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Coronavirus live news: Trump signals immigration ban as WHO says worst of crisis still to come Coronavirus live news: Donald Trump signals immigration ban as WHO says worst of crisis still to come
(32 minutes later)
President to sign temporary executive order ‘in light of attack from Invisible Enemy’; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million. Follow the latest updates President to sign temporary executive order ‘in light of attack from Invisible Enemy’; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million
The next London fashion week is going to be held entirely digitally, and will merge its womenswear and menswear shows, its organisers have announced.
The Guardian’s deputy fashion editor Priya Elan reports that the event in June will feature a multimedia rollout including interviews, podcasts and digital showrooms that will also be open to the public – following the lead of fashion weeks in Shanghai and Moscow that have taken place online due to coronavirus physical distancing.
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), said:
Hello from London. I’m Frances Perraudin and I’ll be guiding you through this morning’s developments in the coronavirus pandemic around the world. You can contact me with tips/comments on frances.perraudin@theguardian.com and on Twitter on @fperaudin.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today.
On Sunday I signed off from this blog saying I was going to once again rearrange my living room furniture. In fact, I had – as I would learn a short while later at the emergency room – just broken my foot (really).
With that, I’m hopping off, leaving you in the capable hands and feet of my colleague Frances Perraudin.
Global deaths pass 170,000. More than 170,000 people have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 2.47 million cases worldwide. Just under a quarter of global deaths – 42,000 – have been in the US. The UK has nearly 126,000 cases and more than 16,500 deaths.
Trump announces plan to suspend immigration to US. US president Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he will “temporarily suspend” immigration to the US, referring to the “invisible enemy,” a term he has used in the White House press briefings and on Twitter to refer to coronavirus.
Singapore sees second-wave rise in number of cases. Singapore, which has been lauded for its initial response to the outbreak, has seen a surge in cases, reporting a record 1,426 new coronavirus cases on Monday, mostly among foreign workers.
Hong Kong extends social distancing measures for 14 days. Chief executive Carrie Lam has announced an extension of the city’s social distancing measures. Hong Kong yesterday reported its first day since early March with no new cases, but Lam said “now is not the time to let down our guard”.
Oil price falls to historic low due to coronavirus. The US oil market collapsed into negative prices for the first time as North America’s oil producers run out of space to store an unprecedented oversupply of crude left by the pandemic. However, Trump has downplayed the oil price drop, saying it’s only “short term”.
World Health Organization chief warns that the worst is still ahead of us. The comments, from WHO director general Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros, have revived international concern just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.
Italy’s confirmed cases fall by 20. Italy reported 454 new deaths from coronavirus on Monday, 21 more than on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 24,114. For the first time, the number of people who are infected fell by 20 to 108,237.
‘People are drinking a lot’: frontline workers on Britain’s lockdown
Two weeks ago key workers spoke to the Guardian about their experiences during the coronavirus outbreak. Now, they tell us how things have changed, as the country endures another three weeks of lockdown.
The Guardian’s Molly Blackall and Caroline Bannock report:
You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.You can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
Indonesia has banned an annual homecoming where tens of millions of people travel to see their families for Eid-al-Fitr, fearing the mass exodus could accelerate the spread of coronavirus across the country.Indonesia has banned an annual homecoming where tens of millions of people travel to see their families for Eid-al-Fitr, fearing the mass exodus could accelerate the spread of coronavirus across the country.
It is not clear how the rule will be enforced, or how many people have already embarked on journeys after losing jobs in the cities they worked in before the virus emerged. Millions of people across Indonesia have been left with no income as a result of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.It is not clear how the rule will be enforced, or how many people have already embarked on journeys after losing jobs in the cities they worked in before the virus emerged. Millions of people across Indonesia have been left with no income as a result of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
President Joko Widodo had previously stopped short of banning Mudik, instead urging people not to travel. On Tuesday, he announced a change in policy, citing a transport ministry survey that said roughly a quarter of Indonesians were insisting on joining the exodus after Ramadan in the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country.President Joko Widodo had previously stopped short of banning Mudik, instead urging people not to travel. On Tuesday, he announced a change in policy, citing a transport ministry survey that said roughly a quarter of Indonesians were insisting on joining the exodus after Ramadan in the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country.
It is feared that mass movement in the country of 264 million people, would allow coronavirus to spread rapidly to areas of the country where health systems are far weaker. Indonesia has recorded more than 6,700 coronavirus infections, and 590 fatalities, most of which have occurred in Jakarta. A lack of testing means the actual number is likely to be higher. It is feared that mass movement in the country of 264 million people would allow coronavirus to spread rapidly to areas of the country where health systems are far weaker. Indonesia has recorded more than 6,700 coronavirus infections, and 590 fatalities, most of which have occurred in Jakarta. A lack of testing means the actual number is likely to be higher.
“Trust us, the worst is yet ahead of us,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Monday about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “Trust us, the worst is yet ahead of us,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Monday about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Although he did not specify exactly what the worst could look like, the WHO has previously warned of the future spread of the virus throughout Africa.Although he did not specify exactly what the worst could look like, the WHO has previously warned of the future spread of the virus throughout Africa.
However, new research suggests that only a tiny proportion of the global population – maybe as few as 2% or 3% – appear to have antibodies in the blood. Ghebreyesus cautioned countries that have began loosening lockdown laws, saying “easing restrictions is not the end of the epidemic in any country”: However, research suggests that only a tiny proportion of the global population – maybe as few as 2% or 3% – appear to have antibodies in the blood. Ghebreyesus cautioned countries that have began loosening lockdown laws, saying “easing restrictions is not the end of the epidemic in any country”.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s political opponents have condemned her decision to keep the country’s tough lockdown restrictions in place for a further five days beyond the initial four-week lockdown period.New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s political opponents have condemned her decision to keep the country’s tough lockdown restrictions in place for a further five days beyond the initial four-week lockdown period.
“We have stopped a wave of devastation,” the prime minister said on Monday as she announced that the strictest period of national shutdown would continue until just before midnight on Monday 27 April. Marginally looser rules – level-3 restrictions – will then be in place until 11 May.“We have stopped a wave of devastation,” the prime minister said on Monday as she announced that the strictest period of national shutdown would continue until just before midnight on Monday 27 April. Marginally looser rules – level-3 restrictions – will then be in place until 11 May.
The country recorded one death from Covid-19 on Tuesday, taking the toll to 13. Five new cases were registered and 1,445 people in total in New Zealand have had the coronavirus.The country recorded one death from Covid-19 on Tuesday, taking the toll to 13. Five new cases were registered and 1,445 people in total in New Zealand have had the coronavirus.
The opposition, led by National party leader, Simon Bridges, reversed earlier support for Ardern on the need for a lockdown. Business owners felt as though they were “sacrificial lambs” due to the shutdown measures, Bridges told a parliamentary committee.The opposition, led by National party leader, Simon Bridges, reversed earlier support for Ardern on the need for a lockdown. Business owners felt as though they were “sacrificial lambs” due to the shutdown measures, Bridges told a parliamentary committee.
Australia’s reserve bank governor, Phil Lowe, says the country’s economy faces the biggest contraction in output since the Great Depression.Australia’s reserve bank governor, Phil Lowe, says the country’s economy faces the biggest contraction in output since the Great Depression.
The RBA expects:The RBA expects:
Australia is likely to experience “the biggest contraction in national output since the 1930s”.Australia is likely to experience “the biggest contraction in national output since the 1930s”.
The decline is estimated to be 10% over the first half of 2020, with most of the decline in June quarter.The decline is estimated to be 10% over the first half of 2020, with most of the decline in June quarter.
Total hours work are estimated to decline by 20%, a “staggeringly large number”, Lowe said.Total hours work are estimated to decline by 20%, a “staggeringly large number”, Lowe said.
Unemployment is expected to be 10% by June.Unemployment is expected to be 10% by June.
The RBA also predicts negative inflation, for the first time since the 1960s.The RBA also predicts negative inflation, for the first time since the 1960s.
Lowe sounds a positive note though: “As a country we are up to the task ... all arms of public policy are pulling together.”Lowe sounds a positive note though: “As a country we are up to the task ... all arms of public policy are pulling together.”
Follow the latest on this story with the Australia coronavirus live blog.Follow the latest on this story with the Australia coronavirus live blog.
Visa conditions that block thousands of migrants in the UK from accessing most state-funded benefits, tax credits and housing assistance should be suspended during the Covid-19 crisis, the shadow immigration minister has said.Visa conditions that block thousands of migrants in the UK from accessing most state-funded benefits, tax credits and housing assistance should be suspended during the Covid-19 crisis, the shadow immigration minister has said.
Most migrants from outside the European Economic Area with temporary permission to remain in the UK have “no recourse to public funds” status, including sponsored skilled workers, family members of British citizens, self-employed people, investors, entrepreneurs and asylum seekers. The NRPF rules also apply to undocumented migrants.Most migrants from outside the European Economic Area with temporary permission to remain in the UK have “no recourse to public funds” status, including sponsored skilled workers, family members of British citizens, self-employed people, investors, entrepreneurs and asylum seekers. The NRPF rules also apply to undocumented migrants.
There have been warnings that without other sources of financial support, some temporary migrants with NRPF status may feel compelled to continue working and risk exposing themselves and others to coronavirus.There have been warnings that without other sources of financial support, some temporary migrants with NRPF status may feel compelled to continue working and risk exposing themselves and others to coronavirus.
The Grenfell Tower inquiry could resume by Zoom videolink, as the inquiry’s solicitor sets out options for restarting hearings during coronavirus crisis.The Grenfell Tower inquiry could resume by Zoom videolink, as the inquiry’s solicitor sets out options for restarting hearings during coronavirus crisis.
The public inquiry into the disaster could resume in virtual form, its senior legal adviser has told bereaved people and survivors.The public inquiry into the disaster could resume in virtual form, its senior legal adviser has told bereaved people and survivors.
An online system has been successfully tested by role-playing barristers, and hearings could be restarted within weeks if the option is chosen following a consultation launched on Monday.An online system has been successfully tested by role-playing barristers, and hearings could be restarted within weeks if the option is chosen following a consultation launched on Monday.
Here is everything we know so far about Trump’s tweet saying he plans to sign an executive order temporarily halting immigration to the US.Here is everything we know so far about Trump’s tweet saying he plans to sign an executive order temporarily halting immigration to the US.
Donald Trump has been accused of “xenophobic scapegoating” after he announced he will order a temporary ban on immigration into the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic.Donald Trump has been accused of “xenophobic scapegoating” after he announced he will order a temporary ban on immigration into the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
There were no other details on the timing or scope of the president’s proposed executive order and no official policy statement from the White House.There were no other details on the timing or scope of the president’s proposed executive order and no official policy statement from the White House.
Instead there was a lone tweet issued by Trump at 10.06pm on Monday. Without warning, he wrote: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy” – a phrase he commonly applies to Covid-19 – “as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”Instead there was a lone tweet issued by Trump at 10.06pm on Monday. Without warning, he wrote: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy” – a phrase he commonly applies to Covid-19 – “as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
The post generated instant uncertainty. Similar moves by Trump in the past have triggered mayhem at airports in America and beyond as well as legal challenges. Such an order would be a far-reaching use of executive power from a president who last week claimed he had “total” authority over states’ efforts to reopen their economies.The post generated instant uncertainty. Similar moves by Trump in the past have triggered mayhem at airports in America and beyond as well as legal challenges. Such an order would be a far-reaching use of executive power from a president who last week claimed he had “total” authority over states’ efforts to reopen their economies.
Zimbabwe faces malaria outbreak as it locks down to counter coronavirusZimbabwe faces malaria outbreak as it locks down to counter coronavirus
Nyasha Chingono reports for the Guardian from Harare:Nyasha Chingono reports for the Guardian from Harare:
At least 131 people have died from malaria in Zimbabwe in a new outbreak, adding pressure to a country already struggling to deal with Covid-19.At least 131 people have died from malaria in Zimbabwe in a new outbreak, adding pressure to a country already struggling to deal with Covid-19.
The fatalities occurred in 201 outbreaks recorded across the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.The fatalities occurred in 201 outbreaks recorded across the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Malaria transmission is seasonal and unstable, causing sickness and death across all age groups. In Zimbabwe, epidemics occasionally occur during the warm and wet season, particularly in February, March and April.Malaria transmission is seasonal and unstable, causing sickness and death across all age groups. In Zimbabwe, epidemics occasionally occur during the warm and wet season, particularly in February, March and April.
Health experts predict the figures will continue to rise across the country, although the true figures may well be masked by families being unable to access clinics or failing to report cases.Health experts predict the figures will continue to rise across the country, although the true figures may well be masked by families being unable to access clinics or failing to report cases.
The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that any lifting of lockdowns to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus must be gradual, and if restrictions were to be relaxed too soon, there would be a resurgence of infections, Reuters reports. “Lockdown measures have proved effective, and people must be ready for a new way of living to allow society to function while the coronavirus is being kept in check,” said Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.Governments considering lifting lockdown measures should do so carefully and in stages, and continue to monitor the epidemic situation, he said. So long as the coronavirus is circulating, no country is safe from a potentially overwhelming outbreak, he said.“Individuals and society need to be ready for a new way of living,” he said.The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that any lifting of lockdowns to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus must be gradual, and if restrictions were to be relaxed too soon, there would be a resurgence of infections, Reuters reports. “Lockdown measures have proved effective, and people must be ready for a new way of living to allow society to function while the coronavirus is being kept in check,” said Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.Governments considering lifting lockdown measures should do so carefully and in stages, and continue to monitor the epidemic situation, he said. So long as the coronavirus is circulating, no country is safe from a potentially overwhelming outbreak, he said.“Individuals and society need to be ready for a new way of living,” he said.
More than 13,400 people linked to a Covid-19 outbreak in a village on the outskirts of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi have tested negative for the coronavirus, the government said on Monday.Supported by the mass quarantine of tens of thousands and an aggressive contact-tracing programme, Vietnam has recorded just 268 cases of the novel coronavirus so far, and no deaths. The country has stayed clear of the virus for four consecutive days so far, Reuters reports.More than 13,400 people linked to a Covid-19 outbreak in a village on the outskirts of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi have tested negative for the coronavirus, the government said on Monday.Supported by the mass quarantine of tens of thousands and an aggressive contact-tracing programme, Vietnam has recorded just 268 cases of the novel coronavirus so far, and no deaths. The country has stayed clear of the virus for four consecutive days so far, Reuters reports.
The government said in a statement: “97.7% of the total samples tested negative for the virus. Results of the rest will be released in coming days.”The government said in a statement: “97.7% of the total samples tested negative for the virus. Results of the rest will be released in coming days.”
Ha Loi village, 32km (20 miles) from the capital city, was considered an epicentre and was placed under lockdown since April 7, after 13 people living there, including a Samsung Display worker, were infected.Vietnam’s health ministry on Monday said over 200 samples linked to the Samsung Display worker also tested negative for the virus.Ha Loi village, 32km (20 miles) from the capital city, was considered an epicentre and was placed under lockdown since April 7, after 13 people living there, including a Samsung Display worker, were infected.Vietnam’s health ministry on Monday said over 200 samples linked to the Samsung Display worker also tested negative for the virus.