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Coronavirus live news: UN warns of 'biblical' famine; first case seen in Palestinian refugees in Lebanon Coronavirus live news: UN warns of 'biblical' famine; first case seen in Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
(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
Turkey’s top medical association has accused the government of failing to protect health workers after 24 - including 14 doctors - died of the coronavirus this month.
So far, close to 3,500 medics in Turkey have been infected with the virus - 3.6 percent of the country’s total cases, AFP reports.
The Turkish Medical Association (TTB), which represents 80% of the country’s physicians, blamed the deaths and infections on a lack of action from Ankara. It accused the government of “not taking the necessary precautions on time and effectively” and “failing to provide personal protective equipment on time”.
Turkey has so far officially recorded 95,591 infections and 2,259 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak. Most cases have been reported in the country’s most populous city of Istanbul and the TTB said the city was also where the majority of infected health workers were.
Turkey’s government has shut schools, universities and public spaces to halt the spread of the virus but has not imposed a total lockdown like many countries across Europe. Instead, all-day weekend lockdowns have been rolled out in 31 cities across the country.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week’s shut-in orders will start early on Thursday, which is a public holiday, and last until midnight Sunday.
In a further sign that Spain is turning a corner in its efforts to contain Covid-19, the emergency morgue set up at a huge ice rink in Madrid to help the Spanish capital store its coronavirus dead closed its doors on Wednesday, reports Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent.
The facility, at the Palacio de Hielo rink in north-east Madrid, was opened on 24 March as regional authorities struggled to find places to keep the dead before they were buried.
Over the course of almost a month, it took in 1,146 bodies, which were brought in by the Military Emergencies Unit of the Spanish army.
The closure took place on Wednesday following the midday moment of silence to remember Madrid’s dead, and a solemn ceremony was attended by the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, and Spain’s defence minister, Margarita Robles.
Díaz Ayuso said the closure marked another small victory in the region’s fight against the virus. She said:
Madrid has been the hardest hit region of Spain. Of the 21,717 people who have died from the virus, 7,577 perished in or around the capital.
Karen Kruse Thomas, the staff historian of the Bloomberg school of public health, at Johns Hopkins University, has picked out an interesting historical parallel to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of funds to the World Health Organization.Karen Kruse Thomas, the staff historian of the Bloomberg school of public health, at Johns Hopkins University, has picked out an interesting historical parallel to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of funds to the World Health Organization.
Somalia has recorded a rise in coronavirus cases in the past week, with the majority of those affected reportedly young people, Moulid Hujale reports for the Guardian.Somalia has recorded a rise in coronavirus cases in the past week, with the majority of those affected reportedly young people, Moulid Hujale reports for the Guardian.
So far there have been 237 confirmed cases and eight deaths in the country. A member of parliament and a state minister are among those who have died.So far there have been 237 confirmed cases and eight deaths in the country. A member of parliament and a state minister are among those who have died.
“The sharp increase is due to the fact that we are testing patients with all symptoms, not necessarily contact tracing,” said Dr Mohamed M Ali Fuje, the government’s newly appointed chief medical officer.“The sharp increase is due to the fact that we are testing patients with all symptoms, not necessarily contact tracing,” said Dr Mohamed M Ali Fuje, the government’s newly appointed chief medical officer.
Ninety per cent of the confirmed cases are in the capital, Mogadishu, and although the government has introduced measures to contain the virus, widespread behavioural change is proving difficult. People continue to congregate in mosques, and gather in groups at teashops and restaurants, increasing the risk of infections. Khadija Hassan, a resident in Mogadishu, said:Ninety per cent of the confirmed cases are in the capital, Mogadishu, and although the government has introduced measures to contain the virus, widespread behavioural change is proving difficult. People continue to congregate in mosques, and gather in groups at teashops and restaurants, increasing the risk of infections. Khadija Hassan, a resident in Mogadishu, said:
Donald Trump’s botched handling of the Covid-19 crisis has left the US looking like a third world country and on course for a second Great Depression, Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has said.Donald Trump’s botched handling of the Covid-19 crisis has left the US looking like a third world country and on course for a second Great Depression, Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has said.
In an interview with Guardian economics editor Larry Elliott, Stiglitz said millions of people were turning to food banks, turning up for work due to a lack of sick pay and dying because of health inequalities.In an interview with Guardian economics editor Larry Elliott, Stiglitz said millions of people were turning to food banks, turning up for work due to a lack of sick pay and dying because of health inequalities.
Stiglitz said:Stiglitz said:
Stiglitz, a long-term critic of Trump, said 14% of the population were dependent on food stamps and predicted the social infrastructure could not cope with an unemployment rate that could hit 30% in the coming months.Stiglitz, a long-term critic of Trump, said 14% of the population were dependent on food stamps and predicted the social infrastructure could not cope with an unemployment rate that could hit 30% in the coming months.
These are the headlines in our world coronavirus coverage so far on Wednesday.These are the headlines in our world coronavirus coverage so far on Wednesday.
The first coronavirus case has been recorded at a refugee camp in Lebanon. The outbreak of the virus at crowded and often unhygienic refugee camps has been feared since the start of the crisis.The first coronavirus case has been recorded at a refugee camp in Lebanon. The outbreak of the virus at crowded and often unhygienic refugee camps has been feared since the start of the crisis.
Spain announced it plans to phase out its lockdown in the second half of May. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, also asked lawmakers to extend the country’s state of emergency until 9 May.Spain announced it plans to phase out its lockdown in the second half of May. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, also asked lawmakers to extend the country’s state of emergency until 9 May.
Germany approved its first human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine. 200 healthy people between 18 and 55 will receive several variants of the vaccine candidate.Germany approved its first human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine. 200 healthy people between 18 and 55 will receive several variants of the vaccine candidate.
Pope Francis called for unity among EU member states on the eve of European council summit to discuss a huge but divisive economic stimulus package to respond to the coronavirus crisis. EU states have clashed repeatedly over financial responses to the epidemic.Pope Francis called for unity among EU member states on the eve of European council summit to discuss a huge but divisive economic stimulus package to respond to the coronavirus crisis. EU states have clashed repeatedly over financial responses to the epidemic.
At least 34 crew members have tested positive for coronavirus on a cruise ship docked in Japan for maintenance. The outbreak onboard the Italian-operated Costa Atlantica adds to concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki, where only 102 beds are available.At least 34 crew members have tested positive for coronavirus on a cruise ship docked in Japan for maintenance. The outbreak onboard the Italian-operated Costa Atlantica adds to concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki, where only 102 beds are available.
Half of France’s working population has signed up to the country’s temporary unemployment scheme, according to the minister of labour, Muriel Pénicaud. 10.2 million private sector workers have applied for support, or one employee out of two and six companies out of 10, she said.Half of France’s working population has signed up to the country’s temporary unemployment scheme, according to the minister of labour, Muriel Pénicaud. 10.2 million private sector workers have applied for support, or one employee out of two and six companies out of 10, she said.
Coronavirus-related deaths in the UK may be as high as 41,000, according to a Financial Times analysis of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Their findings include deaths that occurred outside hospitals updated to reflect recent mortality trends.Coronavirus-related deaths in the UK may be as high as 41,000, according to a Financial Times analysis of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Their findings include deaths that occurred outside hospitals updated to reflect recent mortality trends.
The European commission has said the UK was well aware of its coronavirus procurement initiative when it decided not to participate. Its account contradicts the UK government claim that a “misunderstanding” was to blame for the UK not getting involved.The European commission has said the UK was well aware of its coronavirus procurement initiative when it decided not to participate. Its account contradicts the UK government claim that a “misunderstanding” was to blame for the UK not getting involved.
Officials in Beijing dismissed the US state of Missouri’s move to sue the Chinese government over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak as “nothing short of absurdity” and lacking any factual or legal basis.Officials in Beijing dismissed the US state of Missouri’s move to sue the Chinese government over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak as “nothing short of absurdity” and lacking any factual or legal basis.
Wearing face masks in some public spaces is to become mandatory in Romania from 15 May, the day lockdown measures will be eased in the country, the president, Klaus Iohannis, announced on Wednesday.Wearing face masks in some public spaces is to become mandatory in Romania from 15 May, the day lockdown measures will be eased in the country, the president, Klaus Iohannis, announced on Wednesday.
In a televised address, Iohannis, wearing a surgical mask, told Romanians that masks would be compulsory on public transport and in other closed public spaces. According to a transcript published by Romanian news site Adevarul, he said:In a televised address, Iohannis, wearing a surgical mask, told Romanians that masks would be compulsory on public transport and in other closed public spaces. According to a transcript published by Romanian news site Adevarul, he said:
On Wednesday, Romania reported 468 new cases of coronavirus and 10 new deaths. So far the country has had 9,710 cases, of whom 508 have died.On Wednesday, Romania reported 468 new cases of coronavirus and 10 new deaths. So far the country has had 9,710 cases, of whom 508 have died.
Bangladesh has reported 390 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10 more deaths from in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll in the country to 120.Bangladesh has reported 390 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10 more deaths from in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll in the country to 120.
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research said that it had recorded a total of 3,772 cases so far.The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research said that it had recorded a total of 3,772 cases so far.
With a population of 160 million, including close to 1 million Rohingya refugees, but with reportedly just 1,100 intensive care beds, Bangladesh is apparently ill-prepared for the Covid-19 outbreak.With a population of 160 million, including close to 1 million Rohingya refugees, but with reportedly just 1,100 intensive care beds, Bangladesh is apparently ill-prepared for the Covid-19 outbreak.
According to an Associated Press report on Wednesday, there has been little, if any, testing in Cox’s Bazar, the district where the worlds largest refugee camp houses Rohingya who have fled Myanmar.According to an Associated Press report on Wednesday, there has been little, if any, testing in Cox’s Bazar, the district where the worlds largest refugee camp houses Rohingya who have fled Myanmar.
While coronavirus cases have been reported in the district, none have been detected inside the camp, where more than 40,000 people are packed into each square kilometre - more than 40 times the average population density of Bangladesh.While coronavirus cases have been reported in the district, none have been detected inside the camp, where more than 40,000 people are packed into each square kilometre - more than 40 times the average population density of Bangladesh.
However, Kate White, the emergency medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, told AP that what limited testing capacity there was in Bangladesh is mainly concentrated in the capital, Dhaka.However, Kate White, the emergency medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, told AP that what limited testing capacity there was in Bangladesh is mainly concentrated in the capital, Dhaka.
Preparations are under way for when the virus arrives. Camps in Cox’s Bazar have been under lockdown since 8 April. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is building isolation and treatment centres that can house 150-200 patients.Preparations are under way for when the virus arrives. Camps in Cox’s Bazar have been under lockdown since 8 April. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is building isolation and treatment centres that can house 150-200 patients.
In a release distributed by UNHCR on Tuesday, Saidul Hoque, a Rohingya born in Cox’s Bazar, said he and his community faced particular difficulties in adhering to the hygiene and social distancing recommendations to avoid the spread of coronavirus. He was quoted as saying:In a release distributed by UNHCR on Tuesday, Saidul Hoque, a Rohingya born in Cox’s Bazar, said he and his community faced particular difficulties in adhering to the hygiene and social distancing recommendations to avoid the spread of coronavirus. He was quoted as saying:
Spain has been in lockdown since 14 March, and the confinement is set to run until at least 9 May.Spain has been in lockdown since 14 March, and the confinement is set to run until at least 9 May.
Some, however, have found an upside to being cooped up with their families and believe the lockdown has served to strengthen the sense of community.Some, however, have found an upside to being cooped up with their families and believe the lockdown has served to strengthen the sense of community.
“We have all got to know our neighbours in the building and the surrounding buildings better and are having fun sharing conversations, drinks and music through our balconies,” said Maite Domingo, who lives in central Barcelona with her two daughters Abril 14, and Martina, 12.“We have all got to know our neighbours in the building and the surrounding buildings better and are having fun sharing conversations, drinks and music through our balconies,” said Maite Domingo, who lives in central Barcelona with her two daughters Abril 14, and Martina, 12.
“We’ve even celebrated one of their birthdays and Martina played happy birthday on the piano for him.”“We’ve even celebrated one of their birthdays and Martina played happy birthday on the piano for him.”
Miguel Vega, who has been in lockdown with his wife, Purita, and two teenage sons, said the emergency measures had reinforced the importance of family.Miguel Vega, who has been in lockdown with his wife, Purita, and two teenage sons, said the emergency measures had reinforced the importance of family.
“I speak regularly with my mother and my sisters and I have the sensation that, living far away from each other, communication has been at times more significant and fluent than in the past,” he said.“I speak regularly with my mother and my sisters and I have the sensation that, living far away from each other, communication has been at times more significant and fluent than in the past,” he said.
“My mum, being alone and the most vulnerable, has taken the role of a protective parent again, which I find very sweet. I’ve had great conversations with neighbours I had never spoken to and have reconnected with long missed friends all around the world.”“My mum, being alone and the most vulnerable, has taken the role of a protective parent again, which I find very sweet. I’ve had great conversations with neighbours I had never spoken to and have reconnected with long missed friends all around the world.”
Carmen Espinosa, who lives alone in a 47 sq metre apartment, said she had only been out for five shopping trips since mid-March.Carmen Espinosa, who lives alone in a 47 sq metre apartment, said she had only been out for five shopping trips since mid-March.
“The hardest thing about confinement is loneliness, the lack of physical contact, the inability to walk down the street and enjoy nature, as well as the uncertainty about the immediate and not so immediate future,” she said.“The hardest thing about confinement is loneliness, the lack of physical contact, the inability to walk down the street and enjoy nature, as well as the uncertainty about the immediate and not so immediate future,” she said.
“On the positive side, we’ve had a chance to reflect on how we live and want to live, to see the fragility of being a human being and to appreciate small gestures of affection, solidarity and the strength of cooperation.”“On the positive side, we’ve had a chance to reflect on how we live and want to live, to see the fragility of being a human being and to appreciate small gestures of affection, solidarity and the strength of cooperation.”
Three new confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in Rwanda on Tuesday, bringing the total number in the country to 150, the World Health Organization reports.Three new confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in Rwanda on Tuesday, bringing the total number in the country to 150, the World Health Organization reports.
So far 80 patients have recovered, including four in the past 24 hours, while the number of active cases is 66, according to the agency’s latest situation report from the country.So far 80 patients have recovered, including four in the past 24 hours, while the number of active cases is 66, according to the agency’s latest situation report from the country.
All active cases are in isolation in stable condition, and one patient is receiving oxygen as a precaution, the WHO said.All active cases are in isolation in stable condition, and one patient is receiving oxygen as a precaution, the WHO said.
On Saturday, Rwanda’s health minister, Diane Gashumba, called on the public to stay home as much as possible and wear face masks in public places, as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.On Saturday, Rwanda’s health minister, Diane Gashumba, called on the public to stay home as much as possible and wear face masks in public places, as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Zambia has reported four new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours.Zambia has reported four new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours.
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,237 to 145,694, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday, marking a second consecutive day of new infections accelerating.Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,237 to 145,694, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday, marking a second consecutive day of new infections accelerating.
The reported death toll rose by 281 to 4,879, the tally showed.The reported death toll rose by 281 to 4,879, the tally showed.
As Germany began relaxing its lockdown on Monday, the chancellor, Angela Merkel, urged Germans to remain “disciplined and watchful”, and warned that if attitudes towards the pandemic relaxed too quickly, another tougher lockdown may follow.As Germany began relaxing its lockdown on Monday, the chancellor, Angela Merkel, urged Germans to remain “disciplined and watchful”, and warned that if attitudes towards the pandemic relaxed too quickly, another tougher lockdown may follow.
Already there have been protests in the country against the measures, as well as so-called “vaccine terrorism”.Already there have been protests in the country against the measures, as well as so-called “vaccine terrorism”.
Iran reported 94 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday - the highest number in more than a week - and 1,194 new confirmed cases.Iran reported 94 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday - the highest number in more than a week - and 1,194 new confirmed cases.
The total death toll in the Islamic republic, which has so far suffered the Middle East’s worst Covid-19 outbreak, is 5,391, according to a health ministry official quoted by Reuters. The total number of people in the country who have been infected stands at 85,996.The total death toll in the Islamic republic, which has so far suffered the Middle East’s worst Covid-19 outbreak, is 5,391, according to a health ministry official quoted by Reuters. The total number of people in the country who have been infected stands at 85,996.
The latest figures from Iran come as the head of the Tehran emergency department said authorities in the country were prepared for a possible second-wave of infections.The latest figures from Iran come as the head of the Tehran emergency department said authorities in the country were prepared for a possible second-wave of infections.
Hello and happy Earth Day, this is Damien Gayle taking charge of the coronavirus live blog now, and taking you through the next eight hours or so of pandemic-related world news.Hello and happy Earth Day, this is Damien Gayle taking charge of the coronavirus live blog now, and taking you through the next eight hours or so of pandemic-related world news.
As usual you can contact me at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.As usual you can contact me at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
Chinese doctors in Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged in December, say a growing number of cases in which people recover from the virus, but continue to test positive without showing symptoms, is one of their biggest challenges as the country moves into a new phase of its containment battle.Chinese doctors in Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged in December, say a growing number of cases in which people recover from the virus, but continue to test positive without showing symptoms, is one of their biggest challenges as the country moves into a new phase of its containment battle.
Those patients all tested negative for the virus at some point after recovering, but then tested positive again, some up to 70 days later, the doctors said.Those patients all tested negative for the virus at some point after recovering, but then tested positive again, some up to 70 days later, the doctors said.
Many have done so over 50-60 days.Many have done so over 50-60 days.
The prospect of people remaining positive for the virus, and therefore potentially infectious, is of international concern, as many countries seek to end lockdowns and resume economic activity as the spread of the virus slows.The prospect of people remaining positive for the virus, and therefore potentially infectious, is of international concern, as many countries seek to end lockdowns and resume economic activity as the spread of the virus slows.
The globally recommended isolation period after exposure is 14 days.The globally recommended isolation period after exposure is 14 days.
So far, there have been no confirmations of newly positive patients infecting others, according to Chinese health officials.So far, there have been no confirmations of newly positive patients infecting others, according to Chinese health officials.
China has not published precise figures for how many patients fall into this category. But disclosures by Chinese hospitals to Reuters, as well as in other media reports, indicate there are at least dozens of such cases.China has not published precise figures for how many patients fall into this category. But disclosures by Chinese hospitals to Reuters, as well as in other media reports, indicate there are at least dozens of such cases.
In South Korea, about 1,000 people have been testing positive for four weeks or more. In Italy, the first European country ravaged by the pandemic, health officials noticed coronavirus patients could test positive for the virus for about a month.In South Korea, about 1,000 people have been testing positive for four weeks or more. In Italy, the first European country ravaged by the pandemic, health officials noticed coronavirus patients could test positive for the virus for about a month.
Reuters reported that one man in Wuhan, who appeared to be in his 50s, was still testing positive for Covid-19 more than two months after he first contracted it.Reuters reported that one man in Wuhan, who appeared to be in his 50s, was still testing positive for Covid-19 more than two months after he first contracted it.
He had been treated at two hospitals before being transferred to a quarantine centre set up in a cluster of apartment blocks in an industrial part of Wuhan.He had been treated at two hospitals before being transferred to a quarantine centre set up in a cluster of apartment blocks in an industrial part of Wuhan.
“I really can’t take it anymore,” he said“I really can’t take it anymore,” he said
The coronavirus death toll in Europe has passed 110,000 according to figures compiled by AFP news agency.The coronavirus death toll in Europe has passed 110,000 according to figures compiled by AFP news agency.
More than 10 million French employees are now “partially unemployed” and having most of their salaries paid for by the state, the French employment minister, Muriel Pénicaud, said on Wednesday.More than 10 million French employees are now “partially unemployed” and having most of their salaries paid for by the state, the French employment minister, Muriel Pénicaud, said on Wednesday.
The government scheme, described as the most generous in Europe, is being used by 820,000 French companies - 60% of those in the country - most of which have been forced to stop business because of the strict lockdown since 17 March.The government scheme, described as the most generous in Europe, is being used by 820,000 French companies - 60% of those in the country - most of which have been forced to stop business because of the strict lockdown since 17 March.
In the building and construction sector, 93% of the 1.2 million workers are currently on the scheme as well as 90% of those in the hotel and restaurant sector.In the building and construction sector, 93% of the 1.2 million workers are currently on the scheme as well as 90% of those in the hotel and restaurant sector.
Staff at companies deemed temporarily unemployed are receiving 84% of their salaries from the state as a measure to avoid mass lay-offs. The scheme includes those on permanent and short-term contracts of 12-months or more, but not freelancers.Staff at companies deemed temporarily unemployed are receiving 84% of their salaries from the state as a measure to avoid mass lay-offs. The scheme includes those on permanent and short-term contracts of 12-months or more, but not freelancers.
Pénicaud told BFMTV that 10.2 million workers were now on the scheme and that 98% of demands for “partial unemployment” payments were being settled with companies within 7-10 days.Pénicaud told BFMTV that 10.2 million workers were now on the scheme and that 98% of demands for “partial unemployment” payments were being settled with companies within 7-10 days.