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Coronavirus latest news: death toll in Italy passes 20,000; more than 1.87m cases reported worldwide Coronavirus latest news: death toll in Italy passes 20,000; more than 1.87m cases reported worldwide
(32 minutes later)
Spain records another drop in daily death toll; Singapore sees biggest daily jump in infections; China reports highest daily cases in over five weeksSpain records another drop in daily death toll; Singapore sees biggest daily jump in infections; China reports highest daily cases in over five weeks
The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mistotakis, has thanked the nation for the sacrifices it have made in lockdown, saying the time gained has enabled authorities to reinforce the country’s austerity-hit health system, Helena Smith reports from Athens. Brazil’s health minister has publicly defied President Jair Bolsonaro over coronavirus, accusing him of sowing doubt in Brazilian minds over the need for physical distancing, Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro reports.
“You made sacrifices, you deserve a big thank you,” said the centre right leader noting that hospital wards were now much better prepared in the event of a second coronavirus wave in the winter. In a Sunday night interview with Brazil’s most-watched television network, Luiz Henrique Mandetta signalled that Bolsonaro’s insistence on snubbing health ministry distancing recommendations was confusing the country’s 210 million citizens.
Greece’s civil defence minister handling the government’s response to the pandemic has used his latest coronavirus briefing to lambast clerics who openly defy orders to keep churches closed to the public. “They don’t know whether to listen to the health minister or to the president,” Mandetta said. He urged Bolsonaro’s administration to present “a single, united line” on how to tackle the pandemic.
Health authorities announced 2,145 confirmed cases of coronavirus, following an overnight increase of 31, and 99 Covid-19 deaths on Monday. In a clear dig at Bolsonaro’s repeated defiance of distancing guidelines, Mandetta said: “When you see people going into bakeries, to supermarkets … this is clearly something that is wrong.”
With the Orthodox nation gearing up for Easter on 19 April, officials are becoming concerned at the prospect of Greeks gathering to mark what is the most sacred festival of the year. As the nation began Holy Week, the minister, Nikos Hardalias, chastised priests and bishops who continued to hold services in violation of the recommendations of the Holy Synod, the church’s ruling body, government orders “and despite putting people’s lives in danger” because of the risk of the novel virus spreading. The death toll from coronavirus in Brazil currently stands at 1,269, while 22,720 confirmed cases have been reported so far.
“They must finally understand that they are not more Christian than the rest,” he said insisting that this Easter would be different with Greeks staying at home so that the country “could break the virus’ chain of transmission.” Former military agents convicted of serious human rights violations under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile could be freed by a controversial new ruling that seeks to halt the spread of the coronavirus among the country’s prison population, reports John Bartlett in Santiago.
Rogue clerics have been increasingly in the government’s sights amid reports of clerics opening church doors despite the nationwide ban. In a startling snub, for which he has shown no remorse, the Bishop of Corfu, Nektarios, held a service on the island at the weekend attended by a local mayor, senior municipal councillor and at least three people. The rite of Holy Communion was also conducted, as is tradition in the Orthodox church, from a shared chalice. The bishop, who was forced to appear before a public prosecutor today, will be tried, along with the two officials who attended the service, on May 25. His lawyer, Yannis Kontos, said his client did not regret his actions because there is “no decree forbidding Holy Communion.” An urgent bill proposed by the ministry of justice would release some 1,300 low-risk prisoners from overcrowded prisons to serve out their sentences securely under house arrest.
The measure would apply to people convicted of lesser crimes who are elderly, pregnant, have children younger than two years of age, or are terminally ill – as long as they have already served at least half of their sentences.
But 14 government senators have argued that should also apply to inmates at the infamous Punta Peuco prison – a comfortable facility housing about 70 inmates convicted of dictatorship-era human rights violations.
The proposed amendment has divided the ruling Chile Vamos coalition and prompted a fierce opposition backlash. Lorena Pizarro, the spokeswoman for the Association for the Families of Disappeared Detainees, said:
According to data from the coronavirus tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University, Chile has reported 7,525 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 82 deaths.
The world’s shortest woman has taken to the streets in central India to call on people to stay at home after police appealed for help enforcing a coronavirus lockdown, AFP reports.
Jyoti Amge, who is 62.8cm (24.7in) tall, encouraged people to wash their hands and wear a mask and gloves when they leave their homes as she made appearances across Nagpur city in Maharashtra state on Monday.
The 26-year-old told AFP:
Amge has achondroplasia and was certified the world’s shortest woman by Guinness World Records.
The New York governor, Andrew Cuomo, has announced the state’s coronavirus death toll has surpassed 10,000 after this past weekend.
New York lost 671 patients to coronavirus yesterday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 10,056. This is nearly four times the state’s death toll from the September 11 attacks, when 2,753 New Yorkers lost their lives.
Cuomo mourned the loss of thousands of New Yorkers, describing the “horrific level of pain and grief and sorrow” from this crisis.
However, with the number of coronavirus hospitalisations starting to plateau, Cuomo acknowledged there were glimmers of hope. “Yes, I think you can say the worst is over,” Cuomo said.
For more updates from the US, read our US-focused coronavirus live blog.
The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has thanked the nation for the sacrifices it has made in lockdown, saying the time gained has enabled authorities to reinforce the country’s austerity-hit health system, Helena Smith reports from Athens.
“You made sacrifices, you deserve a big thank-you,” said the centre-right leader, noting that hospital wards were now much better prepared in the event of a second coronavirus wave in the winter.
The civil defence minister Nikos Hardalias, who is handling the government’s response to the pandemic, has used his latest coronavirus briefing to lambast clerics who openly defy orders to keep churches closed to the public.
On Monday, health authorities announced 2,145 confirmed cases of coronavirus, following an overnight increase of 31, and 99 Covid-19 deaths since the start of the outbreak.
With the Orthodox nation gearing up for Easter on 19 April, officials are becoming concerned at the prospect of Greeks gathering to mark what is the most sacred festival of the year. As the nation began Holy Week, Hardalias chastised priests and bishops who continued to hold services in violation of the recommendations of the Holy Synod, the church’s ruling body, and government orders for “putting people’s lives in danger”.
“They must finally understand that they are not more Christian than the rest,” he said insisting that this Easter would be different, with Greeks staying at home so that the country “could break the virus’ chain of transmission”.
Rogue clerics have been increasingly in the government’s sights amid reports of clerics opening church doors despite the nationwide ban. In a startling snub, for which he has shown no remorse, the Bishop of Corfu, Nektarios, held a service on the island at the weekend attended by a local mayor, a senior municipal councillor and at least three other people. The rite of Holy Communion was also conducted, as is tradition in the Orthodox church, from a shared chalice. The bishop, who was forced to appear before a public prosecutor today, will be tried, along with the two officials who attended the service, on 25 May. His lawyer, Yannis Kontos, said his client did not regret his actions because there is “no decree forbidding Holy Communion”.
Priests were facing “huge moral dilemmas” over what to do, he said.Priests were facing “huge moral dilemmas” over what to do, he said.
The number of fatalities from coronavirus in Italy rose by 566 on Monday, 135 more than on Sunday, bringing the total death toll to more than 20,000, Angela Giuffrida reports.The number of fatalities from coronavirus in Italy rose by 566 on Monday, 135 more than on Sunday, bringing the total death toll to more than 20,000, Angela Giuffrida reports.
Almost half of the deaths (280) were registered in Lombardy, the northern region worst affected by the virus.Almost half of the deaths (280) were registered in Lombardy, the northern region worst affected by the virus.
The civil protection authority said the number of people who are currently infected rose by 1,363 (1.3%) to 103,616, in a further sign that the curve is flattening. The number of intensive care beds in use continues to decline (-83 on Monday), as does the number of people hospitalised for the virus.The civil protection authority said the number of people who are currently infected rose by 1,363 (1.3%) to 103,616, in a further sign that the curve is flattening. The number of intensive care beds in use continues to decline (-83 on Monday), as does the number of people hospitalised for the virus.
To date, there have been 159,516 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy, including 20,465 victims and 35,435 survivors.To date, there have been 159,516 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy, including 20,465 victims and 35,435 survivors.
The health ministry in Poland has announced 260 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 13 deaths.The health ministry in Poland has announced 260 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 13 deaths.
So far, the central European country has recorded 6,934 cases of coronavirus, and a total death of 245, but there has been criticism of the overall number of tests carried out. The total number carried out since the beginning of the outbreak in the country is 143,630, according to health ministry statistics.So far, the central European country has recorded 6,934 cases of coronavirus, and a total death of 245, but there has been criticism of the overall number of tests carried out. The total number carried out since the beginning of the outbreak in the country is 143,630, according to health ministry statistics.
Last week, Poland extended a lockdown for businesses until 19 April and restrictions for schools, rail and air transport were extended for another two weeks, with borders to remain closed until 3 May.Last week, Poland extended a lockdown for businesses until 19 April and restrictions for schools, rail and air transport were extended for another two weeks, with borders to remain closed until 3 May.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control has released updated statistics on the spread of coronavirus across the continent.The Africa Centres for Disease Control has released updated statistics on the spread of coronavirus across the continent.
Numbers of diagnoses are so far quite low, reflecting perhaps not just a lack of testing facilities, but also that strict lockdowns are already in force in many African countries.Numbers of diagnoses are so far quite low, reflecting perhaps not just a lack of testing facilities, but also that strict lockdowns are already in force in many African countries.
Coronavirus conspiracy theories targeting Muslims are spreading in India, report Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi and Shaikh Azizur Rahman in Kolkata. According to their report, attacks and boycotts of Muslims are escalating amid false claims that a Muslim group is to blame for the spread of the epidemic. They write:Coronavirus conspiracy theories targeting Muslims are spreading in India, report Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi and Shaikh Azizur Rahman in Kolkata. According to their report, attacks and boycotts of Muslims are escalating amid false claims that a Muslim group is to blame for the spread of the epidemic. They write:
Health authorities in Singapore confirmed 386 more cases of coronavirus infections on Monday in the city-state’s biggest daily jump since its outbreak began, taking its total to 2,918.Health authorities in Singapore confirmed 386 more cases of coronavirus infections on Monday in the city-state’s biggest daily jump since its outbreak began, taking its total to 2,918.
A large number of the new cases are linked to outbreaks in migrant workers’ dormitories.A large number of the new cases are linked to outbreaks in migrant workers’ dormitories.
News from Turkey.News from Turkey.
Six new confirmed cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Malta, bringing the total in the country to 384, the Times of Malta reports.Six new confirmed cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Malta, bringing the total in the country to 384, the Times of Malta reports.
Three Maltese men, a Norwegian woman and Nepalese man resident in Malta and an asylum seeker were diagnosed with the virus, according to the paper.Three Maltese men, a Norwegian woman and Nepalese man resident in Malta and an asylum seeker were diagnosed with the virus, according to the paper.
Announcing the new diagnoses, Charmaine Gauci, the superintendent of public health, said the public should not be relieved by the low number, adding that more cases were expected and the spread had not yet peaked in the country.Announcing the new diagnoses, Charmaine Gauci, the superintendent of public health, said the public should not be relieved by the low number, adding that more cases were expected and the spread had not yet peaked in the country.
Meanwhile, Lovin Malta reported that Malta was set to criminalise the wilful spreading of the coronavirus, with penalties of up to nine years in prison.Meanwhile, Lovin Malta reported that Malta was set to criminalise the wilful spreading of the coronavirus, with penalties of up to nine years in prison.
The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged caution over moves by some countries to lift lockdown conditions.The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged caution over moves by some countries to lift lockdown conditions.
In the opening address to today’s coronavirus press conference, he said much was still unknown about the behaviour of the virus, and emphasised that finding, testing and isolating cases was still crucial to controlling the outbreak.In the opening address to today’s coronavirus press conference, he said much was still unknown about the behaviour of the virus, and emphasised that finding, testing and isolating cases was still crucial to controlling the outbreak.
Health authorities in Kenya have reported 11 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, and one death, in the past 24 hours.
The total death toll from the virus now stands at nine in Kenya, which has in total recorded 208 cases, of whom 40 have so far recovered.
In a briefing on Monday afternoon, Mutahi Kagwe, cabinet minister for health, said Kenya had invested 140m Kenyan shillings (£1.1m) in personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, mobilised 500 ventilators for critical care, and manufactured and distributed millions of litres of sanitiser.
Thousands of garment workers who blocked the streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Monday said they were more afraid of starving than coronavirus, after factories supplying western fast fashion chains failed to pay their wages.
With retailers including H&M, Walmart and Tesco cancelling orders because of the pandemic, Bangladesh’s $40bn export sector, dominated by garment factories, is facing its worst crisis in decades.
Bangladesh is the world’s second-biggest garment maker after China.
Protesting workers say many factories have not paid them after the orders were cut. Sajedul Islam, 21, told AFP:
Another protester, who gave her name as Brishti, told the agency:
Some 5,500 workers protested on Monday while 20,000 turned out on Sunday, police inspector Islam Hossain told AFP.
As time runs out on emergency measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in Germany, the country’s National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has recommended a gradual relaxing of restrictions, as long as new infections stabilise and personal hygiene measures are maintained, AFP reports.
The academy’s findings are to form the basis for a decision to be made on Wednesday by the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the heads of Germany’s 16 states about whether to extend restrictions imposed in mid-March that are set to expire on Sunday.
The latest figures from the Robert Koch public health institute indicate new infections are slowing, dropping to 2,537 on Monday, taking the total to 123,016. With 2,799 deaths so far from Covid-19, the toll in Germany is far behind that of other big European nations.
The academy recommended reopening schools as soon as possible, starting with primary and middle schools, although it said most childcare facilities should remain closed. It recommended reopening shops and restaurants, as long as social distancing measures are rigorously respected, and for government offices to get back to work.
The head of the academy, Gerald Haug, said these relaxations of lockdown measures could only happen if people were obliged to wear a face mask while riding in public transport to prevent a resurgence of infections. He told the weekly news magazine Der Spiegel:
Pakistan risks “sleepwalking” into a coronavirus catastrophe, an opposition leader has said.
The country has so far recorded just 93 deaths, out of a total of 5,374 cases, but Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of the former Pakistan leader Benazir Bhutto, said the country’s response to the pandemic so far had been too slow, and that the healthcare system remained under-resourced.
Bhutto told AFP in a video call from his Karachi office:
Bhutto said provincial health advisers, academics and experts had recommended tougher measures across Pakistan.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, will not be the only EU leader to address his people tonight.
In an unexpected move, the office of the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced this afternoon that he, too, will be addressing the nation this evening, writes Helena Smith in Athens.
The 7.30pm speech, the third the centre-right premier has given since the public health emergency prompted the country to go into full lockdown in March, comes as Greeks prepare to mark Orthodox Easter next weekend.
Greece, which adopted restrictive policies earlier than most other EU states, appears to have been able to contain the spread of the coronavirus, recording 2,114 confirmed cases and 99 deaths to date – the latter according to media reports today.
But both epidemiologists and government officials are especially worried about the challenges posed by Easter, by far the most important event in the Orthodox calendar and, for the faithful, the biggest holiday of the year.
The prospect of Greeks being tempted to leave for ancestral villages in the countryside is such that the government spokesman Stelios Petsas said public circulation would be monitored even more closely in the course of the Holy Week leading up to Easter festivities.
Toll stations, bus and train stations, ports, airports and main roads and byroads will all be strictly patrolled, Petsas said. Extra emphasis will also be placed on churches, where police patrols are also expected to be reinforced amid fears of “rogue” clerics enticing worshippers to gather outside them.
“Let’s celebrate a few weeks after the first victory against coronavirus, and let’s celebrate Easter all together next year, as our tradition and religion dictates,” Petsas told reporters.
“No complacency or relaxation can be permitted. Make no mistake. If we relax the measures we will pay for it.”
A total of 11,329 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus, the UK’s Department of Health has said, up by 717 from 10,612 the day before.
The increase of 717 is slightly smaller than the rise of 737 recorded in the previous 24 hours.
This may be a sign that the mortality rate is slowing in the UK, three weeks after the country went into lockdown. However, figures reported over a weekend have often been smaller than those given in the middle of the week, so that too is a factor.
The US is nearing the peak of its coronavirus outbreak, a top health official in the country has said.
The US has recorded more fatalities from Covid-19 than any other country, more than 22,000 as of Monday morning, according to a Reuters tally. About 2,000 deaths were reported for each of the last four days in a row, the largest number of them in and around New York City.
Robert Redfield, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told NBC’s Today programme: “We are nearing the peak right now...You’ll know when you’re at the peak when the next day is actually less than the day before. We are stabilising right now.”
Watch the interview below:
In Indonesia, researchers have warned that government plans to allow millions of people to leave their homes to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan could send coronavirus cases soaring.
According to Reuters, experts at the University of Indonesia’s public health faculty have forecast that if the Ramadan plan proceeds there could be one million infections by July on Java, the country’s most populous island and home to the capital Jakarta.
Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo, has resisted pressure for a total ban on the Ramadan exodus, known in Indonesia as “mudik”, citing tradition and economic factors, instead seeking to persuade people to stay put and using only limited curbs on transport.
Health experts have said that Indonesia faces a sharp rise in cases after a slow government response masked the scale of infections in a country that has already suffered 399 dead – more than any Asian country except China.
Hello. This is Josh Halliday, in Manchester, UK, taking over from Damien Gayle while he has a bite to eat.
The mayor of Moscow, Russia’s capital, has accused foreign bots of attacking a new electronic permit system meant to keep residents off the streets during the city’s anti-coronavirus lockdown, Andrew Roth reports from the city.
The new site was to give Muscovites a QR code to travel around the city for purposes like going to the hospital or to certain jobs. Police have also begun to block some traffic entering and exiting the city.
The site was knocked offline just hours after it was launched. “There are technical problems,” the website said on Monday afternoon. “Use another method of entry.”
In remarks posted online, the mayor’s office said the site’s servers were hit by a “bot attack” that included “those from abroad”. Analysts have been sceptical that authorities could develop a site to handle requests from the city’s 12 million residents in just a few weeks.
Russia has considerably stepped up its quarantine measures as hospitals have warned they are being overwhelmed by new cases of coronavirus.
Russia announced that it had 2,558 new coronavirus infections on Monday, bringing the country’s new total to 18,328 cases, nearly three times the number of confirmed cases just a week ago.
Videos showed dozens of ambulances waiting for nearly 10 hours to deliver patients to hospitals in the city. The head of one Moscow hospital with 1,350 beds said they now had 1,525 patients. “We’re reaching some kind of limit,” said the doctor, Valery Vechorko.