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Coronavirus live news: UN warns of 'biblical' famine as Trump reveals 60-day immigration halt Coronavirus live news: UN warns of 'biblical' famine as Trump reveals 60-day immigration halt
(32 minutes later)
Trump to halt immigration for 60 days initially; 256m people could starve, says UN; cases worldwide pass 2.5 millionTrump to halt immigration for 60 days initially; 256m people could starve, says UN; cases worldwide pass 2.5 million
Russia recorded 5,236 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing its nationwide total to 57,999, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said on Wednesday.
That’s compared to a rise of 5,642 new cases the previous day.
57 people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 513, it said.
Poland may open hotels in May as part of the second phase of relaxing coronavirus restrictions, government spokesman Piotr Müller said on Wednesday.
“The opening of hotels should be decided in May, including hotels at the seaside,” Müller told state broadcaster TVP Info.
A team from Lebanon’s Rafik Hariri University Hospital will test for Covid-19 at a refugee camp on Wednesday, after a resident was found to be infected, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said.
A Palestinian refugee from Syria at the Wavel refugee camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley was transferred to hospital in Beirut for treatment that will be covered by the relief agency, a statement said.
The Lebanese government has worried about the virus hitting camps for Syrian and Palestinian refugees where high population densities are likely to accelerate its spread.
UNRWA said it was “taking all necessary steps to provide the required assistance to the patient’s family to allow them to isolate themselves inside the house”.
The UNHCR refugee agency said last month that efforts to curb the coronavirus among refugee communities had started early on with awareness campaigns, distribution of hygiene materials, and preparations for additional hospital capacity.
Lebanon’s health ministry said on Tuesday it had not recorded a new case of coronavirus in 24 hours, with total infections at 677 and 21 deaths.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said on Wednesday his government plans to begin winding down the coronavirus lockdown measures in the second half of May.
Restrictions will be eased slowly and gradually to ensure safety, Sánchez said at a parliamentary session where he will ask lawmakers to extend Spain’s state of emergency until 9 May.
The lockdown was first enforced in Spain on 14 March.
Singapore’s health ministry said on Wednesday it had preliminarily confirmed another 1,016 cases of coronavirus, taking the total infections there to 10,141.
Most of the new cases were among migrant workers living in dormitories, a group that accounts for more than three-quarters of the city-state’s infections.
Singapore authorities have extended a partial lockdown until 1 June.
Bulgaria said on Wednesday it had 1,015 confirmed cases of Covid-19, up from 975 the day before.
Although cases have been gradually increasing for more than a month, the health ministry said the new total represented a climb of more than 300 cases over the last week.
It added that 47 people had died from the virus, an increase of two from a day earlier.
The number of people who have recovered from the virus increased to 174.
Like other countries in Europe, Bulgaria has introduced strict curbs on travel between cities and abroad, closed schools, restaurants and bars, and restricted access to parks.
New photos show the drastic improvement of air quality in India as a result of the nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The coronavirus outbreak has caused as many as 41,000 deaths in the United Kingdom, according to a Financial Times analysis of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).The coronavirus outbreak has caused as many as 41,000 deaths in the United Kingdom, according to a Financial Times analysis of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The FT extrapolation, based on figures from the ONS that were published on Tuesday, includes deaths that occurred outside hospitals updated to reflect recent mortality trends.The FT extrapolation, based on figures from the ONS that were published on Tuesday, includes deaths that occurred outside hospitals updated to reflect recent mortality trends.
The French minister of labour, Muriel Pénicaud, has said more than 10 million workers have signed up for the country’s temporary unemployment scheme.The French minister of labour, Muriel Pénicaud, has said more than 10 million workers have signed up for the country’s temporary unemployment scheme.
That means around 50% of France’s working population has signed up for the scheme, designed to avoid mass layoffs by allowing companies to put staff on reduced or zero hours while the government pays all or most of their wages.That means around 50% of France’s working population has signed up for the scheme, designed to avoid mass layoffs by allowing companies to put staff on reduced or zero hours while the government pays all or most of their wages.
“As of today, 10.2 million private sector workers have been put on temporary unemployment.“As of today, 10.2 million private sector workers have been put on temporary unemployment.
“That’s more than one employee out of two and six companies out of 10,” Pénicaud said in a interview with BFM Business radio.“That’s more than one employee out of two and six companies out of 10,” Pénicaud said in a interview with BFM Business radio.
Also in Japan, efforts to distribute protective cloth masks have been marred by complaints about mould, insects, and stains, fuelling further concern that the government has botched its handling of the pandemic.Also in Japan, efforts to distribute protective cloth masks have been marred by complaints about mould, insects, and stains, fuelling further concern that the government has botched its handling of the pandemic.
Just weeks after it began supplying every household with two washable, reusable masks at a cost of $430m as part of its strategy to contain the coronavirus, the government has been forced to replace some masks following reports of defects from recipients.Just weeks after it began supplying every household with two washable, reusable masks at a cost of $430m as part of its strategy to contain the coronavirus, the government has been forced to replace some masks following reports of defects from recipients.
“I’m thankful to receive these masks, but is this a bug? Debris? Dirt?” asked Twitter user Aiai, posting a photo of two white masks in their original packaging, with what appeared to be an small insect trapped near the side seam of one.“I’m thankful to receive these masks, but is this a bug? Debris? Dirt?” asked Twitter user Aiai, posting a photo of two white masks in their original packaging, with what appeared to be an small insect trapped near the side seam of one.
In a manga sketch posted by another user, two soiled masks crash through a bedroom window to wake a man from sleep.In a manga sketch posted by another user, two soiled masks crash through a bedroom window to wake a man from sleep.
The issue has generated its own Twitter hashtag, #Abenomask, a pun on prime minister Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” economic strategy.The issue has generated its own Twitter hashtag, #Abenomask, a pun on prime minister Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” economic strategy.
The health ministry confirmed that by Friday it had shipped nearly 30m masks to pregnant women, medical and nursing facilities and schools.The health ministry confirmed that by Friday it had shipped nearly 30m masks to pregnant women, medical and nursing facilities and schools.
These drew 1,903 complaints of soiled or defective products, the vast majority from pregnant women.These drew 1,903 complaints of soiled or defective products, the vast majority from pregnant women.
“We are asking manufacturers to confirm how these defects occurred, and asking for their cooperation in replacing the defective products,” a ministry spokesman said.“We are asking manufacturers to confirm how these defects occurred, and asking for their cooperation in replacing the defective products,” a ministry spokesman said.
This is Jessica Murray, I’ll be taking the lead on the blog for the next few hours.This is Jessica Murray, I’ll be taking the lead on the blog for the next few hours.
As always you can reach me on jessica.murray@theguardian.com or on Twitter (@journojess_). I might not have time to reply to all your messages but I’ll certainly read them all.As always you can reach me on jessica.murray@theguardian.com or on Twitter (@journojess_). I might not have time to reply to all your messages but I’ll certainly read them all.
Japanese officials said on Wednesday that 34 crew members on a docked cruise ship had tested positive for the coronavirus in one day of testing among 57 crew after the first case from the ship was reported.Japanese officials said on Wednesday that 34 crew members on a docked cruise ship had tested positive for the coronavirus in one day of testing among 57 crew after the first case from the ship was reported.
The Italian-operated Costa Atlantica has been docked in Nagasaki since late January for repairs and maintenance by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. The ship carries 623 crew members, including a Japanese translator, but it was empty of passengers during the work.The Italian-operated Costa Atlantica has been docked in Nagasaki since late January for repairs and maintenance by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. The ship carries 623 crew members, including a Japanese translator, but it was empty of passengers during the work.
The outbreak surfaced on Tuesday when the first crew member, identified only as a foreign national, tested positive for the virus. None of those infected had serious symptoms and all are isolated in single rooms on the ship, officials said.The outbreak surfaced on Tuesday when the first crew member, identified only as a foreign national, tested positive for the virus. None of those infected had serious symptoms and all are isolated in single rooms on the ship, officials said.
Mitsubishi officials said no crew members had left the ship since mid-March. Before then, crew members had been allowed to come and go from ship to shore if they passed temperature checks and had not recently travelled to high-risk countries such as China and Italy.Mitsubishi officials said no crew members had left the ship since mid-March. Before then, crew members had been allowed to come and go from ship to shore if they passed temperature checks and had not recently travelled to high-risk countries such as China and Italy.
Nagasaki officials are investigating how and where the crew members contracted the virus.Nagasaki officials are investigating how and where the crew members contracted the virus.
“Many infections have been confirmed on the ship,” Nagasaki governor, Hodo Nakamura, told reporters on Wednesday. “We hope that they will be able to go home in full health as soon as possible. We are asking the national government for help.”“Many infections have been confirmed on the ship,” Nagasaki governor, Hodo Nakamura, told reporters on Wednesday. “We hope that they will be able to go home in full health as soon as possible. We are asking the national government for help.”
The outbreak on the ship adds to concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki, where only 102 beds are available. All of Japan is under a coronavirus state of emergency as cases rise in the world’s oldest population and third-largest economy.The outbreak on the ship adds to concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki, where only 102 beds are available. All of Japan is under a coronavirus state of emergency as cases rise in the world’s oldest population and third-largest economy.
Japan has about 11,500 cases of infection, with 280 deaths.Japan has about 11,500 cases of infection, with 280 deaths.
Those numbers are separate from an earlier outbreak on another cruise ship which docked in Japan, the Diamond Princess, carrying more than 3,700 passengers and crew, where 712 of them were infected.Those numbers are separate from an earlier outbreak on another cruise ship which docked in Japan, the Diamond Princess, carrying more than 3,700 passengers and crew, where 712 of them were infected.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. My colleague Jessica Murray will take it from here.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. My colleague Jessica Murray will take it from here.
But first, in the name of tranquil images, I present to you the “fog harp”:But first, in the name of tranquil images, I present to you the “fog harp”:
Global deaths pass 175,000. At least 177,445 people have died in the coronavirus pandemic so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are more than 2.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.Global deaths pass 175,000. At least 177,445 people have died in the coronavirus pandemic so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are more than 2.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.
Global recession could be prolonged. The prospect of a prolonged worldwide impact has hardened after a survey of thousands of business leaders warned of a drawn-out recession, with many companies likely to fold. Around 60% of chief executives surveyed are preparing for a U-shaped recovery – a long period between recession and an upturn.Global recession could be prolonged. The prospect of a prolonged worldwide impact has hardened after a survey of thousands of business leaders warned of a drawn-out recession, with many companies likely to fold. Around 60% of chief executives surveyed are preparing for a U-shaped recovery – a long period between recession and an upturn.
Trump lays out parts of US immigration ban. Donald Trump has announced a 60-day ban on immigrants seeking to live and work in America permanently, and said he could extend it depending on the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.Trump lays out parts of US immigration ban. Donald Trump has announced a 60-day ban on immigrants seeking to live and work in America permanently, and said he could extend it depending on the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
UN warns of ‘famines of biblical proportions’. David Beasley, chief of the UN’s food relief agency, told the Guardian that urgent action must be taken to prevent widespread famines across more than 30 countries in the developing world, pushing at least 265 million people to the brink of starvation.UN warns of ‘famines of biblical proportions’. David Beasley, chief of the UN’s food relief agency, told the Guardian that urgent action must be taken to prevent widespread famines across more than 30 countries in the developing world, pushing at least 265 million people to the brink of starvation.
US state sues China’s leaders over virus. The US state of Missouri sued China’s leadership over coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic.US state sues China’s leaders over virus. The US state of Missouri sued China’s leadership over coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic.
CDC chief warns of ‘even more difficult’ second wave of cases. A leading US public health official warned on Tuesday that a new wave of coronavirus hitting the US next winter could be “even more difficult” for America to deal with than the current outbreak because it would coincide with the traditional flu season.CDC chief warns of ‘even more difficult’ second wave of cases. A leading US public health official warned on Tuesday that a new wave of coronavirus hitting the US next winter could be “even more difficult” for America to deal with than the current outbreak because it would coincide with the traditional flu season.
South African president unveils $26bn virus relief plan. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday announced a $26bn relief package – equivalent to 10% of the country’s GDP – to support the economy and the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.South African president unveils $26bn virus relief plan. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday announced a $26bn relief package – equivalent to 10% of the country’s GDP – to support the economy and the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy look at easing lockdown after first significant fall in infections. The country’s prime minister said the government would unveil plans for the gradual reopening from lockdown before the end of this week.Italy look at easing lockdown after first significant fall in infections. The country’s prime minister said the government would unveil plans for the gradual reopening from lockdown before the end of this week.
“With so many coronavirus deaths, Labour should not be holding back,” writes Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former director of communications.“With so many coronavirus deaths, Labour should not be holding back,” writes Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former director of communications.
All of the UK’s biggest airlines and most big holiday companies are systematically breaking the law by denying timely refunds to customers for travel cancelled during the pandemic, researchers have found.
Consumer groups have warned that the sector risks permanently losing public confidence in booking travel, with Which? finding 20 of the UK’s largest operators are illegally withholding refunds that should be paid within 14 days.
Most have instead offered vouchers or credit notes, and customers have complained they have been unable to obtain refunds online or get through to make a claim on the phone.
A third of the UK’s community radio stations could face closure due to the impact of coronavirus without urgent government support, according to the body that represents the broadcasters’ interests.
Fears of prolonged coronavirus downturn amid second wave of US cases
The prospect of a prolonged worldwide impact from the coronavirus pandemic has hardened after business leaders warned of a drawn-out recession and US health chiefs highlighted the prospect of a second wave of US cases in winter.
As financial markets staggered under fresh blows to the global oil industry on Wednesday, a survey of thousands of bosses revealed that they fear many companies will not survive the onslaught.
Around 60% of chief executives are preparing for a U-shaped recovery – a long period between recession and an upturn – according to a poll of 3,534 chief executives from 109 countries conducted by YPO, a business leadership network.
It came as a leading US public health chief warned that a new wave of coronavirus hitting the US next winter could be “even more difficult” for America to deal with than the current outbreak because it would coincide with the normal influenza season.
Taiwanese authorities are trying to track down thousands of people who might have come into contact with more than 700 sailors who were allowed to disembark after a “goodwill” mission to the Pacific Islands, despite several reporting fevers and respiratory problems while on board.
So far 27 sailors have been diagnosed with Covid-19, prompting accusations of “serious lapses” in a country which has been internationally lauded for its successful virus response.
Taiwan has recorded fewer than 430 cases since the outbreak began. Last week it was celebrating three consecutive days with no new cases, with buildings in Taipei lit up with the word “zero”.
Then on Saturday health officials announced three new diagnoses of Covid-19. All were military personnel from the supply ship Panshi which was sent on a “goodwill” mission to the Pacific Island nation of Palau. On Sunday they added 22 cases – including 21 from the ship. On Monday, another three.
More than 700 sailors from the mission have now been recalled into quarantine and authorities have contacted more than 200,000 Taiwanese people by text message, to alert anyone who may have been in contact with them after the ship was disembarked.
Egypt on Tuesday flew a plane of medical supplies to the United States to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, a role reversal for a top US aid recipient.
Egypt’s general-turned-president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been eager to cement relations with President Donald Trump, and his country has already shipped medical goods with fanfare to China and Italy. A video statement from Sisi’s office showed crates in wrapping that read in English and Arabic, “From the Egyptian people to the American people,” being loaded into a military cargo plane.
Dutch Ruppersberger, who leads a group in the US House of Representatives that promotes relations with Egypt, said the plane landed at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington. The plane brought 200,000 masks, 48,000 shoe covers and 20,000 surgical caps among other supplies, said Ruppersberger, a Democrat who heads the bipartisan group.
“This is why international diplomacy and maintaining relationships with allies like Egypt are essential not in times of crisis, but every day,” he wrote on Twitter:
Here is Trump being asked at Tuesday’s White House press briefing about the terms of the immigration ban he announced on Twitter:
In times of national tragedy, the US president has, going back at least to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, filled the unique role of consoler-in-chief.
As Roosevelt did during his Great Depression-era fireside chats, the president has given voice to personal suffering and made victims of hardship feel recognized.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Donald Trump was widely viewed as a weak consoler-in-chief.
But Trump has especially fallen short as consoler-in-chief during the coronavirus crisis, analysts say, failing day after day to muster expressions of sympathy for victims and their families as the death toll in America increased into the tens of thousands.
And in the current crisis, Trump’s failure to grasp the scale of the American tragedy on a human level could do more than fuel emotional turmoil – it could cost more lives, according to historians, public affairs experts and political analysts interviewed by the Guardian.
Global deaths pass 175,000. At least 177,445 people have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are more than 2.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.
US President Donald Trump lays out some terms of the US immigration ban. At the White House press briefing Trump said the ban, which he will sign on Wednesday, will be in effect for 60 days, after which he will reevaluate the need. The ban will not affect temporary immigration, he said.
The UN has warned that 265 million people could starve in a widespread famine caused by the coronavirus. “We are looking at widespread famines of biblical proportions,” David Beasley, chief of the UN’s food relief agency told the Guardian.
US state sues China’s leaders over virus. The US state of Missouri on Tuesday sued China’s leadership over coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic, AFP reports.
Global business leaders are preparing for a drawn-out U-shaped recession due to the impact of coronavirus and many fear their companies won’t survive the pandemic, a survey of thousands of chief executives showed on Wednesday.
US CDC chief warns of ‘even more difficult’ wave of coronavirus next winter. A leading US public health official warned on Tuesday that a new wave of coronavirus hitting the US next winter could be “even more difficult” for America to deal with than the current outbreak.
South African president unveils $26bn virus relief plan. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday announced a $26bn relief package – equivalent to 10% of the country’s GDP – to support the economy and the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
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 recorded its first significant fall in infections on Tuesday.
A team from the University of Oxford will begin trialling a vaccine on people from Thursday.
Guardian correspondents in five countries have compiled this feature, “Ramadan in a time of plague”, as the Muslim holy month, which begins this week, proceeds without the usual special prayers and iftar dinners.
Michael Safi in Amman, Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi, Bethan McKernan in Istanbul, Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok and Oliver Holmes in Jerusalem:
Mosques will be deserted, daylong fasts will be broken in isolation and in some places the calls to prayer that rally believers together will end with a different exhortation: worship from where you are.
Bans on religious and family gatherings will persist across much of the Islamic world even as businesses and government offices start to reopen.
The virus has emptied Islam’s holiest sites at the most sacred time of year. The Ka’bah, the gold-embroidered shrine in Mecca’s Grand Mosque, is closed to worshippers along with the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque.
“Our hearts are tortured from pain in the holy month of Ramadan,” said Sheikh Omar al-Kiswami, the imam and director of al-Aqsa, where only guards and mosque employees will be permitted to pray. “It is a very sad moment in the history of Islam.
As the coronavirus pandemic bears down on vulnerable nations in Africa and South Asia, experts say there are only weeks to help fill chronic shortages of oxygen, AFP reports.
Medical oxygen is a core component of the life-saving therapies hospitals are giving patients with severe cases of Covid-19, as the world waits for scientists to find vaccines and treatments.
The pandemic has pushed even the most advanced health systems to their limits, with concerns often focused on the supply of mechanical ventilators at the high-tech end of the breathing assistance spectrum.
But one report in February on thousands of cases in China’s epidemic found that nearly 20% of patients with Covid-19 required oxygen. Of those, 14% needed some form of oxygen therapy, while a further five percent required mechanical ventilation.
Surveys throughout Africa and Asia-Pacific have shown that less than half of hospitals have oxygen available on wards at any given time, says Hamish Graham – a consultant paediatrician and research fellow at Melbourne University Hospital and International Centre for Child Health – and even fewer have the pulse oximeters that allow medical staff to measure blood oxygen levels and guide dosages.