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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 million. Follow the latest updates.Trump to halt immigration for 60 days initially; 256m people could starve, says UN; cases worldwide pass 2.5 million. Follow the latest updates.
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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.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.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.
China’s northeastern border province of Heilongjiang on Tuesday reported seven new locally transmitted coronavirus cases and one imported case - a Chinese national returning from Russia - prompting authorities to issue more restrictions.In Harbin, the capital of the province and where the seven new cases were reported, authorities said only local residents may enter their residential compounds. More screenings would be implemented at airports, train stations and highways. Those living in residential buildings where there have been confirmed or suspicious cases must also quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving from outside the city must be quarantined.While the number of imported infections has levelled off in China, the border region has become a risk to the country’s recovery. The province of Heilongjiang has reported a total of 537 locally transmitted cases and 119 imported cases, mostly Chinese nationals returning from Russia. In the border town of Suifenhe, residents have been ordered to stay at home, with only one person from each household permitted to leave every three days to get supplies. Neighbouring provinces including Jilin and Liaoning have started to require quarantines and several rounds of tests for anyone travelling from the cities of Harbin or Mudanjiang in Heilongjjiang.
Saudi king Salman approved performing Tarawih in the two holy mosques and reducing them with the continued suspension of entry of pilgrims, the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques’ Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia plans to ease curfew hours it imposed on several cities during the month of Ramadan to allow people more time to shop for essential needs within the boundaries of their neighbourhoods, state news agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
A chronically ill refugee held in immigration detention in Australia – and at serious risk of contracting Covid-19 – has launched a case in the high court seeking his release into the community to protect him from infection.
His challenge, lodged in Melbourne late Tuesday by the Human Rights Law Centre, is being seen as a test case for other women and men living in close confines in immigration detention and at risk of a Covid-19 outbreak. Guardian Australia understands his case is likely to be “the first of many”.
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.Reuters reports around 60% of chief executives are preparing for a U-shaped recovery - a long period between recession and an upturn - compared with 22% who predict a double-dip recession, according to an April 15-19 poll of 3,534 chief executives from 109 countries conducted by YPO, a business leadership network.Business leaders in the hospitality and restaurant sectors were the most vulnerable with 41% of executives saying their firms were at risk of not surviving, while 30% in aviation and 19% in wholesale and retail sales feared they may go under, the survey found.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just tweeted about his conversation with US President Donald Trump.
Don’t worry, the two countries are still “the best of mates”.
Morrison added that the pair discussed the World Health Organizations’ response to the virus.
On Sunday, Australia’s foreign minister, Marise Payne told the ABC television programme Insiders, that that her concerns over China’s transparency were “at a very high point”, and that she shared some of the US’s concerns about the WHO.
Canadian exercise apparel brand Lululemon issued statements on Tuesday apologising for, and distancing itself from, a T-shirt design promoted by one of its art directors that triggered outrage and accusations of racism online. The T-shirt design said “bat fried rice”, Reuters reports.
The hashtag “Lululemon insults China” was viewed 204 million times on China’s Weibo platform by Tuesday afternoon, with some commentators demanding a boycott of the brand.“We acted immediately, and the person involved is no longer an employee of Lululemon,” the firm said in an Instagram response to a customer on Tuesday, without identifying the individual.Reports of racially charged assaults on Asians have grown since the pandemic first emerged in a market selling wildlife in China late last year. Early studies said the virus could have come from bats.
Trump announces 60-day ban on immigrants seeking permanent status in US
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.
The US president framed the executive order, which he expects to sign on Wednesday, as an effort to protect American workers from foreign competition. He said it would apply only to those seeking green cards and not temporary workers, but he did not explain how those whose applications are currently being processed would be affected.
“By pausing immigration, we will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens – so important,” Trump told reporters at Tuesday’s coronavirus taskforce briefing. “It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labour flown in from abroad. We must first take care of the American worker.”
The “pause” would be in effect for 60 days, he added, after which the need for an extension or alternation would be reviewed “based on economic conditions at the time”. Under questioning, he confirmed that he might then decide to add a further 30 days or more.
Podcast: How the 5G conspiracy theories took hold
The Guardian’s media editor, Jim Waterson, looks at why conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to coronavirus have taken hold in the UK, with dozens of phone masts vandalised across the country over the past few weeks:
The head of Russia’s renowned Hermitage Museum said on Tuesday the government should ensure the survival of museums which are struggling during a coronavirus lockdown, AFP reports.
Since the introduction of a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people in mid-March, museums across Russia have gradually closed their doors to the public. President Vladimir Putin then declared April a non-working month, encouraging Russians to stay home to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Hermitage chief Mikhail Piotrovsky said the museum had already lost half of its annual budget and was now in talks with the government in the hope to secure financial aid.
“The state must ensure the survival of culture,” Piotrovsky said during an online news conference. The museum earned 2.5 billion rubles ($32 million) in 2018.
Piotrovsky said that once the lockdown is over the museum would need about a month to prepare for a re-opening.
The museum was founded in 1764 under Empress Catherine the Great and features more than three million works of art and world culture artefacts. Nearly five million people visited the Hermitage last year.
A Navy hospital ship deployed to New York City to help fight the coronavirus outbreak is no longer needed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday, expressing confidence that stresses on the hospital system are easing.
Cuomo told MSNBC after meeting with President Donald Trump that the USNS Comfort was helpful, but could now be sent elsewhere after being docked for weeks off of Manhattan.“It did give us comfort, but we don’t need it anymore,” Cuomo said. “So if they need to deploy that somewhere else, they should take it.”Trump said at his Tuesday briefing that he asked Cuomo if we could bring the Comfort back to its base in Virginia so that we could have it in other locations. Trump said they would bring the ship back soon.The Navy ship arrived 30 March as state and city officials scrambled to add hospital beds to prepare for a potentially catastrophic surge in Covid-19 cases.But hospitalization levels appeared to have peaked recently amid strict stay-at home restrictions. Total statewide hospitalizations have slowly dropped to about 16,000, more than 2,000 below a week ago.The Comfort has treated 178 patients, with 56 on board Tuesday.