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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 UK government’s chief scientific adviser warns the country’s daily death toll is likely to rise this week, before plateauing for potentially two to three weeks, and then declining.
Sir Patrick Vallance said that the UK is tracking behind Italy, the European country with the highest death toll from Covid-19, and “following the same sort of path”.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will provide immediate debt service relief to 25 member-countries under its Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to allow them to focus their scarce resources on fighting the coronavirus pandemic, it has said.
Its managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, the executive board has approved the first batch of countries to receive grants to cover their debt service obligations to the IMF for an initial six months.
She said the CCRT has about $500m (about £400m) in resources, including new pledges of $185m from the UK, $100m from Japan, and undisclosed amounts from China, the Netherlands and others. The IMF is pushing to raise the amount available to $1.4bn.
In the space of a few weeks of lockdown, England has acquired a million-strong network of social volunteers – surpassing demand and prompting speculation: is this a new sign of social solidarity, and can the newly acquired community spirit survive?In the space of a few weeks of lockdown, England has acquired a million-strong network of social volunteers – surpassing demand and prompting speculation: is this a new sign of social solidarity, and can the newly acquired community spirit survive?
The extraordinary popularity of the NHS volunteer scheme, which 750,000 people signed up to using a phone app, three times as many as were expected, has been repeated at the country’s volunteer centres, which have registered an estimated 250,000 extra people in the past few weeks.The extraordinary popularity of the NHS volunteer scheme, which 750,000 people signed up to using a phone app, three times as many as were expected, has been repeated at the country’s volunteer centres, which have registered an estimated 250,000 extra people in the past few weeks.
Those numbers come on the back of the astonishing rise of informal mutual aid “good neighbour” organisations – hyper-local groups that keep volunteers in touch via social media. There are more than 4,300 such groups connecting an estimated three million people. Those numbers come on the back of the astonishing rise of informal mutual aid “good neighbour” organisations – hyper-local groups that keep volunteers in touch via social media. There are more than 4,300 such groups connecting an estimated 3 million people.
The UK missed three opportunities to be part of an EU scheme to bulk-buy masks, gowns and gloves and has been absent from key talks about future purchases, Daniel Boffey and Robert Booth write, as pressure grows on ministers to protect NHS medics and care workers on the coronavirus frontline.The UK missed three opportunities to be part of an EU scheme to bulk-buy masks, gowns and gloves and has been absent from key talks about future purchases, Daniel Boffey and Robert Booth write, as pressure grows on ministers to protect NHS medics and care workers on the coronavirus frontline.
European doctors and nurses are preparing to receive the first of €1.5bn (£1.3bn) worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) within days or a maximum of two weeks through a joint procurement scheme involving 25 countries and eight companies, according to internal EU documents.European doctors and nurses are preparing to receive the first of €1.5bn (£1.3bn) worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) within days or a maximum of two weeks through a joint procurement scheme involving 25 countries and eight companies, according to internal EU documents.
The EU’s swift work has led to offers of medical equipment, including masks, overalls and goggles, in excess of the number requested, a spokesman for the European commission said. The EU is separately establishing stockpiles within member states, with the first being set up in Romania.The EU’s swift work has led to offers of medical equipment, including masks, overalls and goggles, in excess of the number requested, a spokesman for the European commission said. The EU is separately establishing stockpiles within member states, with the first being set up in Romania.
Facial protection is going to become the norm in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) figure has said. Dr David Nabarro, the WHO’s Covid-19 envoy, said people will need to become accustomed to a “new reality”. He has told the BBC:Facial protection is going to become the norm in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) figure has said. Dr David Nabarro, the WHO’s Covid-19 envoy, said people will need to become accustomed to a “new reality”. He has told the BBC:
The use of masks has been a major feature of the pandemic, with healthcare workers seeking them as part of their protection equipment.The use of masks has been a major feature of the pandemic, with healthcare workers seeking them as part of their protection equipment.
But the WHO does not recommend them for widespread use and has raised concerns there could be a shortage of masks for medical workers if they are bought up by the general public.But the WHO does not recommend them for widespread use and has raised concerns there could be a shortage of masks for medical workers if they are bought up by the general public.
Dr Nabarro added that people’s lifestyles will also need to change as a result of the virus.Dr Nabarro added that people’s lifestyles will also need to change as a result of the virus.
Brazil is likely to have 12 times more cases than are being officially reported by the country’s government, with too little testing and long waits to confirm the results, a study suggests.Brazil is likely to have 12 times more cases than are being officially reported by the country’s government, with too little testing and long waits to confirm the results, a study suggests.
Researchers at a consortium of Brazilian universities and institutes examined the ratio of cases resulting in deaths up to 10 April, considering cases ending in recovery or death while excluding patients still fighting the virus. They then compared that ratio with the expected death rates based on the age of patients from the World Health Organization.Researchers at a consortium of Brazilian universities and institutes examined the ratio of cases resulting in deaths up to 10 April, considering cases ending in recovery or death while excluding patients still fighting the virus. They then compared that ratio with the expected death rates based on the age of patients from the World Health Organization.
The higher-than-expected death rate in Brazil based on the official figures indicates there are many more cases of the virus than are being counted, with the study estimating only 8% of cases are being reported.The higher-than-expected death rate in Brazil based on the official figures indicates there are many more cases of the virus than are being counted, with the study estimating only 8% of cases are being reported.
Doctors working in emergency and intensive care have been warning that the government is vastly underreporting the figures:Doctors working in emergency and intensive care have been warning that the government is vastly underreporting the figures:
Health ministers from the Group of 20 major economies will speak by video conference on 19 April to address the impact of the new coronavirus on the global health sector and society, the Saudi G20 secretariat has said.Health ministers from the Group of 20 major economies will speak by video conference on 19 April to address the impact of the new coronavirus on the global health sector and society, the Saudi G20 secretariat has said.
The meeting follows last month’s virtual meeting of G20 leaders, who tasked the health ministers with sharing national best practices and developing a set of urgent actions for the G20 to jointly combat the pandemic.The meeting follows last month’s virtual meeting of G20 leaders, who tasked the health ministers with sharing national best practices and developing a set of urgent actions for the G20 to jointly combat the pandemic.
A member of the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt has died 11 days after the aircraft carrier’s captain was fired for pressing his concern that the US Navy had done too little to safeguard his crew.A member of the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt has died 11 days after the aircraft carrier’s captain was fired for pressing his concern that the US Navy had done too little to safeguard his crew.
The sailor is the first active-duty military member to die since the start of the outbreak.The sailor is the first active-duty military member to die since the start of the outbreak.
France is going through “difficult times”, its president, Emmanuel Macron, has said.France is going through “difficult times”, its president, Emmanuel Macron, has said.
Announcing the extension of the country’s lockdown until 11 May, Macron added:Announcing the extension of the country’s lockdown until 11 May, Macron added:
He said that by 11 May, France will be able to test every citizen presenting symptoms.He said that by 11 May, France will be able to test every citizen presenting symptoms.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, says creches and schools will begin to reopen on 11 May. That date will mark the start of a new phase, he said, but the lockdown will continue until then.The French president, Emmanuel Macron, says creches and schools will begin to reopen on 11 May. That date will mark the start of a new phase, he said, but the lockdown will continue until then.
Macron says he will work on a plan to help struggling sectors, such as tourism and leisure, and will extend aid measures for companies and workers. He called on insurance companies to help in the fight to support the country’s economy.Macron says he will work on a plan to help struggling sectors, such as tourism and leisure, and will extend aid measures for companies and workers. He called on insurance companies to help in the fight to support the country’s economy.
In a speech broadcast on French television, Emmanuel Macron said hope was “beginning to arise again in the fight against coronavirus”.In a speech broadcast on French television, Emmanuel Macron said hope was “beginning to arise again in the fight against coronavirus”.
The French president said efforts to combat the outbreak were beginning to have an effect and admitted that France had not been sufficiently ready for the crisis when it unfolded.The French president said efforts to combat the outbreak were beginning to have an effect and admitted that France had not been sufficiently ready for the crisis when it unfolded.
Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak on Monday include:Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak on Monday include:
The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy passed 20,000 after they rose by 566 on Monday, 135 more than on Sunday. Almost half of the deaths (280) were registered in Lombardy, the northern region worst affected by the virus.The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy passed 20,000 after they rose by 566 on Monday, 135 more than on Sunday. Almost half of the deaths (280) were registered in Lombardy, the northern region worst affected by the virus.
The confirmed global death toll passed 117,000, and at least 1.8 million people have been infected, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The tallies are likely to be underestimates.The confirmed global death toll passed 117,000, and at least 1.8 million people have been infected, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The tallies are likely to be underestimates.
A total of 11,329 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus, the UK’s Department of Health said, up by 717 in 24 hours.A total of 11,329 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus, the UK’s Department of Health said, up by 717 in 24 hours.
Belgian health authorities reported 303 more deaths in 24 hours, bringing the country’s total death toll from the outbreak to 3,903, meaning its outbreak is proportionally now more deadly than that of Italy.Belgian health authorities reported 303 more deaths in 24 hours, bringing the country’s total death toll from the outbreak to 3,903, meaning its outbreak is proportionally now more deadly than that of Italy.
Singapore recorded its biggest daily jump in infections, with 386 more cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total to 2,918 cases. A large number of the new cases are linked to outbreaks in migrant workers’ dormitories.Singapore recorded its biggest daily jump in infections, with 386 more cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total to 2,918 cases. A large number of the new cases are linked to outbreaks in migrant workers’ dormitories.
German experts recommended recommended a gradual relaxing of restrictions, as long as new infections stabilise and hygiene measures to control the spread of the virus are maintained.German experts recommended recommended a gradual relaxing of restrictions, as long as new infections stabilise and hygiene measures to control the spread of the virus are maintained.
The head of the World Health Organization urged caution over moves to lift lockdown conditions. He said much was still unknown about the virus and that finding, testing and isolating cases was still crucial.The head of the World Health Organization urged caution over moves to lift lockdown conditions. He said much was still unknown about the virus and that finding, testing and isolating cases was still crucial.
The US is nearing the peak of its outbreak, according to the director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, who told NBC: “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.”The US is nearing the peak of its outbreak, according to the director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, who told NBC: “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.”
The UK will not ease lockdown this week, said to the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who added that it was “still far too early”, and that the UK would be getting ahead of itself if ministers relaxed restrictions before medical experts advised them to.The UK will not ease lockdown this week, said to the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who added that it was “still far too early”, and that the UK would be getting ahead of itself if ministers relaxed restrictions before medical experts advised them to.
Spain saw another fall in its overnight death toll, down by 102 to 517 in 24 hours, bringing the total to 17,489, the country’s health ministry said, adding that it was the smallest proportional daily increase since tracking began.Spain saw another fall in its overnight death toll, down by 102 to 517 in 24 hours, bringing the total to 17,489, the country’s health ministry said, adding that it was the smallest proportional daily increase since tracking began.
Iran’s death toll rose by 111 to 4,585, a health ministry official said, adding that the total number of infected cases had reached 73,303 in the most affected Middle Eastern country.Iran’s death toll rose by 111 to 4,585, a health ministry official said, adding that the total number of infected cases had reached 73,303 in the most affected Middle Eastern country.
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.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.
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.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.
“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.“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.
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.”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.”
The death toll from coronavirus in Brazil currently stands at 1,269, while 22,720 confirmed cases have been reported so far.The death toll from coronavirus in Brazil currently stands at 1,269, while 22,720 confirmed cases have been reported so far.
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.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.
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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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:The 26-year-old told AFP:
Amge has achondroplasia and was certified the world’s shortest woman by Guinness World Records.Amge has achondroplasia and was certified the world’s shortest woman by Guinness World Records.