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Coronavirus live news: Trump downplays oil crash as 'short term' Coronavirus live news: Trump to suspend all immigration to US amid pandemic
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US oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million; Tokyo Olympics might not happen in 2021. Follow the latest updatesUS oil market collapses into negative prices; global cases near 2.5 million; Tokyo Olympics might not happen in 2021. Follow the latest updates
US president Donald Trump has just 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.
This is breaking news, we will bring you more shortly.
As the world scrambles to find a cure to coronavirus, there is one self-administered treatment that is undoubtedly not going to provide the solution: 40% proof alcohol.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excess alcohol consumption may weaken the body’s immune system and render people vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. So it was surprising that John Daly, the professional golfer from California, should have posted a video earlier this month suggesting vodka could combat the virus.
It was doubly surprising that Donald Trump’s golf company, Trump Golf, should then have retweeted the video on its official Twitter feed:
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution Friday night calling for global action to rapidly scale up development, manufacturing and access to medicine, vaccines and medical equipment to confront the new coronavirus pandemic, AP reports. The Mexican-drafted resolution requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to work with the World Health Organization and recommend options to ensure timely and equitable access to testing, medical supplies, drugs and future coronavirus vaccines for all in need, especially in developing countries.
It reaffirms the fundamental role of the United Nations system in coordinating the global response to control and contain the spread of Covid-19 and in supporting the 193 UN member states, and in this regard acknowledges the crucial leading role played by the World Health Organization.US President Donald Trump suspended funding to the World Health Organization earlier this month, accusing the UN agency of failing to stop the virus from spreading when it first surfaced in China, saying it must be held accountable. But the United States did not block adoption of the resolution.
Podcast: WHO and the coronavirus pandemic
The World Health Organization has been at the forefront of the global response to new diseases and with differing outcomes. It was hailed for the way it dealt with Sars but pilloried for its handling of Ebola. Now, with its biggest challenge yet, it is in the crosshairs again as Donald Trump threatens to withdraw funding:
Sixteen migrants from several countries have tested positive for coronavirus in Mexicos northern border state of Tamaulipas, the state government said Monday.The state’s announcement came the same day that the US government said it will continue to quickly expel migrants it encounters along the border for at least another month in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, AP reports.Under the US policy change spurred by the virus, the US government has sent some 10,000 Mexicans and Central Americans back to Mexico, according to data from the US Border Patrol.
The situation led Tamaulipas to ask the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to not accept anymore Central Americans delivered back across the border to Mexico from the United States. Fifteen of the infected migrants from Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Cameroon were staying at a migrant shelter in the city of Nuevo Laredo, across the border from Laredo, Texas. They are in isolation.The Nazareth migrants shelter in Nuevo Laredo said three of the infected migrants were minors. Of the 15, three were hospitalized but were released back to the shelter. More tests have been done at the shelter but no other cases have been confirmed.
Maryland has obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea following weeks of negotiations, Larry Hogan, the state’s Republican governor, said on Monday, in an announcement that raised questions about governors circumventing the federal government to obtain medical equipment.Maryland has obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea following weeks of negotiations, Larry Hogan, the state’s Republican governor, said on Monday, in an announcement that raised questions about governors circumventing the federal government to obtain medical equipment.
Hogan confirmed on Monday that the state has obtained the tests from LabGenomics. Speaking in Annapolis alongside Yumi Hogan, Maryland’s first lady, the governor said a Korean Air passenger plane arrived at BWI airport on Saturday carrying the tests.Hogan confirmed on Monday that the state has obtained the tests from LabGenomics. Speaking in Annapolis alongside Yumi Hogan, Maryland’s first lady, the governor said a Korean Air passenger plane arrived at BWI airport on Saturday carrying the tests.
Hogan said insufficient testing remained “the most serious obstacle to safely reopening our states” and celebrated the “exponential, game-changing step forward” that Maryland is taking:Hogan said insufficient testing remained “the most serious obstacle to safely reopening our states” and celebrated the “exponential, game-changing step forward” that Maryland is taking:
Should Facebook ban anti-lockdown protests? The thorny questions of civil rights amid coronavirusShould Facebook ban anti-lockdown protests? The thorny questions of civil rights amid coronavirus
Facebook said on Monday that it was banning users from organising “events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing”. The company’s decision to selectively enforce state public health orders came amid a spate of rallies protesting against statewide stay-at-home orders in cities cross the US, and it drew condemnation from rightwing supporters of the protest movement, Donald Trump Jr, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).Facebook said on Monday that it was banning users from organising “events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing”. The company’s decision to selectively enforce state public health orders came amid a spate of rallies protesting against statewide stay-at-home orders in cities cross the US, and it drew condemnation from rightwing supporters of the protest movement, Donald Trump Jr, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The controversy highlighted the challenges that arise when a private company controls so much of the digital “public square” – especially at a time when access to physical public squares is limited by public health orders:The controversy highlighted the challenges that arise when a private company controls so much of the digital “public square” – especially at a time when access to physical public squares is limited by public health orders:
On Monday, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.On Monday, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.
Here is what that elimination progress looks like so far:Here is what that elimination progress looks like so far:
Here is Morgan Godfery on what that lockdown meant for the country’s morale:Here is Morgan Godfery on what that lockdown meant for the country’s morale:
Here is the story on Ardern’s decision to extend the lockdown:Here is the story on Ardern’s decision to extend the lockdown:
New Zealanders have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed hungry zoo animals in the midst of lockdown as the prime minister announced coronavirus lockdown restrictions would continue for at least three more weeks.New Zealanders have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed hungry zoo animals in the midst of lockdown as the prime minister announced coronavirus lockdown restrictions would continue for at least three more weeks.
Orana Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Christchurch is home to 400 wild and domestic animals, including chimps, meerkats, rhinos and giraffes. The zoo has been shut to the public during the lockdown, with keepers, deemed essential workers, working split shifts to stay safe.Orana Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Christchurch is home to 400 wild and domestic animals, including chimps, meerkats, rhinos and giraffes. The zoo has been shut to the public during the lockdown, with keepers, deemed essential workers, working split shifts to stay safe.
Unable to earn any income from visitors, which usually accounts for 95% of its revenue, the zoo is now struggling to pay its weekly NZ$70,000 (US$42,000) food bills, and has appealed to the general public for help. The gorillas alone eat NZ$800 (US$485) worth of vegetables every week.Unable to earn any income from visitors, which usually accounts for 95% of its revenue, the zoo is now struggling to pay its weekly NZ$70,000 (US$42,000) food bills, and has appealed to the general public for help. The gorillas alone eat NZ$800 (US$485) worth of vegetables every week.
In just four days more than 4,000 Kiwis have donated more than NZ$230,000.In just four days more than 4,000 Kiwis have donated more than NZ$230,000.
Over a barrel: how oil prices dropped below zeroOver a barrel: how oil prices dropped below zero
US oil prices turned negative for the first time in history on Monday amid the deepest fall in demand in 25 years. A flood of unwanted oil in the market caused the West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark price for US oil, to plummet to almost –$40 a barrel after the fastest plunge in history. That meant producers were paying buyers to take oil off their hands.US oil prices turned negative for the first time in history on Monday amid the deepest fall in demand in 25 years. A flood of unwanted oil in the market caused the West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark price for US oil, to plummet to almost –$40 a barrel after the fastest plunge in history. That meant producers were paying buyers to take oil off their hands.
Here’s how it happened and what it means:Here’s how it happened and what it means:
Residents of a suburban New York City county that was one of the earliest US hot spots for the coronavirus sued the World Health Organization on Monday, accusing it of gross negligence in covering up and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.Residents of a suburban New York City county that was one of the earliest US hot spots for the coronavirus sued the World Health Organization on Monday, accusing it of gross negligence in covering up and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.
In a proposed class action, three residents of Westchester county accused the WHO of failing to timely declare a pandemic, monitor China’s response to the original outbreak, provide treatment guidelines, advise members on how to respond including through travel restrictions, and coordinate a global response.In a proposed class action, three residents of Westchester county accused the WHO of failing to timely declare a pandemic, monitor China’s response to the original outbreak, provide treatment guidelines, advise members on how to respond including through travel restrictions, and coordinate a global response.
They also accused the WHO of conspiring with China’s government, which was not named as a defendant, to cover up Covid-19’s severity.They also accused the WHO of conspiring with China’s government, which was not named as a defendant, to cover up Covid-19’s severity.
The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Full story below:Full story below:
US president Donald Trump has released a campaign ad that splices a Late Late Show with James Corden interview from 14 April where House Speaker and democrat Nancy Pelosi showed off an ice-cream-filled freezer with footage of Americans lining up at food banks:US president Donald Trump has released a campaign ad that splices a Late Late Show with James Corden interview from 14 April where House Speaker and democrat Nancy Pelosi showed off an ice-cream-filled freezer with footage of Americans lining up at food banks:
In the interview, Pelosi also criticised the lack of testing and data collection – in particular racial data on the effects of the virus – in the US.In the interview, Pelosi also criticised the lack of testing and data collection – in particular racial data on the effects of the virus – in the US.
“If you’re not science-based you have the luxury of saying whatever you feel like,” she said.“If you’re not science-based you have the luxury of saying whatever you feel like,” she said.
The New York Times wrote of the clip:The New York Times wrote of the clip:
A summary of US news now from my colleague Sam Levin.A summary of US news now from my colleague Sam Levin.
New York’s governor said the number of cases were now in a “descent”.New York’s governor said the number of cases were now in a “descent”.
Anti-lockdown protests emerged in Pennsylvania, California and elsewhere.Anti-lockdown protests emerged in Pennsylvania, California and elsewhere.
Nearly 100 American transit workers have died from the coronavirus as basic measures to keep employees safe have lagged in cities across the United States, a Guardian US investigation has found.Nearly 100 American transit workers have died from the coronavirus as basic measures to keep employees safe have lagged in cities across the United States, a Guardian US investigation has found.
US oil prices dipped below zero for first time on record.US oil prices dipped below zero for first time on record.
Anthony Fauci has warned that if the US moves too quickly to end stay-at-home orders there could be another surge in Covid-19 cases.Anthony Fauci has warned that if the US moves too quickly to end stay-at-home orders there could be another surge in Covid-19 cases.
Maryland’s Republican governor directly obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea, prompting criticisms from Trump.Maryland’s Republican governor directly obtained 500,000 tests from South Korea, prompting criticisms from Trump.
Some states, including Georgia and South Carolina, announced plans to soon reopen businesses.Some states, including Georgia and South Carolina, announced plans to soon reopen businesses.
The WHO’s director general said that no details about the coronavirus outbreak were hidden from the US by the organization.The WHO’s director general said that no details about the coronavirus outbreak were hidden from the US by the organization.
The Senate failed to reach a deal on the next coronavirus relief bill.The Senate failed to reach a deal on the next coronavirus relief bill.
In the US, a South Texas emergency room physician has chosen a novel place to self-isolate as he’s treating patients with the novel coronavirus. Dr. Jason Barnes made a temporary home of his children’s treehouse in the backyard of the family’s Corpus Christi home, AP reports. He is among many health care workers who are leaving their homes or or taking other precautions to protect their families after being exposed to the virus.In the US, a South Texas emergency room physician has chosen a novel place to self-isolate as he’s treating patients with the novel coronavirus. Dr. Jason Barnes made a temporary home of his children’s treehouse in the backyard of the family’s Corpus Christi home, AP reports. He is among many health care workers who are leaving their homes or or taking other precautions to protect their families after being exposed to the virus.
Barnes, a 39-year-old physician at Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville and Christus Spohn Hospital South in Corpus Christi, told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that he has spent nearly three weeks in the cabin treehouse and often shouts down to his kids if he needs something or sometimes walks up to the back picture window door of their home to make his request.Barnes, a 39-year-old physician at Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville and Christus Spohn Hospital South in Corpus Christi, told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that he has spent nearly three weeks in the cabin treehouse and often shouts down to his kids if he needs something or sometimes walks up to the back picture window door of their home to make his request.
Singapore reported a record 1,426 new coronavirus cases on Monday, mostly among foreign workers, pushing its total number of confirmed infections to 8,014, AP reports. The tiny city-state now has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia, a massive increase from just 200 infections on March 15, when its outbreak appeared to be nearly under control. About 3,000 cases have been reported in just the past three days.Singapore reported a record 1,426 new coronavirus cases on Monday, mostly among foreign workers, pushing its total number of confirmed infections to 8,014, AP reports. The tiny city-state now has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia, a massive increase from just 200 infections on March 15, when its outbreak appeared to be nearly under control. About 3,000 cases have been reported in just the past three days.
Low-wage migrant workers, a vital part of Singapore’s workforce, now account for at least 60% of its infections. More than 200,000 workers from Bangladesh, India and other poorer Asian countries live in tightly packed dormitories. Clusters of infections have expanded rapidly in the dorms after they were overlooked in the governments earlier health measures.Social distancing is impossible in the dormitories, which house up to 20 men per room with a shared kitchen, toilets and other facilities. Most work in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs.Low-wage migrant workers, a vital part of Singapore’s workforce, now account for at least 60% of its infections. More than 200,000 workers from Bangladesh, India and other poorer Asian countries live in tightly packed dormitories. Clusters of infections have expanded rapidly in the dorms after they were overlooked in the governments earlier health measures.Social distancing is impossible in the dormitories, which house up to 20 men per room with a shared kitchen, toilets and other facilities. Most work in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs.
Virgin Australia has gone into voluntary administration after the federal government again ruled out saving the airline, Guardian Australia’s Ben Butler and Anne Davies report.Virgin Australia has gone into voluntary administration after the federal government again ruled out saving the airline, Guardian Australia’s Ben Butler and Anne Davies report.
The move will put more than 10,000 jobs and more than $1bn in prepaid tickets at risk.The move will put more than 10,000 jobs and more than $1bn in prepaid tickets at risk.
The airline, which has been largely grounded since 25 March due to the coronavirus crisis, will appoint John Greig, Vaughan Strawbridge and Richard Hughes of big four accounting firm Deloitte as administrators.The airline, which has been largely grounded since 25 March due to the coronavirus crisis, will appoint John Greig, Vaughan Strawbridge and Richard Hughes of big four accounting firm Deloitte as administrators.
The move comes after the federal government rebuffed its plea for a $1.4bn loan as part of a wider bailout of the industry and despite duelling offers of support from New South Wales and Queensland.The move comes after the federal government rebuffed its plea for a $1.4bn loan as part of a wider bailout of the industry and despite duelling offers of support from New South Wales and Queensland.
Dr Anthony Fauci has warned that if the US moves too quickly to end stay-at-home orders there could be another surge in Covid-19 casesDr Anthony Fauci has warned that if the US moves too quickly to end stay-at-home orders there could be another surge in Covid-19 cases
Speaking to ABC News, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a key member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, was much more cautious than Donald Trump, who has downplayed the outbreak and pushed to open the US quickly.Speaking to ABC News, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a key member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, was much more cautious than Donald Trump, who has downplayed the outbreak and pushed to open the US quickly.
“If you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike, you’re gonna set yourself back,” Fauci said. “So as painful as it is to go by the careful guidelines of gradually phasing into a reopening, it’s going to backfire. That’s the problem.”“If you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike, you’re gonna set yourself back,” Fauci said. “So as painful as it is to go by the careful guidelines of gradually phasing into a reopening, it’s going to backfire. That’s the problem.”
Fauci also warned: “Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen.Fauci also warned: “Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, with me, Helen Sullivan.Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, with me, Helen Sullivan.
Another day, another bizarre White House press briefing. This one ended with Trump citing a range of different numbers for the potential deaths the US could have experienced. Without the actions taken by his administration, there could have been 700,000 deaths, a million deaths, or maybe “millions”, Trump said.Another day, another bizarre White House press briefing. This one ended with Trump citing a range of different numbers for the potential deaths the US could have experienced. Without the actions taken by his administration, there could have been 700,000 deaths, a million deaths, or maybe “millions”, Trump said.
As of today, there have been more than 41,000 deaths recorded in the US, or just under one in four deaths worldwide.As of today, there have been more than 41,000 deaths recorded in the US, or just under one in four deaths worldwide.
A reminder that you can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.A reminder that you can get in touch with me directly on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
The global number of deaths tops 169,595 with more than 2.47 million confirmed cases, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.The global number of deaths tops 169,595 with more than 2.47 million confirmed cases, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.
US deaths pass 41,000 – nearly a quarter of the global total – with infections at just under 783,290, or just just under a third of the world’s total.US deaths pass 41,000 – nearly a quarter of the global total – with infections at just under 783,290, or just just under a third of the world’s total.
Oil prices fall to historic lows. The US oil market has collapsed into negative prices for the first time in history as North America’s oil producers run out of space to store an unprecedented oversupply of crude left by the pandemic.Oil prices fall to historic lows. The US oil market has collapsed into negative prices for the first time in history as North America’s oil producers run out of space to store an unprecedented oversupply of crude left by the pandemic.
US President Donald Trump downplays the oil price drop, saying it’s only “short term”. Asked if he would like Opec+ to make more cuts, he said “we’ve already done that”.He said oil producers need to “do more by the market” in terms of production cuts.US President Donald Trump downplays the oil price drop, saying it’s only “short term”. Asked if he would like Opec+ to make more cuts, he said “we’ve already done that”.He said oil producers need to “do more by the market” in terms of production cuts.
The World Health Organization chief warns that the worst is still ahead of us in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving international concern the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread. WHO director-general Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros also said that easing restrictions is not the end of the pandemic.The World Health Organization chief warns that the worst is still ahead of us in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving international concern the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread. WHO director-general Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros also said that easing restrictions is not the end of the pandemic.
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 currently infected fell by 20 to 108,237. Meanwhile, the total cases to date, including victims and survivors, rose by 2,256 to 181,228, the smallest increase since 10 March.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 currently infected fell by 20 to 108,237. Meanwhile, the total cases to date, including victims and survivors, rose by 2,256 to 181,228, the smallest increase since 10 March.
US scuppers G20 coronavirus statement on strengthening WHO. US hostility to the World Health Organization scuppered the publication of a communique by G20 health ministers on Sunday that committed to strengthening the WHO’s mandate in coordinating a response to the global coronavirus pandemic.US scuppers G20 coronavirus statement on strengthening WHO. US hostility to the World Health Organization scuppered the publication of a communique by G20 health ministers on Sunday that committed to strengthening the WHO’s mandate in coordinating a response to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Spanish government is to propose that the European Union create a €1.5tn (£1.3tn) fund to aid recovery in countries worst-hit by the coronavirus crisis, Spain’s El Pais newspaper reported. Citing an internal document, the paper reported that Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez plans to make a formal proposal to his EU colleagues during a summit on Thursday.The Spanish government is to propose that the European Union create a €1.5tn (£1.3tn) fund to aid recovery in countries worst-hit by the coronavirus crisis, Spain’s El Pais newspaper reported. Citing an internal document, the paper reported that Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez plans to make a formal proposal to his EU colleagues during a summit on Thursday.
Several countries began to ease their lockdown restrictions. Australians returned to the beach in Sydney but only for exercise. India allowed some industrial and agricultural firms to reopen, while Iran opened some shopping malls and intercity highways.Several countries began to ease their lockdown restrictions. Australians returned to the beach in Sydney but only for exercise. India allowed some industrial and agricultural firms to reopen, while Iran opened some shopping malls and intercity highways.
A Japanese specialist in infectious diseases has said he is “very pessimistic” about the likelihood of the Tokyo Olympics going ahead next year. Kentaro Iwata, a professor at Kobe University Hospital said: “I don’t think the Olympics are likely to be held next year. People will be coming from hundreds of nations ... and although Japan might have the disease under control by next summer, I don’t think that will be the case everywhere.”A Japanese specialist in infectious diseases has said he is “very pessimistic” about the likelihood of the Tokyo Olympics going ahead next year. Kentaro Iwata, a professor at Kobe University Hospital said: “I don’t think the Olympics are likely to be held next year. People will be coming from hundreds of nations ... and although Japan might have the disease under control by next summer, I don’t think that will be the case everywhere.”
New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.New Zealanders will remain in total lockdown until 27 April prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said, with restrictions easing if elimination progress is maintained.