This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/apr/22/coronavirus-live-news-un-warns-of-biblical-famine-as-white-house-prepares-immigration-halt

The article has changed 46 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 25 Version 26
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
From our UK focused live blog, NHS England has announced 665 further deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 16,272. Full numbers can be found in the link below
UN human rights expert says ‘responses to Covid-19 are failing people in poverty worldwide’
Many governments’ responses to Covid-19 have had devastating effects on people in poverty, said the UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, in a statement on Wednesday.
He added:
Lithuania will start to ease coronavirus lockdown measures this week after they were imposed last month to prevent the spread of the virus, the government said.Lithuania will start to ease coronavirus lockdown measures this week after they were imposed last month to prevent the spread of the virus, the government said.
“Due to the strict restrictions, Lithuania avoided a sharp increase of Covid-19 cases which was seen elsewhere in Europe, such as in Italy, Spain, Great Britain,” Lithuania’s public health authority chief said in a letter to government.“Due to the strict restrictions, Lithuania avoided a sharp increase of Covid-19 cases which was seen elsewhere in Europe, such as in Italy, Spain, Great Britain,” Lithuania’s public health authority chief said in a letter to government.
Shops can re-open from Thursday and customer service businesses, such as hairdressers, libraries, museums and golf courses, can resume from 27 April, according to the government website.Shops can re-open from Thursday and customer service businesses, such as hairdressers, libraries, museums and golf courses, can resume from 27 April, according to the government website.
Businesses will need to limit numbers of customers on their premises to no more than one person per 10 sq metre.Businesses will need to limit numbers of customers on their premises to no more than one person per 10 sq metre.
The government also said full lockdown measures would not be lifted until 11 May, delayed from the original date of 27 April.The government also said full lockdown measures would not be lifted until 11 May, delayed from the original date of 27 April.
The amount of money migrant workers send back to their home countries is expected to decrease by more than $110bn this year as the Covid-19 pandemic increases unemployment across the world, reports Phillip Inman.The amount of money migrant workers send back to their home countries is expected to decrease by more than $110bn this year as the Covid-19 pandemic increases unemployment across the world, reports Phillip Inman.
Remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to fall by nearly 20% to $445bn (£360bn), “representing the loss of a crucial financial lifeline for many vulnerable households”, the World Bank said.Remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to fall by nearly 20% to $445bn (£360bn), “representing the loss of a crucial financial lifeline for many vulnerable households”, the World Bank said.
Good afternoon, this is Gregory Robinson, taking over the live blog for the next hour. If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter to share insight or send tips, I’m on @Gregoryjourno or send me an email at gregory.robinson@guardian.co.ukGood afternoon, this is Gregory Robinson, taking over the live blog for the next hour. If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter to share insight or send tips, I’m on @Gregoryjourno or send me an email at gregory.robinson@guardian.co.uk
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.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% of the country’s total cases, AFP reports.So far, close to 3,500 medics in Turkey have been infected with the virus - 3.6% 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”.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 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.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.
The president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said this week’s shut-in orders would start early on Thursday, which is a public holiday, and last until midnight on Sunday.The president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said this week’s shut-in orders would start early on Thursday, which is a public holiday, and last until midnight on 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.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.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.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.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: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.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: