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Coronavirus live news: Singapore extends lockdown after sharp rise in cases Coronavirus live news: Singapore extends lockdown after sharp rise in cases
(32 minutes later)
Donald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 millionDonald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million
Russia recorded 5,642 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing its nationwide tally to 52,763, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Fifty-one people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, a one-day record for the country, pushing the death toll to 456, it said.
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia began rising sharply this month, although it had reported far fewer infections than many western European countries in the outbreak’s early stages. Today’s increase is the second highest reported yet, after Sunday when authorities reported a rise of 6,060.
As the Netherlands announces plans to emerge from lockdown, its public health institute reported 729 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, its lowest number of daily new cases since 23 March.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said there had been 165 more deaths, taking the country’s total to 3,916.
Overall, 34,134 people in the Netherlands have tested positive for the coronavirus, of whom 9,897 were admitted to hospital.
Earlier, Daniel Boffey, the Guardian’s Brussels bureau chief, reported that the Dutch government was set to announce the reopening of some schools at the beginning of May.
The easing of the country’s lockdown comes after advice from the official scientific advisors, obtained by the Guardian, said the effective reproduction rate of the epidemic has been less than 1 in the Netherlands since 15 March. This means that one person with the disease infects fewer than one other person in the community.
Iran has reported 88 more deaths from coronavirus in the past 24 hours, down from 91 the previous day.
In a press conference broadcast on state TV, Kianoosh Jahanpoor, the health ministry’s spokesman, also said that testing had confirmed 1,297 new confirmed coronavirus cases, taking the total in Iran since the outbreak began to 84,802, Tasnim news agency reports.
The total death toll from Covid-19 in the country, the worst-affected in the Middle East, now stands at 5,297, Jahanpour said. So far 60,965 patients have recovered, but 3,357 remain in hospital in a critical condition.
The Pamplona bull run, where hundreds of daredevils play a risky game of catch-me-if-you-can with half-tonne fighting bulls, is the latest world-famous cultural event to be cancelled as a result of coronavirus, AFP reports.
Pamplona’s municipal council decided to call off the event, Spain’s best-known bull running festival, held each year between 6-14 July, because “the fight against Covid-19 has become a global priority and there is no other possible option for such massive festivities,” a statement said.
Sixteen people have been killed in the bull runs since officials began keeping track in 1910. The last death was in 2009 when a 27-year-old Spaniard was gored in the neck, heart and lungs.
The coronavirus has killed almost 21,300 people so far in Spain, the third-highest official toll after the United States and Italy.
Daniel Boffey, our Brussels bureau chief, has sent in the latest on plans in the Netherlands to ease the lockdown there.Daniel Boffey, our Brussels bureau chief, has sent in the latest on plans in the Netherlands to ease the lockdown there.
The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is expected to announce that primary schools, child care settings and schools specialising in teaching children with special education needs will reopen in the first week of May. Rutte is due to hold a press conference at 7pm CET this evening.The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is expected to announce that primary schools, child care settings and schools specialising in teaching children with special education needs will reopen in the first week of May. Rutte is due to hold a press conference at 7pm CET this evening.
According to advice provided by scientists from the country’s centre for Infectious disease control, the risk from an increase in infection from the reopening of some schools is deemed “manageable”.According to advice provided by scientists from the country’s centre for Infectious disease control, the risk from an increase in infection from the reopening of some schools is deemed “manageable”.
As of Monday, 33,405 patients in the Netherlands had tested positive with COVID-19, of which 9,779 persons were hospitalised and 3,751 died.As of Monday, 33,405 patients in the Netherlands had tested positive with COVID-19, of which 9,779 persons were hospitalised and 3,751 died.
The leaked scientific advice, obtained by the Guardian, says the effective reproduction rate of the epidemic has been less than 1 in the Netherlands since 15 March. This means that one person with the disease infects fewer than one other person in the community.The leaked scientific advice, obtained by the Guardian, says the effective reproduction rate of the epidemic has been less than 1 in the Netherlands since 15 March. This means that one person with the disease infects fewer than one other person in the community.
Of all reported COVID-19 patients, the scientists advise that “barely 1% are under 20 years of age, while this age group accounts for approximately 22% of the entire population”.Of all reported COVID-19 patients, the scientists advise that “barely 1% are under 20 years of age, while this age group accounts for approximately 22% of the entire population”.
The scientists advise: “By opening childcare, primary schools and special education, more transmission is expected among children and their parents. However, it is expected that this will not result in much additional care and hospital admissions.”The scientists advise: “By opening childcare, primary schools and special education, more transmission is expected among children and their parents. However, it is expected that this will not result in much additional care and hospital admissions.”
The scientific advisers are not as one on whether primary schools should open completely or whether they should start with half-full classes. They suggest that the government takes into account the data over the next few weeks from Scandinavian countries where schools have already reopened.The scientific advisers are not as one on whether primary schools should open completely or whether they should start with half-full classes. They suggest that the government takes into account the data over the next few weeks from Scandinavian countries where schools have already reopened.
Secondary schools in the Netherlands could reopen a month later “if no outbreaks have occurred in [primary] schools in the intervening period”.Secondary schools in the Netherlands could reopen a month later “if no outbreaks have occurred in [primary] schools in the intervening period”.
They further advise that children up to 12 years of age should be allowed to recommence sports outside and without a requirement to keep 1.5m distance from each other. Older children will be required to maintain the social distancing rule.They further advise that children up to 12 years of age should be allowed to recommence sports outside and without a requirement to keep 1.5m distance from each other. Older children will be required to maintain the social distancing rule.
Top class athletes may train outside but running clubs should not resume as they advise that clouds of sweat can be detected 20m behind a running athlete.Top class athletes may train outside but running clubs should not resume as they advise that clouds of sweat can be detected 20m behind a running athlete.
“On theoretical grounds, a risk would then arise for those in the slipstream, just behind the athlete”, the scientists report.“On theoretical grounds, a risk would then arise for those in the slipstream, just behind the athlete”, the scientists report.
This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog now, keeping you up to date with the latest coronavirus news from around the world.This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog now, keeping you up to date with the latest coronavirus news from around the world.
If you want to get in touch with tips, suggestions or news from your part of the world, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or you can reach me via direct message to my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.If you want to get in touch with tips, suggestions or news from your part of the world, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or you can reach me via direct message to my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
The coronavirus pandemic may be prompting some anti-vaxxers to question their views, experts say, but others are doubling down – and vaccine hesitancy, amplified by some celebrities, could seriously undermine a future inoculation programme.The coronavirus pandemic may be prompting some anti-vaxxers to question their views, experts say, but others are doubling down – and vaccine hesitancy, amplified by some celebrities, could seriously undermine a future inoculation programme.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70 candidate coronavirus vaccines are being developed, with three already in clinical evaluation. The world’s small but vocal anti-vaccination community seems divided on how to respond.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70 candidate coronavirus vaccines are being developed, with three already in clinical evaluation. The world’s small but vocal anti-vaccination community seems divided on how to respond.
“The extremists, the belief-driven groups who reject vaccination on principle, whose aim is to disrupt and polarise, they’re not changing, in fact they’re capitalising,” said Heidi Larson, director of the London-based Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP).“The extremists, the belief-driven groups who reject vaccination on principle, whose aim is to disrupt and polarise, they’re not changing, in fact they’re capitalising,” said Heidi Larson, director of the London-based Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP).
You can read the full story here –You can read the full story here –
Projected deaths from coronavirus in Northern Ireland have been cut dramatically to 1,500, reports Henry McDonald in Belfast.Projected deaths from coronavirus in Northern Ireland have been cut dramatically to 1,500, reports Henry McDonald in Belfast.
Earlier this month, medical chiefs in the region said the expected death toll would be more than 3,000. The health minister in the power sharing regional government, Robin Swann, said the latest, lower figure for deaths was due to new modelling on Covid-19 numbers.Earlier this month, medical chiefs in the region said the expected death toll would be more than 3,000. The health minister in the power sharing regional government, Robin Swann, said the latest, lower figure for deaths was due to new modelling on Covid-19 numbers.
While welcoming the lower projected death toll, Swann said there was “no room for complacency” and that the lockdown measures across Northern Ireland needed to continue.While welcoming the lower projected death toll, Swann said there was “no room for complacency” and that the lockdown measures across Northern Ireland needed to continue.
Appealing to the public to maintain social distancing, he added:Appealing to the public to maintain social distancing, he added:
Greek officials have signalled that they are preparing for the country’s lockdown to be reversed. The government’s spokesman, Stelios Petsas, has announced that as of 27 April the justice system will gradually return to normality with land registry offices and some courts opening “for specific procedures”.Greek officials have signalled that they are preparing for the country’s lockdown to be reversed. The government’s spokesman, Stelios Petsas, has announced that as of 27 April the justice system will gradually return to normality with land registry offices and some courts opening “for specific procedures”.
This will mark the first relaxation of restrictive measures since schools were closed in the western Peloponnese – which saw the country’s first outbreak of the coronavirus – on 4 March.This will mark the first relaxation of restrictive measures since schools were closed in the western Peloponnese – which saw the country’s first outbreak of the coronavirus – on 4 March.
Sectors of the population less at risk will then follow, said Petsas, explaining that while small shops may open thereafter the government’s priority would continue to be the protection of the most vulnerable.Sectors of the population less at risk will then follow, said Petsas, explaining that while small shops may open thereafter the government’s priority would continue to be the protection of the most vulnerable.
Greek health authorities said on Monday that 116 people had died from the disease in the country while 2,245 cases had been confirmed. Some 54,345 tests had been conducted nationwide.Greek health authorities said on Monday that 116 people had died from the disease in the country while 2,245 cases had been confirmed. Some 54,345 tests had been conducted nationwide.
As in other parts of Europe, the transition is expected to be as tentative as it is gradual. “We are not there yet,” Petsas insisted, noting that the detection of further infections in a refugee camp in Kranidi in the Peloponnese was particularly worrying.As in other parts of Europe, the transition is expected to be as tentative as it is gradual. “We are not there yet,” Petsas insisted, noting that the detection of further infections in a refugee camp in Kranidi in the Peloponnese was particularly worrying.
Nikos Hardalias, the minister for civil defence handling the government’s response to the pandemic, has rushed to the holding facility where more than 150 Somali refugees are believed to have tested positive for the virus.Nikos Hardalias, the minister for civil defence handling the government’s response to the pandemic, has rushed to the holding facility where more than 150 Somali refugees are believed to have tested positive for the virus.
Turkey’s Covid-19 outbreak has hit 90,981 cases, overtaking China to become the seventh most affected country in the world.Turkey’s Covid-19 outbreak has hit 90,981 cases, overtaking China to become the seventh most affected country in the world.
While Ankara took early steps to limit international travel and closed schools and restaurants shortly after its first case was confirmed on 11 March, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has resisted calls for a total lockdown, insisting that the wheels of the economy “must keep turning”.While Ankara took early steps to limit international travel and closed schools and restaurants shortly after its first case was confirmed on 11 March, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has resisted calls for a total lockdown, insisting that the wheels of the economy “must keep turning”.
Turkey is still recovering from a 2018 currency crash. Further economic turmoil is likely to further dent the already waning popularity of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP).Turkey is still recovering from a 2018 currency crash. Further economic turmoil is likely to further dent the already waning popularity of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP).
Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows that the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than official tallies.Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows that the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than official tallies.
Fearful that people will try to take advantage of the sunny spring weather, Turkey has implemented a 48-hour weekend curfew until further notice. The start of Ramadan on Thursday will be marked by a new four-day lockdown during which families will not be able to travel to eat and celebrate together without risking fines or arrest.Fearful that people will try to take advantage of the sunny spring weather, Turkey has implemented a 48-hour weekend curfew until further notice. The start of Ramadan on Thursday will be marked by a new four-day lockdown during which families will not be able to travel to eat and celebrate together without risking fines or arrest.
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, has also announced a massive operation of 195 flights over the next nine days to bring back 25,000 Turkish citizens stranded abroad in time for the beginning of the holy month. Both international and domestic airports are otherwise closed.Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, has also announced a massive operation of 195 flights over the next nine days to bring back 25,000 Turkish citizens stranded abroad in time for the beginning of the holy month. Both international and domestic airports are otherwise closed.
Ruby Princess crew members clapped and cheered from their balconies as the first of their workmates finally began to disembark the troubled cruise ship in New South Wales to fly home.Ruby Princess crew members clapped and cheered from their balconies as the first of their workmates finally began to disembark the troubled cruise ship in New South Wales to fly home.
At least 49 crew members from six countries disembarked from the ship, which has been docked at Port Kembla for more than two weeks following a Covid-19 outbreak. Police in New South Wales said more crew members will disembark in coming days, but hundreds will remain on board and return with the ship to its port of origin.At least 49 crew members from six countries disembarked from the ship, which has been docked at Port Kembla for more than two weeks following a Covid-19 outbreak. Police in New South Wales said more crew members will disembark in coming days, but hundreds will remain on board and return with the ship to its port of origin.
The Ruby Princess initially docked in Sydney in March, when the ship’s passengers and some crew disembarked. It has since been linked to at least 21 deaths and hundreds of coronavirus cases across Australia.The Ruby Princess initially docked in Sydney in March, when the ship’s passengers and some crew disembarked. It has since been linked to at least 21 deaths and hundreds of coronavirus cases across Australia.
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.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.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.
World Health Organization says evidence that coronavirus came from bats. The WHO said all available evidence suggested the coronavirus originated in bats in China late last year and was not manipulated or constructed in a laboratory. Trump said last week the US was trying to determine whether the virus emanated from a lab in Wuhan in central China.World Health Organization says evidence that coronavirus came from bats. The WHO said all available evidence suggested the coronavirus originated in bats in China late last year and was not manipulated or constructed in a laboratory. Trump said last week the US was trying to determine whether the virus emanated from a lab in Wuhan in central China.
Italy to announce plan to ease lockdown this week as confirmed cases fall by 20. The country’s prime minister said the government would unveil plans for the gradual reopening from lockdown before the end of this week. 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.Italy to announce plan to ease lockdown this week as confirmed cases fall by 20. The country’s prime minister said the government would unveil plans for the gradual reopening from lockdown before the end of this week. 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.
Singapore extends lockdown after second-wave rise in 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. The city state’s prime minister announced a lockdown would be extended by four weeks until 1 June.Singapore extends lockdown after second-wave rise in 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. The city state’s prime minister announced a lockdown would be extended by four weeks until 1 June.
Denmark ban on gatherings of more than 500 in place until September. The country’s government has announced it will not allow gatherings of more than 500 people until at least 1 September, and that the current ban on gatherings of more than 10 people will stay in place until 10 May. Denmark was one of the first European countries to introduce lockdown restrictions on 12 March, before it had recorded any deaths. Three hundred and 64 people are reported to have died in the country.Denmark ban on gatherings of more than 500 in place until September. The country’s government has announced it will not allow gatherings of more than 500 people until at least 1 September, and that the current ban on gatherings of more than 10 people will stay in place until 10 May. Denmark was one of the first European countries to introduce lockdown restrictions on 12 March, before it had recorded any deaths. Three hundred and 64 people are reported to have died in the country.
Oktoberfest cancelled. Bavaria’s leaders have cancelled Oktoberfest, the world’s biggest beer festival, due to fears that it could become a breeding ground for the coronavirus. The 210-year-old festival, which attracts 6 million visitors and brings in around €1bn a year, is a major event in the German calendar.Oktoberfest cancelled. Bavaria’s leaders have cancelled Oktoberfest, the world’s biggest beer festival, due to fears that it could become a breeding ground for the coronavirus. The 210-year-old festival, which attracts 6 million visitors and brings in around €1bn a year, is a major event in the German calendar.
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”.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”.
There was further unrest in the Paris suburbs, or “banlieues”, on Monday evening, with fireworks fired at police and rubbish bins and cars set alight. Similar incidents were reported in areas of Strasbourg in eastern France.There was further unrest in the Paris suburbs, or “banlieues”, on Monday evening, with fireworks fired at police and rubbish bins and cars set alight. Similar incidents were reported in areas of Strasbourg in eastern France.
This appears to be a spread of unrest following an incident in Villeneuve-la Garenne on Saturday evening in which a trail motorbike, ridden at speed by a man not wearing a helmet, hit the door of a police car stopped at a red traffic light.This appears to be a spread of unrest following an incident in Villeneuve-la Garenne on Saturday evening in which a trail motorbike, ridden at speed by a man not wearing a helmet, hit the door of a police car stopped at a red traffic light.
An investigation is ongoing into the incident, which is the subject of conflicting claims: locals say officers opened the door of the unmarked police vehicle deliberately with the intention of injuring the rider, who was thrown from the bike and suffered a fractured femur. The man’s family has announced it will sue the police, who deny the accusation its officers acted deliberately.An investigation is ongoing into the incident, which is the subject of conflicting claims: locals say officers opened the door of the unmarked police vehicle deliberately with the intention of injuring the rider, who was thrown from the bike and suffered a fractured femur. The man’s family has announced it will sue the police, who deny the accusation its officers acted deliberately.
Seven people were arrested after the unrest on Sunday, which appears to have been sparked by rumours the injured man was so badly hurt he had his leg amputated; four were still in custody on Tuesday morning.Seven people were arrested after the unrest on Sunday, which appears to have been sparked by rumours the injured man was so badly hurt he had his leg amputated; four were still in custody on Tuesday morning.
It has been reported in some UK media that the violence broke out because of French president Emmanuel Macron’s decision to extend the country’s strict lockdown until 11 May, but this seems unlikely as the extension was announced several days before the unrest began. However, tensions in the banlieues are especially high because of allegations of heavy-handed policing of the lockdown in the densely populated housing estates, which are home to many migrant and minority communities.It has been reported in some UK media that the violence broke out because of French president Emmanuel Macron’s decision to extend the country’s strict lockdown until 11 May, but this seems unlikely as the extension was announced several days before the unrest began. However, tensions in the banlieues are especially high because of allegations of heavy-handed policing of the lockdown in the densely populated housing estates, which are home to many migrant and minority communities.
In Strasbourg, rubbish bins and a car were torched and Molotov cocktails were thrown at a police station. The local authorities said images posted on social media looked dramatic, but there was limited damage to the buildings.In Strasbourg, rubbish bins and a car were torched and Molotov cocktails were thrown at a police station. The local authorities said images posted on social media looked dramatic, but there was limited damage to the buildings.
Here’s more on the decision to cancel this year’s Oktoberfest in Bavaria, from the Guardian’s correspondent in Germany, Kate Connolly.Here’s more on the decision to cancel this year’s Oktoberfest in Bavaria, from the Guardian’s correspondent in Germany, Kate Connolly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that all available evidence suggests that the coronavirus originated in bats in China late last year and it was not manipulated or constructed in a laboratory.The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that all available evidence suggests that the coronavirus originated in bats in China late last year and it was not manipulated or constructed in a laboratory.
US president Donald Trump said last week his government was trying to determine whether the virus emanated from a lab in Wuhan in central China.US president Donald Trump said last week his government was trying to determine whether the virus emanated from a lab in Wuhan in central China.
WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a Geneva news briefing:WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a Geneva news briefing:
She added that it was not clear how the virus had jumped the species barrier to humans but there had “certainly” been an intermediate animal host.She added that it was not clear how the virus had jumped the species barrier to humans but there had “certainly” been an intermediate animal host.
In its first coronavirus briefing this week, Germany’s leading public health body, the Robert Koch Institute, said there was evidence Covid-19 could damage the heart, kidneys and cause blood clotting. Prof Lars Schaade, the RKI’s vice-president, said: “We must systematically examine all the evidence, including through autopsies.”In its first coronavirus briefing this week, Germany’s leading public health body, the Robert Koch Institute, said there was evidence Covid-19 could damage the heart, kidneys and cause blood clotting. Prof Lars Schaade, the RKI’s vice-president, said: “We must systematically examine all the evidence, including through autopsies.”
He said the decision to relax restrictions across Germany, which has seen some small shops opening, and pupils returning to school to sit exams this week, were “sensible” from a societal point of view. But from a purely epidemiological viewpoint restrictions should remain in place.He said the decision to relax restrictions across Germany, which has seen some small shops opening, and pupils returning to school to sit exams this week, were “sensible” from a societal point of view. But from a purely epidemiological viewpoint restrictions should remain in place.
The main aim remained ensuring the number of cases remained in a “safe zone”, he said. Germany’s reproduction rate is 0.9 – up on Friday when it was 0.7 – which means every person contracting the illness is infecting a further person. The number of new cases are doubling every 20 days, the number of deaths every 12 days.The main aim remained ensuring the number of cases remained in a “safe zone”, he said. Germany’s reproduction rate is 0.9 – up on Friday when it was 0.7 – which means every person contracting the illness is infecting a further person. The number of new cases are doubling every 20 days, the number of deaths every 12 days.
According to health authority figures this morning, Germany has more than 147,000 confirmed cases, and 4,912 people have died from the disease. Germany’s mortality rate from coronavirus is at 3.2%. Schaade said it had risen, as the amount of infections and subsequent deaths in care homes and hospitals had increased.According to health authority figures this morning, Germany has more than 147,000 confirmed cases, and 4,912 people have died from the disease. Germany’s mortality rate from coronavirus is at 3.2%. Schaade said it had risen, as the amount of infections and subsequent deaths in care homes and hospitals had increased.
He said test capacity was at 730,000 a week in Germany, but should ideally be around 1m, with everyone who has a respiratory illness or infection of the airway getting tested. However, he pointed to practical problems with upscaling testing due to a global lack of reagents.He said test capacity was at 730,000 a week in Germany, but should ideally be around 1m, with everyone who has a respiratory illness or infection of the airway getting tested. However, he pointed to practical problems with upscaling testing due to a global lack of reagents.
Despite reports this morning that children are not spreading the disease as much as had been thought, Schaade said intensive tracking showed children who had contracted the disease in Germany were found to have as much of the virus in their throats as adults, even if they often show no symptoms. He said the RKI believed children played a not-insignificant role in spreading the disease.Despite reports this morning that children are not spreading the disease as much as had been thought, Schaade said intensive tracking showed children who had contracted the disease in Germany were found to have as much of the virus in their throats as adults, even if they often show no symptoms. He said the RKI believed children played a not-insignificant role in spreading the disease.
Schaade said advice about stopping the spread of the virus remained the same, and would do so as long as there was no vaccination: keep a distance of 1.5 metres, cough into the elbow and wash your hands. He advised the wearing of face protection that covered the nose and mouth in public places.Schaade said advice about stopping the spread of the virus remained the same, and would do so as long as there was no vaccination: keep a distance of 1.5 metres, cough into the elbow and wash your hands. He advised the wearing of face protection that covered the nose and mouth in public places.
He said intensive tracking of those who had been in contact with infected people remained an important part of the strategy to tackle coronavirus, and was a “classical epidemiological tool”, enabling contacts to be “found and isolated so that they don’t infect more people”.He said intensive tracking of those who had been in contact with infected people remained an important part of the strategy to tackle coronavirus, and was a “classical epidemiological tool”, enabling contacts to be “found and isolated so that they don’t infect more people”.
Singapore’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has extended a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus by four weeks until 1 June, after the city-state saw a sharp rise in cases.Singapore’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has extended a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus by four weeks until 1 June, after the city-state saw a sharp rise in cases.
The measures, which include the closures of most workplaces and schools, were initially set to run from 7 April until 4 May.The measures, which include the closures of most workplaces and schools, were initially set to run from 7 April until 4 May.
You can read the prime minister’s full speech here. In it, he said:You can read the prime minister’s full speech here. In it, he said: