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Coronavirus live news: global confirmed cases pass 2.5m but Italy sees first significant fall in infections Coronavirus live news: global confirmed cases pass 2.5m but Italy sees first significant fall in infections
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Singapore extends lockdown after cases rise; Donald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapsesSingapore extends lockdown after cases rise; Donald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapses
Iran and Russia should increase their cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and continue to trade with each other, the former’s president Hassan Rouhani has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, according to the Iranian presidency website.
Iran is one of the Middle Eastern countries hardest hit by the outbreak and Russia has seen a recent surge in infections. According to the official Iranian record of the call, Rouhani told Putin:
Rouhani, trying to revive an economy reeling under tough US sanctions, also pointed to what he called provocative actions by the United States and Israel in the region, and said that Iran and Russia should increase their cooperation to address regional problems.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 776,093 cases; an increase of 29,468 from its previous count. It has also said the number of deaths has risen by 2,675 to 41,758.
The CDC tallies are as of 20 April and compared with a day earlier. The figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.
The US president Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigration to the United States will apply narrowly to those seeking permanent immigration status, a senior administration official has said.
According to Reuters, the official added that the order will have a timeframe of 30 to 90 days and will be renewable. Other workers such as those on so called H1-B visas will be covered in a separate action. The order could be ready in time for Trump to sign it as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.
Spain will allow children to go outside for walks from next weekend in a loosening of the country’s strict lockdown, its health minister Salvador Illa has said.
It comes amid mounting criticism that the government’s restrictions unfairly penalise the very young and mere hours after the announcement that young children would be allowed to accompany their parents on essential trips such as to buy food or medicine.
That sparked fierce criticism on social media and widespread calls to let children outside to play. Across Madrid, people banged on pots and pans from their balconies in protest. Illa said:
The Health Ministry will announce details on when and where children can walk in the coming days, he added.
A group of multinational companies is donating tens of thousands of testing kits and other items of medical equipment to Yemen, where a five-year war has destroyed the health system and left millions vulnerable to disease.A group of multinational companies is donating tens of thousands of testing kits and other items of medical equipment to Yemen, where a five-year war has destroyed the health system and left millions vulnerable to disease.
The country has reported only one laboratory-confirmed case so far. But the United Nations and aid groups have warned of a catastrophic outbreak should the disease spread among an acutely malnourished population.The country has reported only one laboratory-confirmed case so far. But the United Nations and aid groups have warned of a catastrophic outbreak should the disease spread among an acutely malnourished population.
The International Initiative on Covid-19 (IICY) said its first 34-tonne shipment will reach Yemen next week. It will contain 49,000 virus collection kits, 20,000 rapid test kits, five centrifuges and equipment that would enable 85,000 tests, and 24,000 Covid-19 nucleic acid test kits.The International Initiative on Covid-19 (IICY) said its first 34-tonne shipment will reach Yemen next week. It will contain 49,000 virus collection kits, 20,000 rapid test kits, five centrifuges and equipment that would enable 85,000 tests, and 24,000 Covid-19 nucleic acid test kits.
IICY was founded by the charity arm of multinational Yemeni family conglomerate Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA), Tetra Pak, Unilever, the World Bank-backed Yemen Private Sector Cluster, and the Federation of Yemen Chambers of Commerce and Industry.IICY was founded by the charity arm of multinational Yemeni family conglomerate Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA), Tetra Pak, Unilever, the World Bank-backed Yemen Private Sector Cluster, and the Federation of Yemen Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has told the country he is optimistic, despite the current “moment of great peril”, writes Jason Burke in Johannesburg.The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has told the country he is optimistic, despite the current “moment of great peril”, writes Jason Burke in Johannesburg.
In a national TV address, the former labour activist and businessman, announced a massive $26bn, £21bn social and economic relief package and spoke of a gradual reopening of the economy as a strict lockdown nears the final week.In a national TV address, the former labour activist and businessman, announced a massive $26bn, £21bn social and economic relief package and spoke of a gradual reopening of the economy as a strict lockdown nears the final week.
The tough measures imposed on 27 March have caused immense hardship to many people in South Africa, with tens of millions deprived of their livelihoods and without sufficient food.The tough measures imposed on 27 March have caused immense hardship to many people in South Africa, with tens of millions deprived of their livelihoods and without sufficient food.
There has been growing tension in overcrowded poor neighbourhoods but the tough measures have effectively braked the spread of the disease and won plaudits internationally. There are currently 3,465 confirmed cases and 58 deaths in South Africa.There has been growing tension in overcrowded poor neighbourhoods but the tough measures have effectively braked the spread of the disease and won plaudits internationally. There are currently 3,465 confirmed cases and 58 deaths in South Africa.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s top civil servant says he “inadvertently and wrongly” informed MPs that ministers took a “political decision” not to take part in an EU scheme to get vital equipment.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s top civil servant says he “inadvertently and wrongly” informed MPs that ministers took a “political decision” not to take part in an EU scheme to get vital equipment.
Sir Simon McDonald has written to the Commons foreign affairs committee to say he wishes to “clarify” his earlier remark.Sir Simon McDonald has written to the Commons foreign affairs committee to say he wishes to “clarify” his earlier remark.
The government’s explanation has shifted repeatedly.The government’s explanation has shifted repeatedly.
First, the prime minister’s official spokesman said the decision not to take part was taken because the UK is no longer a member of the EU, despite that not precluding participation during the transition period.First, the prime minister’s official spokesman said the decision not to take part was taken because the UK is no longer a member of the EU, despite that not precluding participation during the transition period.
Then Downing Street said it had missed out because a “communication error” meant it missed the deadline, despite UK officials having been present for numerous discussions about the scheme, and that it would be taking part after all.Then Downing Street said it had missed out because a “communication error” meant it missed the deadline, despite UK officials having been present for numerous discussions about the scheme, and that it would be taking part after all.
On Tuesday, McDonald told MPs not taking part had been a political decision, before the health secretary insisted later the same day that that was not the case. Within hours, McDonald’s latest statement has surfaced.On Tuesday, McDonald told MPs not taking part had been a political decision, before the health secretary insisted later the same day that that was not the case. Within hours, McDonald’s latest statement has surfaced.
Downing Street has weighed in behind the UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, following a report that he is being lined up to take the rap for government failures over protective equipment testing.Downing Street has weighed in behind the UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, following a report that he is being lined up to take the rap for government failures over protective equipment testing.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said the prime minister has full confidence in Hancock and stands behind his pledge to get the UK to 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month, despite only 19,000 being carried out on Monday.Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said the prime minister has full confidence in Hancock and stands behind his pledge to get the UK to 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month, despite only 19,000 being carried out on Monday.
However, a blame game has started in Whitehall about some of the problems that have dogged the government’s reaction to the crisis, with Hancock’s handling of the logistics around testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the spotlight.However, a blame game has started in Whitehall about some of the problems that have dogged the government’s reaction to the crisis, with Hancock’s handling of the logistics around testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the spotlight.
At the same time, some government sources have been pointing the finger at Public Health England for slowness to increase testing, and the NHS for failing to refer enough staff, which means completed tests are well below capacity of more than 39,000.At the same time, some government sources have been pointing the finger at Public Health England for slowness to increase testing, and the NHS for failing to refer enough staff, which means completed tests are well below capacity of more than 39,000.
In English football, third and fourth-tier clubs have agreed to open their books to provide evidence of the financial ruin the pandemic may cause in order to find a breakthrough in the talks with the players’ union over wages.In English football, third and fourth-tier clubs have agreed to open their books to provide evidence of the financial ruin the pandemic may cause in order to find a breakthrough in the talks with the players’ union over wages.
Clubs have been asked by the Professional Footballers’ Association to supply confidential information to independent accountants to show the scale of pay cuts potentially required. The PFA has advised its members to take deferrals if clubs are struggling financially but this offers a route to more drastic measures.Clubs have been asked by the Professional Footballers’ Association to supply confidential information to independent accountants to show the scale of pay cuts potentially required. The PFA has advised its members to take deferrals if clubs are struggling financially but this offers a route to more drastic measures.
Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked the country’s chief judge to free prison inmates who have been awaiting trial for six years or more to ease overcrowding as the virus spreads, a spokesman has said.Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked the country’s chief judge to free prison inmates who have been awaiting trial for six years or more to ease overcrowding as the virus spreads, a spokesman has said.
A statement quoted Buhari as saying 42% of Nigeria’s 74,000 or so prisoners are awaiting trial. He urged Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to reduce that number “since physical distancing and self-isolation in such conditions are practically impossible”.A statement quoted Buhari as saying 42% of Nigeria’s 74,000 or so prisoners are awaiting trial. He urged Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to reduce that number “since physical distancing and self-isolation in such conditions are practically impossible”.
Buhari said inmates with no confirmed criminal cases against them, elderly prisoners and those who were terminally ill could be discharged.Buhari said inmates with no confirmed criminal cases against them, elderly prisoners and those who were terminally ill could be discharged.
In Washington, an agreement has been reached on major elements of a near-$500bn (£406bn) aid package for small businesses, including additional help for hospitals and virus testing.In Washington, an agreement has been reached on major elements of a near-$500bn (£406bn) aid package for small businesses, including additional help for hospitals and virus testing.
A Tuesday afternoon Senate session could provide an opportunity to quickly vote if the final deal comes together, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has said.A Tuesday afternoon Senate session could provide an opportunity to quickly vote if the final deal comes together, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has said.
“We have a deal and I think we’ll pass it today,” Schumer told CNN. He cautioned staff were still “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s”.“We have a deal and I think we’ll pass it today,” Schumer told CNN. He cautioned staff were still “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s”.
The president, Donald Trump, has urged congressional leaders to pass it quickly before beginning discussions on another deal. The House of Representatives is due to vote on it later in the week; most likely on Thursday.The president, Donald Trump, has urged congressional leaders to pass it quickly before beginning discussions on another deal. The House of Representatives is due to vote on it later in the week; most likely on Thursday.
The aid package is the second for small businesses. The first proved controversial, with big businesses including Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse receiving millions while many small businesses missed out. Shake Shack has now handed back the $10m loan it received. Ruth’s Chris – which had revenues of $468m last year – received $20m.The aid package is the second for small businesses. The first proved controversial, with big businesses including Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse receiving millions while many small businesses missed out. Shake Shack has now handed back the $10m loan it received. Ruth’s Chris – which had revenues of $468m last year – received $20m.
Tuesday 3 November is the date set by federal government for the 2020 US presidential elections. But, amid the pandemic, this has been called into question.Tuesday 3 November is the date set by federal government for the 2020 US presidential elections. But, amid the pandemic, this has been called into question.
America has the world’s highest number of coronavirus-related deaths, with many states struggling to contain the outbreak; primary contests have been disrupted, conventions delayed and the two candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, have both been prevented from holding rallies.America has the world’s highest number of coronavirus-related deaths, with many states struggling to contain the outbreak; primary contests have been disrupted, conventions delayed and the two candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, have both been prevented from holding rallies.
Could Trump delay the vote, and if so what would that mean for 2021?Could Trump delay the vote, and if so what would that mean for 2021?
In the UK, public health experts are calling for an investigation into whether the decision to allow the Cheltenham racing festival to go ahead in early March led to a rise in cases locally, Dan Sabbagh, Steven Morris and Chris Cook write.In the UK, public health experts are calling for an investigation into whether the decision to allow the Cheltenham racing festival to go ahead in early March led to a rise in cases locally, Dan Sabbagh, Steven Morris and Chris Cook write.
Mortality figures compiled by the Health Service Journal show that Gloucestershire hospitals NHS trust, which covers Cheltenham, has recorded 125 deaths, roughly double that in two nearby trusts at Bristol (58 each), and those covering Swindon (67) and Bath (46).Mortality figures compiled by the Health Service Journal show that Gloucestershire hospitals NHS trust, which covers Cheltenham, has recorded 125 deaths, roughly double that in two nearby trusts at Bristol (58 each), and those covering Swindon (67) and Bath (46).
The trust declined to comment on the data, while senior officials at Gloucestershire council said there were “many factors” that could have influenced the death totals and comparisons between trusts in the west of England were “not possible”.The trust declined to comment on the data, while senior officials at Gloucestershire council said there were “many factors” that could have influenced the death totals and comparisons between trusts in the west of England were “not possible”.
But Prof John Ashton, a former director of public health for Cumbria, said the figures deserve to be properly investigated.But Prof John Ashton, a former director of public health for Cumbria, said the figures deserve to be properly investigated.
China’s ambassador to the United States has taken a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump by criticising politicians he claims are making “groundless accusations” that distract from scientific information on the pandemic.China’s ambassador to the United States has taken a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump by criticising politicians he claims are making “groundless accusations” that distract from scientific information on the pandemic.
Speaking at a webcast Bloomberg event, Cui Tiankai also defended the Chinese handling of the crisis amid criticism from Trump and others that the country had failed to alert the world in a timely and transparent fashion.Speaking at a webcast Bloomberg event, Cui Tiankai also defended the Chinese handling of the crisis amid criticism from Trump and others that the country had failed to alert the world in a timely and transparent fashion.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters reported.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters reported.
Tensions are simmering between Washington and Beijing over the pandemic. Last month, the US state department summoned Cui to protest comments by Beijing suggesting the US military might have brought the virus to China, ratcheting up tensions between the global powers.Tensions are simmering between Washington and Beijing over the pandemic. Last month, the US state department summoned Cui to protest comments by Beijing suggesting the US military might have brought the virus to China, ratcheting up tensions between the global powers.
Meanwhile, Trump has said his government is trying to determine whether the coronavirus emanated from a lab in Wuhan, following reports the virus may have been artificially synthesised at a China state-backed laboratory or perhaps escaped from such a facility.Meanwhile, Trump has said his government is trying to determine whether the coronavirus emanated from a lab in Wuhan, following reports the virus may have been artificially synthesised at a China state-backed laboratory or perhaps escaped from such a facility.
At least 2.5 million people have now been infected with the coronavirus, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say, while more than 170,000 are known to have died worldwide.At least 2.5 million people have now been infected with the coronavirus, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say, while more than 170,000 are known to have died worldwide.
UK hospital deaths rose by 823, according to the Department for Health and Social Care, taking the total to 17,337. Official figures also show that Covid-19 fatalities in care homes in England and Wales more than quadrupled in a week; rising to 1,043.UK hospital deaths rose by 823, according to the Department for Health and Social Care, taking the total to 17,337. Official figures also show that Covid-19 fatalities in care homes in England and Wales more than quadrupled in a week; rising to 1,043.
A team from the University of Oxford will begin trialling a vaccine on people from Thursday. The UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, says that the UK government has made £20m available to the team to accelerate their efforts, as well as making £22m available to researchers at Imperial to support their phase-two trials.A team from the University of Oxford will begin trialling a vaccine on people from Thursday. The UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, says that the UK government has made £20m available to the team to accelerate their efforts, as well as making £22m available to researchers at Imperial to support their phase-two trials.
Italy recorded its first significant fall in infections, with the number of people currently infected with the virus down by 528 to 107,709. They country reported 534 new deaths on Tuesday; 80 more than Monday, bringing the death toll to 24,648.Italy recorded its first significant fall in infections, with the number of people currently infected with the virus down by 528 to 107,709. They country reported 534 new deaths on Tuesday; 80 more than Monday, bringing the death toll to 24,648.
The UK’s choice to stay out of a EU ventilator scheme was “political decision” said Sir Simon McDonald, the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, challenging previous claims that the UK did not take part due to missed emails.The UK’s choice to stay out of a EU ventilator scheme was “political decision” said Sir Simon McDonald, the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, challenging previous claims that the UK did not take part due to missed emails.
The UK government’s PPE claims came under scrutiny from the leader of the opposition Labour party, Sir Keir Starmer, who claimed there is an “increasing gap” between government claims on PPE and reality.The UK government’s PPE claims came under scrutiny from the leader of the opposition Labour party, Sir Keir Starmer, who claimed there is an “increasing gap” between government claims on PPE and reality.
Mexico’s government said the country had entered the “most serious stage” of its outbreak. The country’s deputy health minister, Hugo López-Gatell, said: “We are in the phase of rapid spread where a large number of infections and hospitalisations are accumulated.”Mexico’s government said the country had entered the “most serious stage” of its outbreak. The country’s deputy health minister, Hugo López-Gatell, said: “We are in the phase of rapid spread where a large number of infections and hospitalisations are accumulated.”
The Pamplona bull run was cancelled. The annual event, where hundreds of daredevils play a risky and controversial game of catch-me-if-you-can with half-tonne fighting bulls, was supposed to take place in Spain in July.The Pamplona bull run was cancelled. The annual event, where hundreds of daredevils play a risky and controversial game of catch-me-if-you-can with half-tonne fighting bulls, was supposed to take place in Spain in July.
The Italian government is considering regularising illegal migrants working in the agricultural sector, as fruit and vegetable crops in the country risk rotting in the fields due to the lockdown, reports Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo.The Italian government is considering regularising illegal migrants working in the agricultural sector, as fruit and vegetable crops in the country risk rotting in the fields due to the lockdown, reports Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo.
On Tuesday, the interior minister, Luciana Lamorgese, said the government is thinking of a plan for the regularisation of migrants in response to the request for work in the fields.On Tuesday, the interior minister, Luciana Lamorgese, said the government is thinking of a plan for the regularisation of migrants in response to the request for work in the fields.
“We are thinking about how to regularise immigrants working in agriculture to solve the problem of harvesting the fields,’’ said Lamorgese, who also mentioned the need to regularise foreign workers working as caregivers.“We are thinking about how to regularise immigrants working in agriculture to solve the problem of harvesting the fields,’’ said Lamorgese, who also mentioned the need to regularise foreign workers working as caregivers.
Some 90% of Italy’s agricultural workers are seasonal, the majority being from Romania.Some 90% of Italy’s agricultural workers are seasonal, the majority being from Romania.
According to the unions, if no action is taken more than 35% of crops risk rotting in the fields.According to the unions, if no action is taken more than 35% of crops risk rotting in the fields.
Donald Trump has been accused of “xenophobic scapegoating” after announcing he will order a temporary ban on immigration into the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic, writes David Smith, the Guardian’s Washington DC bureau chief.Donald Trump has been accused of “xenophobic scapegoating” after announcing he will order a temporary ban on immigration into the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic, writes David Smith, the Guardian’s Washington DC bureau chief.
There were no other details on the timing, scope or legal basis of the president’s proposed executive order and no official policy statement from the White House.There were no other details on the timing, scope or legal basis 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:Instead there was a lone tweet issued by Trump at 10.06pm on Monday. Without warning, he wrote:
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.
Democrats suggested the president was seeking to distract from his own mishandling of the pandemic. Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia tweeted:Democrats suggested the president was seeking to distract from his own mishandling of the pandemic. Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia tweeted:
Congressman Joaquín Castro of Texas, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, added:Congressman Joaquín Castro of Texas, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, added:
Moe Vela, a former senior adviser on Latino affairs to the then vice-president Joe Biden, said:Moe Vela, a former senior adviser on Latino affairs to the then vice-president Joe Biden, said:
Ireland has reported 44 more deaths from coronavirus, bringing the country’s total death toll to 731.Ireland has reported 44 more deaths from coronavirus, bringing the country’s total death toll to 731.
The announcement comes after the country’s government earlier said public events of more than 5,000 people would remain banned until at least the end of August.The announcement comes after the country’s government earlier said public events of more than 5,000 people would remain banned until at least the end of August.
The government said it would decide what to do about smaller gatherings closer to 5 May when restrictions put in place on 24 March are due to expire, Reuters reported.The government said it would decide what to do about smaller gatherings closer to 5 May when restrictions put in place on 24 March are due to expire, Reuters reported.
Other restrictions require people to stay home other than for short periods to exercise, and all schools, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops are closed.Other restrictions require people to stay home other than for short periods to exercise, and all schools, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops are closed.
Ireland, which has a population of 4.9 million, has reported 16,041 confirmed cases of coronavirus.Ireland, which has a population of 4.9 million, has reported 16,041 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The country’s chief medical officer last week said the country had contained and effectively suppressed the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak.The country’s chief medical officer last week said the country had contained and effectively suppressed the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak.