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Coronavirus live news: US states start to reopen as world set for ‘unprecedented’ recession Coronavirus live news: US states start to reopen as world set for ‘unprecedented’ recession
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World has ‘a long way to go’, warns WHO chief; Singapore cases pass 10,000; first case among Palestinian refugees in LebanonWorld has ‘a long way to go’, warns WHO chief; Singapore cases pass 10,000; first case among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
The Spanish health ministry said on Thursday that 440 people died from the coronavirus in the previous 24 hours, which brought total fatalities to 22,157.
That figure ids slightly higher than the previous day when 435 people died. The number of diagnosed cases rose to 213,024 from 208,389 the day before.
China said on Thursday it would donate a further $30 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), which is seeking more than $1 billion to fund its battle against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 people worldwide, Reuters reports.
The pledge comes about a week after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended funding to the WHO and accused the Geneva-based organisation of promoting Chinese “disinformation” about the virus, which emerged in the central city of Wuhan last year.
Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman of China’s foreign ministry, tweeted:
The donation aimed to support the global fight against COVID-19, in particular strengthening health systems in developing countries, she said, adding that China had already donated $20 million to the WHO on March 11.
On Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he hoped the Trump administration would reconsider its decision:
The United States contributed more than $400 million to the WHO in 2019, or roughly 15% of the organisation’s budget.
In the UK, vaccine trials on humans lead by Oxford University are due to start on Thursday.
The New York Times says that Germany has joined the race for a vaccine, giving the green light to human trials of potential vaccines.
Thanks to Guardian reader Claus Schrøder-Hansen for sending me the link to this story.
The Philippines’ health ministry on Thursday reported 16 new coronavirus deaths and 271 confirmed infections, ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision whether to lift or extend quarantine measures on the country’s main island
In a bulletin, the health ministry said total deaths have increased to 462 while infections have risen to 6,981. But 29 more patients have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 722.
Afghanistan has recorded its biggest one-day rise of coronavirus cases as the number of confirmed patients with Covid-19 reached 1,226, triggered by a surge of infections in Kandahar and Kunduz, writes my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.Afghanistan has recorded its biggest one-day rise of coronavirus cases as the number of confirmed patients with Covid-19 reached 1,226, triggered by a surge of infections in Kandahar and Kunduz, writes my colleague Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.
In the last 24 hours 83 new cases have been reported, most in the southern province of Kandahar.In the last 24 hours 83 new cases have been reported, most in the southern province of Kandahar.
There has been a four-day pause in testing in several regions because of a shortage of testing kits, but it has resumed, according to officials.There has been a four-day pause in testing in several regions because of a shortage of testing kits, but it has resumed, according to officials.
Afghanistan is struggling with a shortage of diagnostic testing equipment known as “RNA extraction kits”, which scientists use to isolate the RNA (ribonucleic acid) in samples of the novel coronavirus.Wahidullah Mayar, a health ministry spokesman, said yesterday that the ministry had received some kit from the World Health Organization and would distribute that among the provinces facing shortage.Afghanistan is struggling with a shortage of diagnostic testing equipment known as “RNA extraction kits”, which scientists use to isolate the RNA (ribonucleic acid) in samples of the novel coronavirus.Wahidullah Mayar, a health ministry spokesman, said yesterday that the ministry had received some kit from the World Health Organization and would distribute that among the provinces facing shortage.
Kabul has recorded six new cases, pushing the total number of infections to 419 in the capital, and making it Afghanistan’s worst affected area. In Herat, the number of confirmed cases stands at 363, an increase of 21 in the last 24 hours.Kabul has recorded six new cases, pushing the total number of infections to 419 in the capital, and making it Afghanistan’s worst affected area. In Herat, the number of confirmed cases stands at 363, an increase of 21 in the last 24 hours.
On Thursday Kabul’s governor said restrictions on movements would be tightened as people continue to move freely on the streets despite a lockdown.On Thursday Kabul’s governor said restrictions on movements would be tightened as people continue to move freely on the streets despite a lockdown.
Meanwhile, the ministry of higher education has extended the closure of all higher education institutions, universities and other training programmes for another 20 days – until 9 May 9 – as part of efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.Meanwhile, the ministry of higher education has extended the closure of all higher education institutions, universities and other training programmes for another 20 days – until 9 May 9 – as part of efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The country has so far recorded 40 deaths and 177 recoveries.The country has so far recorded 40 deaths and 177 recoveries.
Germany’s confirmed virus cases have increased by 2,352 to 148,046, officials said on Thursday. The number of deaths linked to Covid-19 has risen by 215 to now 5,094.Germany’s confirmed virus cases have increased by 2,352 to 148,046, officials said on Thursday. The number of deaths linked to Covid-19 has risen by 215 to now 5,094.
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has thrown her support behind the embattled World Health Organization, distancing her government from President Donald Trump’s pause in US funding to the global body.The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has thrown her support behind the embattled World Health Organization, distancing her government from President Donald Trump’s pause in US funding to the global body.
Speaking in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, Merkel said:Speaking in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, Merkel said:
Merkel, who was frequently applauded during her address, urged a “clever and cautious” approach during the next phase of the coronavirus epidemic.Merkel, who was frequently applauded during her address, urged a “clever and cautious” approach during the next phase of the coronavirus epidemic.
Speaking in parliament, she said:Speaking in parliament, she said:
But she called for “maximum discipline”, saying it was the only route to “get back to living in security faster”, adding that without it there was a higher likelihood of stop-start lockdowns. “We must not waste what has been achieved already,” she said.But she called for “maximum discipline”, saying it was the only route to “get back to living in security faster”, adding that without it there was a higher likelihood of stop-start lockdowns. “We must not waste what has been achieved already,” she said.
Her government’s decisions in this crisis “have no historical model”, she said.Her government’s decisions in this crisis “have no historical model”, she said.
Merkel said Europe must strengthen its capacity to produce specialised medical kit, instead of depending on global supplies, which are now very stretched.Merkel said Europe must strengthen its capacity to produce specialised medical kit, instead of depending on global supplies, which are now very stretched.
Russia recorded 4,774 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, a fall in the number of daily new cases for the third day running, bringing its nationwide tally to 62,773, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said on Thursday.Russia recorded 4,774 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, a fall in the number of daily new cases for the third day running, bringing its nationwide tally to 62,773, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said on Thursday.
Forty-two people with the virus had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 555, it said.Forty-two people with the virus had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 555, it said.
European Union leaders are expected to sign off on a huge rescue package for countries hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis when they hold a video conference later on Thursday.European Union leaders are expected to sign off on a huge rescue package for countries hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis when they hold a video conference later on Thursday.
The 500bn euro (£438bn) package was agreed after fierce debate between richer countries in the north of the EU, and weaker economies in the south which have suffered most from the pandemic. The €500bn (£438bn) package was agreed after fierce debate between richer countries in the north of the EU and weaker economies in the south which have suffered most from the pandemic.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has said he did not think that this week’s outbreak of violent clashes in French housing estates would result in scenes similar to the 2005 riots that broke out throughout the country.“We are not in this sort of scenario,” Castaner told BFM TV. The French interior minister, Christophe Castaner, has said he does not think this week’s outbreak of violent clashes in French housing estates will result in scenes similar to the 2005 riots that broke out throughout the country.
Stringent restrictions on public movements ordered by President Emmanuel Macron to tackle the coronavirus have exacerbated tensions in the low-income neighbourhoods around the capital, with clashes having broken out this week. “We are not in this sort of scenario,” Castaner told BFM TV.
Stringent restrictions on public movements ordered by President Emmanuel Macron to tackle the coronavirus have exacerbated tensions in the low-income neighbourhoods around Paris, with clashes having broken out this week.
For more on the unrest in France, do read this report from my colleague Kim Willsher:For more on the unrest in France, do read this report from my colleague Kim Willsher:
More than a thousand Hong Kong residents are still stuck in India, after the country went into a sudden lockdown last month, writes my colleeague Helen Davidson. More than a thousand Hong Kong residents are still stuck in India, after the country went into a sudden lockdown last month, writes my colleague Helen Davidson.
Hong Kong legislator, Priscilla Leung has told reporters today the government is working on bringing them home in groups, but that the 200 or so citizens among the group should be first priority. The rest were were Hong Kong permanent residents with Indian or other passports. The Hong Kong legislator Priscilla Leung has told reporters today the government is working on bringing them home in groups, but that the 200 or so citizens among the group should be first priority. The rest are Hong Kong permanent residents with Indian or other passports.
“We are willing to help all HK permanent residents to come back if the flights can be arranged,” she said.“We are willing to help all HK permanent residents to come back if the flights can be arranged,” she said.
“We need to consider the acceptability and capability of Hong Kong, how to ensure the testing facilities as well as the quarantine accommodation.”“We need to consider the acceptability and capability of Hong Kong, how to ensure the testing facilities as well as the quarantine accommodation.”
Leung said some of the people in the group were sleeping on the streets, and had no access to medical care.Leung said some of the people in the group were sleeping on the streets, and had no access to medical care.
She said relevant authorities had given “positive feedback” on the transfer proposal.She said relevant authorities had given “positive feedback” on the transfer proposal.
“We are willing to help.”“We are willing to help.”
This story from my colleagues in the US is worth flagging:This story from my colleagues in the US is worth flagging:
A senior US government doctor who worked on the search for a coronavirus vaccine has claimed he was fired after resisting Donald Trump’s push to use the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.A senior US government doctor who worked on the search for a coronavirus vaccine has claimed he was fired after resisting Donald Trump’s push to use the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
Rick Bright was this week ousted as director of the US health department’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or Barda, and as the deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response.Rick Bright was this week ousted as director of the US health department’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or Barda, and as the deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response.
In a stunningly candid statement, Bright highlighted his refusal to embrace hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug relentlessly promoted by the president and Fox News despite a lack of scientific studies. He said:In a stunningly candid statement, Bright highlighted his refusal to embrace hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug relentlessly promoted by the president and Fox News despite a lack of scientific studies. He said:
The full story here:The full story here:
I’m sure that the whole world now shares an aversion to using handles to open doors, or cupboards or fridges in supermarkets or literally anything else.I’m sure that the whole world now shares an aversion to using handles to open doors, or cupboards or fridges in supermarkets or literally anything else.
Well, those good folk in Finland have starting thinking about this tricky problem and come up with the below. Once again proving beyond doubt that Finland is the best country in the world.Well, those good folk in Finland have starting thinking about this tricky problem and come up with the below. Once again proving beyond doubt that Finland is the best country in the world.
My thanks to the ongoing efforts of Helen Sullivan. I’ll be with you for the next few hours before my colleague Damien Gayle takes over.My thanks to the ongoing efforts of Helen Sullivan. I’ll be with you for the next few hours before my colleague Damien Gayle takes over.
If you think we have missed a story or want to tip us off about something, plewase do get in touch. I’m on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and on Twitter I’m on @lexytopping. My DMs are open.If you think we have missed a story or want to tip us off about something, plewase do get in touch. I’m on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and on Twitter I’m on @lexytopping. My DMs are open.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’ll now be handing over to my colleague Alexandra Topping – but before I go, here’s a Welsh minister not switching off his mic and being caught ranting about one of his colleagues on an especially crowded Zoom chat:That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’ll now be handing over to my colleague Alexandra Topping – but before I go, here’s a Welsh minister not switching off his mic and being caught ranting about one of his colleagues on an especially crowded Zoom chat:
And a few of the reactions from the other people on the call:And a few of the reactions from the other people on the call:
World is on track for ‘unprecedented’ post-war recession. Ratings agency Fitch says the world is heading for a recession of “unprecedented depth in the post-war period” with global gross domestic product to tumble by 3.9% in 2020. “This is twice as large as the decline anticipated in our early April GEO [global economic outlook] update and would be twice as severe as the 2009 recession,” said Fitch’s chief economist.World is on track for ‘unprecedented’ post-war recession. Ratings agency Fitch says the world is heading for a recession of “unprecedented depth in the post-war period” with global gross domestic product to tumble by 3.9% in 2020. “This is twice as large as the decline anticipated in our early April GEO [global economic outlook] update and would be twice as severe as the 2009 recession,” said Fitch’s chief economist.
Trump signs immigration order. Trump said he had signed the order halting immigration to the US just before coming into the room to deliver the White House press briefing.Trump signs immigration order. Trump said he had signed the order halting immigration to the US just before coming into the room to deliver the White House press briefing.
World Health Organization under fire. The US government will assess whether the WHO is being run the way that it should be, John Barsa, acting administrator of the US agency for international development said on Wednesday, as Australia called for all WHO members should participate in a coronavirus inquiry.World Health Organization under fire. The US government will assess whether the WHO is being run the way that it should be, John Barsa, acting administrator of the US agency for international development said on Wednesday, as Australia called for all WHO members should participate in a coronavirus inquiry.
Missing Wuhan citizen journalist reappears. A Chinese citizen journalist reappears, having gone missing for almost two months after posting videos from Wuhan during the outbreak. Li Zehua claims he was detained by police and forcibly quarantined.Missing Wuhan citizen journalist reappears. A Chinese citizen journalist reappears, having gone missing for almost two months after posting videos from Wuhan during the outbreak. Li Zehua claims he was detained by police and forcibly quarantined.
Two pet cats test positive in New York state. The two cats are the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus in companion animals in the US, federal officials said on Wednesday.Two pet cats test positive in New York state. The two cats are the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus in companion animals in the US, federal officials said on Wednesday.