunday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that the locked-down country was “far from victory”.
French President Emmanuel Macron is on Monday expected to warn the country its lockdown will continue for several more weeks at least. France on Sunday reported a lower number of Covid-19 fatalities over the last 24 hours, with 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the previous day.French President Emmanuel Macron is on Monday expected to warn the country its lockdown will continue for several more weeks at least. France on Sunday reported a lower number of Covid-19 fatalities over the last 24 hours, with 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the previous day.
France is set to isolate 1,900 sailors after virus-hit naval ship docks.France is set to isolate 1,900 sailors after virus-hit naval ship docks.
Germany had a third day of lower cases. Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections has risen by 2,537 to 123,016. That was lower than a 2,821 increase reported on Sunday, and marked the third decline after four days of increases.Germany had a third day of lower cases. Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections has risen by 2,537 to 123,016. That was lower than a 2,821 increase reported on Sunday, and marked the third decline after four days of increases.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday refused to accept the resignation of his interior minister over an abrupt nationwide lockdown that triggered a spate of panic-buying.Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday refused to accept the resignation of his interior minister over an abrupt nationwide lockdown that triggered a spate of panic-buying.
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.
The UK government is facing mounting criticism over its coronavirus response, particularly over its failure to secure enough personal protective equipment and tests for NHS and care workers as the country’s death toll passed 10,000. This follows a warning that that the UK could experience the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe.The UK government is facing mounting criticism over its coronavirus response, particularly over its failure to secure enough personal protective equipment and tests for NHS and care workers as the country’s death toll passed 10,000. This follows a warning that that the UK could experience the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe.
Senior US public health officials have pushed back on Donald Trump’s eagerness to reopen the country quickly, as a senior World Health Organization figure warned that Covid-19 “is going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come”.Senior US public health officials have pushed back on Donald Trump’s eagerness to reopen the country quickly, as a senior World Health Organization figure warned that Covid-19 “is going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come”.
A federal judge has ruled that Alabama cannot ban abortions as part of the state’s response to the coronavirus.A federal judge has ruled that Alabama cannot ban abortions as part of the state’s response to the coronavirus.
The US district judge Myron Thompson on Sunday issued a preliminary injunction sought by clinics to prevent the state from forbidding abortions as part of a ban on elective medical procedures during the Covid-19 outbreak. He said abortion providers could decide whether a procedure could wait.The US district judge Myron Thompson on Sunday issued a preliminary injunction sought by clinics to prevent the state from forbidding abortions as part of a ban on elective medical procedures during the Covid-19 outbreak. He said abortion providers could decide whether a procedure could wait.
In the Alabama court judgement, Thompson said that based on the current record, the defendants’ efforts to combat Covid-19 did not outweigh the lasting harm imposed by the denial of an individual’s right to terminate her pregnancy, by an undue burden or increase in risk on patients imposed by a delayed procedure, or by the cloud of unwarranted prosecution against providers.In the Alabama court judgement, Thompson said that based on the current record, the defendants’ efforts to combat Covid-19 did not outweigh the lasting harm imposed by the denial of an individual’s right to terminate her pregnancy, by an undue burden or increase in risk on patients imposed by a delayed procedure, or by the cloud of unwarranted prosecution against providers.
Authorities in northern Vietnam have ordered people working at a unit of Samsung Display factory in the country to be quarantined after a worker there tested positive for the new coronavirus.Authorities in northern Vietnam have ordered people working at a unit of Samsung Display factory in the country to be quarantined after a worker there tested positive for the new coronavirus.
A 25-year-old worker of the EQC-SI unit of the Samsung Display factory in Bac Ninh province tested positive on Sunday, according to a statement released on Monday by the anti-COVID-19 task force of neighbouring Bac Giang province.A 25-year-old worker of the EQC-SI unit of the Samsung Display factory in Bac Ninh province tested positive on Sunday, according to a statement released on Monday by the anti-COVID-19 task force of neighbouring Bac Giang province.
Samsung confirmed the case, but said Samsung Display’s production lines in Vietnam had not been affected.Samsung confirmed the case, but said Samsung Display’s production lines in Vietnam had not been affected.
Ministers ‘must be open with NHS about PPE shortages’
Ministers must admit when the NHS is heading for shortages of personal protective equipment for staff, even if opponents “weaponise” such openness, an influential hospital boss is urging.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, wants the government to start alerting health service trusts when they are about to face a lack of equipment such as the ongoing dearth of gowns and visors that frontline staff need to repel Covid-19.
Writing for the Guardian about PPE shortages, Hopson says: “National NHS leaders will continue their massive efforts to fill current PPE gaps. But trust leaders believe that they should be included earlier in helping to find the solutions. For example, if there is going to be a stock shortage of a particular item, then far better to know about it well in advance.
A “stay home” message posted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Twitter has fuelled anger, with some saying it was insensitive to to people who cannot rest at home because the government’s social distancing measures are voluntary and don’t come with compensation, AP reports. The one-minute video released Sunday shows Abe sitting at home, expressionless, cuddling his dog, reading a book, sipping from a cup and clicking on a remote control. Entertainer Gen Hoshino appeared in part of the video but later said the clip of him strumming on a guitar at home was used without his permission. Japan had 7,255 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 114 deaths, according to the latest figures Monday.
Ten foreigners who broke a coronavirus lockdown in Rishikesh, the Indian town made famous by the Beatles, were forced to repent by writing “I am so sorry” - 500 times, officials said Sunday.
The nationwide lockdown was imposed near the end of March, with residents permitted to leave their homes only for essential services such as buying groceries and medicine.
The travellers - from Israel, Mexico, Australia and Austria - were caught taking a walk in Rishikesh, where the Beatles sought spirituality at an Ashram in 1968.
Local police officer Vinod Sharma said they were each made to write “I did not follow the rules of lockdown so I am so sorry” 500 times.
More than 700 foreign tourists from the US, Australia, Mexico and Israel staying in the area had flouted the lockdown rules, Sharma said, adding the unusual punishment was handed out to teach them a lesson.
Have tips, news, comments, questions or jokes? Get in touch with me directly any time on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
When Covid-19 came to Nepal, AP reports, attention turned to an unlikely group of victims: hundreds of monkeys, cows and pigeons:
India is planning to restart some manufacturing after 15 April to help offset the economic damage of a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, two government sources have told Reuters, even as it weighs extending the lockdown. The 21-day lockdown of India’s more than 1.3 billion people is due to end on Tuesday.
One of the sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed some ministries to come up with plans to open up some crucial industries.
The sources, who spoke to Reuters on Sunday, asked not to be identified as the plans are still under discussion. Separately, in a letter seen by Reuters, the industries ministry has recommended restarting some manufacturing in the autos, textiles, defence, electronics and other sectors. India’s economy, which was already growing at its slowest pace in six years before the onset of the coronavirus, is set to take a severe hit amid the lockdown, say economists.
Germany’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections has risen by 2,537 to 123,016, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Monday. That was lower than a 2,821 increase reported on Sunday, and marked the third decline after four days of increases. The reported death toll has risen by 126 to 2,799.
Meanwhile in France, President Emmanuel Macron is on Monday expected to warn the country its lockdown to combat the coronavirus must go on for several more weeks at least.
At just after 8.00pm (1800 GMT), Macron will give his third prime-time televised address to the nation on the epidemic from the Elysée palace. In his last, he announced the nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the virus from 17 March.
This speech will come after the first indications of a tentative easing of the crisis in France and that the lockdown is starting to have an effect, with the epidemic starting to plateau, albeit at a high level.
France on Sunday reported a lower number of Covid-19 fatalities over the last 24 hours, with 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the previous day.
Its death total toll from the coronavirus epidemic, including those who have died in nursing homes, now stands at 14,393, the health ministry said.
But officials have warned that the situation remains serious - especially in the Ile-de-France region around Paris - with no rapid return to normal in sight.
The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has slowed in some of the worst-hit countries, with Spain readying Monday to reopen parts of its economy as governments grapple with a once-in-a-century recession, AFP reports.
Italy, France and the US have all reported a drop in Covid-19 deaths in the past 24 hours - with Italy, the European nation most afflicted by the disease, reporting its lowest toll in more than three weeks.
Spain’s death toll has fallen over recent days, but as a small bump in deaths was reported on Sunday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that the locked-down country was “far from victory”.
“We are all keen to go back out on the streets... but our desire is even greater to win the war and prevent a relapse,” he said, as some companies were set to resume operations at the end of a two-weeks halt of all non-essential activity.
A reminder to our readers in Australia (and wherever you are in the globe, really), that our brilliant Australian audio team produce daily podcast episodes of Full Story specifically about the coronavirus. You can find them here.
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You should also subscribe to the Guardian’s terrific global podcast, produced out of London, Today in Focus.
For a taster of that one, have a listen to this two-parter marking 100 days since the virus was first reported.