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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
The number of people infected with the coronavirus in Poland exceeded 10,000 on Wednesday, with the death toll reaching 404, the health ministry said.
The ministry said the number of people infected rose to 10,034 in the country of 38 million.
On Monday the government started to relax some of the restrictions imposed during the outbreak.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said he expects a first consensus in Thursday’s EU summit on coronavirus aid.
“I expect the European Council tomorrow will reach a first consensus because it is indispensable,” Sanchez told parliament on Wednesday.
Spain has proposed the creation of a fund of up to 1.5 trillion euros ($1.63 trillion) financed by perpetual debt.
On the eve of the summit to discuss a huge but divisive economic stimulus package, Pope Francis urged Europe to remain united in overcoming the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pandemic has put new strains on the unity of the 27-member bloc, again exposing splits between the richer north and the poorer south.
“In these times in which we need so much unity among us, among nations, let us pray today for Europe,” Francis said at the start of his daily morning Mass, which he dedicates each day to a different theme related to the global crisis.
He asked for prayers “so that Europe manages to have this unity, this fraternal unity of which the founding fathers of the European Union dreamed”.
It was the second time in 10 days that Francis, a big supporter of the EU, had expressed concern about the bloc.
On Easter Sunday he warned that it risked collapse if it did not agree on how to recover together.
The EU’s fiscally conservative northern nations remain keen to keep a tight rein on spending and have rejected calls from the ailing southern states for a joint debt - or ‘coronabonds’ - to fund the recovery.
EU states - whose leaders are holding a video summit on Thursday - have clashed repeatedly over financial responses to the epidemic, on issues from sharing medical equipment to cushioning the immediate economic hit.
The bloc has relaxed state aid rules and limits on public spending as well as unlocking a half-a-trillion euro rescue plan.
But Rome, Madrid, Paris, Lisbon and others believe that is not enough and call for more solidarity, casting the challenge as an existential choice for the EU.
Some blood tests being marketed to tell people if they have ever had Covid-19 are a “disaster”, Roche chief executive, Severin Schwan, said on Wednesday, as he prepares to launch the Swiss drugmaker’s own antibody test in May.
In developing its test, Schwan said, Roche scrutinised some existing products now on offer but rejected them as unreliable in determining if somebody has actually ever had the disease.
“It’s a disaster. These tests are not worth anything, or have very little use,” Schwan told reporters on a conference call on the Basel-based company’s first-quarter results. “Some of these companies, I tell you, this is ethically very questionable to get out with this stuff.”
A Chinese writer is facing backlash for her ‘Wuhan Diary’, AFP reports.
After Wuhan was sealed off from the world, acclaimed writer Fang Fang started an online diary about the coronavirus tragedy unfolding in her hometown.
Her journal drew tens of millions of readers, but now that it is about to be published abroad in several languages, she is facing a nationalist backlash at home.
Critics say the 64-year-old, who was awarded China’s most prestigious literary prize in 2010, is providing fodder to countries that have slammed Beijing’s handling of the pandemic.
Fang began to document life in Wuhan, the city of 11 million where Covid-19 first emerged in December, after it was placed under an unprecedented lockdown on January 23.
In one entry she describes residents helping each other, and the simple pleasure of the sun lighting up her room.
But she also touched on politically sensitive topics such as overcrowded hospitals turning away patients, mask shortages and relatives’ deaths.
“A doctor friend said to me: in fact, we doctors have all known for a while that there is a human-to-human transmission of the disease, we reported this to our superiors, but yet nobody warned people,” she wrote in one entry.
Readers flocked to the online diary to get an unfiltered account from Wuhan in a Communist-ruled country that lacks independent media.
But some social media users have turned on the author, especially as a new diplomatic spat has erupted between China and the US, which accuses Beijing of a lack of transparency in the outbreak’s early days, costing the world valuable time.
“Bravo Fang Fang. You’re giving Western countries ammunition to target China,” said one post about her on the country’s Twitter-like Weibo platform.
“You’ve shown your treacherous nature,” it said.
Another accused Fang of making money off Wuhan’s nearly 4,000 virus victims, writing: “How much did you sell the diary for?”
Hit by a barrage of online insults, Fang wrote on Weibo that she was the victim of “cyberbullying” by fringe nationalists.
And in an interview posted on the website of Chinese weekly Caixin, the author said she had received death threats and that her home address was posted online.
The way US publisher HarperCollins introduces the book - which goes on sale in June and is succinctly titled Wuhan Diary - has added fuel to the online fury.
“The stark reality of this devastating situation drives Fang Fang to courageously speak out against social injustice, corruption, abuse, and the systemic political problems which impeded the response to the epidemic,” the publishing house says on its website.
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.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.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.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.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.“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 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.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.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”.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.