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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
Iran has reported its lowest daily number of new coronavirus cases since 21 March, with 1,030 detected in the past 24 hours according to its health ministry spokesman.
Ninety more people died from Covid-19 since Wednesday, Kianoush Jahanpour said, while 3,105 patients with the disease remain in a critical condition. However the latest figures suggest that the epidemic in the country, which has so far suffered the Middle East’s worst coronavirus outbreak, is on a downward curve.
Jahanpour, the head of the health ministry’s public relations office, said on Thursday that 64,843 people out of a total of 87,026 infected with the coronavirus had survived and recovered, the Islamic Republic News Agency reports.
The total death toll in Iran is 5,481.
While Iran held back from a full lockdown, public employees are constantly disinfecting and sanitising public areas, according to IRNA. Schools and universities have also been shut down.
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.
Global death pass 180,000
The global death toll from the coronavirus has exceeded 183,000, with the number of cases worldwide at more than 2.6m. The US accounts for more than 842,000 cases and almost 47,000 deaths. The UK has more than 134,000 cases and more than 18,000 deaths.
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.
He was one of three Chinese journalists reporting in Wuhan during some of the worst weeks of the epidemic. He was last seen on 26 February after posting a video in which he was chased by a white SUV and an hours-long livestream that ended when several agents entered his apartment.
China coronavirus cases might have been four times official figure, says study
More than 232,000 people might have been infected in the first wave of Covid-19 in mainland China, four times the official figures, according to a study by Hong Kong researchers.
WHO receives both criticism and support from members
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all members of the World Health Organization (WHO) should cooperate with a proposed independent review into the spread of coronavirus. (04.35) And the US government announced that it will assess whether the World Health Organization is being run the way that it should be. (02.30) Meanwhile Germany’s Angela Merkel called the WHO an “indispensable partner” (08.55) and China donated a further $30 million to the organization, which is seeking more than $1 billion to fund its battle against the coronavirus pandemic. (10.02)
Germany: cases increase by 2,352 to 148,046, deaths increase by 215 to 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.
Spain: cases increase by 4,635, deaths up by 440
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.
Philippines: 271 new confirmed infections, 16 new deaths
The Philippines’ health ministry on Thursday reported 16 new coronavirus deaths and 271 confirmed infections. 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.
Vietnam eased social distancing measures Thursday, after reporting no new coronavirus infections for six consecutive days.
After a decisive - and early - response to the pandemic, including mass quarantines and aggressive contact tracing, the Southeast Asian nation has recorded just 268 virus cases and zero deaths, according to official tallies.
Vietnam was one of the first nations to ban flights to and from mainland China and in early February, when it had barely more than a dozen cases, villages with 10,000 people close to the country’s capital Hanoi were placed under quarantine.
Nguyen Trinh Thang, a 72-year-old Hanoi resident, told AFP how he and a team in his community had zeroed in on any suspected cases, falling back on grassroots Communist Party networks in charge of overseeing neighbourhoods.
After reporting no new infections for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, the government said some shops and services will be allowed to reopen.
On Thursday, a few of the capital’s cafes had resumed service, although the streets were still fairly quiet.
The number of new coronavirus cases has fallen in Russia for a second day and remained below record levels for four days, raising hopes that the disease may have reached a plateau in the country, Andrew Roth, the Guardian’s Moscow correspondent, reports.The number of new coronavirus cases has fallen in Russia for a second day and remained below record levels for four days, raising hopes that the disease may have reached a plateau in the country, Andrew Roth, the Guardian’s Moscow correspondent, reports.
But concerns remain that the disease’s progress into the regions beyond Moscow may fuel a new explosion of cases in the weeks to come.But concerns remain that the disease’s progress into the regions beyond Moscow may fuel a new explosion of cases in the weeks to come.
Russia posted 4,774 new cases on Thursday, bringing the country’s official total to 62,773. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, sidestepped questions from journalists about whether the disease had plateaued in the country, saying the situation “remains fairly tense.”Russia posted 4,774 new cases on Thursday, bringing the country’s official total to 62,773. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, sidestepped questions from journalists about whether the disease had plateaued in the country, saying the situation “remains fairly tense.”
Russia confirmed a record 6,060 new cases on Sunday, capping more than a week of explosive growth that saw the number of new cases recorded per day nearly quadruple.Russia confirmed a record 6,060 new cases on Sunday, capping more than a week of explosive growth that saw the number of new cases recorded per day nearly quadruple.
Mos of Russia’s confirmed cases of coronavirus are in Moscow. Most of the city’s 12 million residents have been under shelter-at-home orders since March 30. On Friday, a city official predicted that the city’s highest death rates from the disease would come in the next two to three weeks.Mos of Russia’s confirmed cases of coronavirus are in Moscow. Most of the city’s 12 million residents have been under shelter-at-home orders since March 30. On Friday, a city official predicted that the city’s highest death rates from the disease would come in the next two to three weeks.
More than 24,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported on the African continent, with over 6,250 recoveries and 1,100 deaths, the World Health Organization reported on Thursday morning.More than 24,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported on the African continent, with over 6,250 recoveries and 1,100 deaths, the World Health Organization reported on Thursday morning.
In his press conference yesterday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director general, said he believes that Africa is still at the beginning of its coronavirus outbreak.In his press conference yesterday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director general, said he believes that Africa is still at the beginning of its coronavirus outbreak.
This is Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now, keeping you up to date with the latest in coronavirus world news for the next eight or so hours.This is Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now, keeping you up to date with the latest in coronavirus world news for the next eight or so hours.
I’m always interested in hearing about any tips, suggestions or updates from where you are in the world. If you have anything to share, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message on Twitter to @damiengayle.I’m always interested in hearing about any tips, suggestions or updates from where you are in the world. If you have anything to share, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message on Twitter to @damiengayle.
I can’t be alone in finding evidence of wildlife benefiting from the absence of humans heartening in these times.I can’t be alone in finding evidence of wildlife benefiting from the absence of humans heartening in these times.
This is an excellent example - Thai authorities have released drone footage of a herd of dugongs - a rare sea mammal - cruising off an island in the south of the country.This is an excellent example - Thai authorities have released drone footage of a herd of dugongs - a rare sea mammal - cruising off an island in the south of the country.
And with that, I’ll leave you in the more than capable hands of my colleague Damien Gayle.And with that, I’ll leave you in the more than capable hands of my colleague Damien Gayle.
The Spanish government has just given more details on what the loosening of lockdown restrictions means for children in Spain, who have been confined to their homes since 14 March, writes the Guardian’s Sam Jones in Madrid. From Sunday, children who are 14 or under will be allowed out to walk and play in the streets for an hour a day between 9am and 9pm.The Spanish government has just given more details on what the loosening of lockdown restrictions means for children in Spain, who have been confined to their homes since 14 March, writes the Guardian’s Sam Jones in Madrid. From Sunday, children who are 14 or under will be allowed out to walk and play in the streets for an hour a day between 9am and 9pm.
They will need to stay within one kilometre of their homes and be accompanied at all times by an adult, who will be permitted to take a maximum of three children out at a time.They will need to stay within one kilometre of their homes and be accompanied at all times by an adult, who will be permitted to take a maximum of three children out at a time.
Parks and communal play areas will remain out of bounds because of the risk of infection, but children will be allowed to take toys, balls and scooters with them. Announcing the measures at a press conference on Thursday morning, the deputy prime minister and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias added: “Children will be allowed to run and jump and do exercise, but social distancing must always be observed.”Parks and communal play areas will remain out of bounds because of the risk of infection, but children will be allowed to take toys, balls and scooters with them. Announcing the measures at a press conference on Thursday morning, the deputy prime minister and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias added: “Children will be allowed to run and jump and do exercise, but social distancing must always be observed.”
Iglesias said children who live in rural areas will be allowed to walk through the countryside and in woods, but must still observe social distancing. He also said that children or adolescents with a fever or symptoms consistent with the coronavirus should stay at home in quarantine.Iglesias said children who live in rural areas will be allowed to walk through the countryside and in woods, but must still observe social distancing. He also said that children or adolescents with a fever or symptoms consistent with the coronavirus should stay at home in quarantine.
The deputy prime minister also asked children in Spain to forgive the confusion the government had caused on Tuesday after it said children would be allowed out only to accompany a parent to buy food or medicine. A huge public outcry resulted in a u-turn within hours, and the government insisting that children would have more room to roam.The deputy prime minister also asked children in Spain to forgive the confusion the government had caused on Tuesday after it said children would be allowed out only to accompany a parent to buy food or medicine. A huge public outcry resulted in a u-turn within hours, and the government insisting that children would have more room to roam.
“I want to say sorry because over the past few days and hours, the government hasn’t been as clear as it could have been when it came to explaining how you’ll be allowed to go out for walks with your families from Sunday,” said Iglesias.“I want to say sorry because over the past few days and hours, the government hasn’t been as clear as it could have been when it came to explaining how you’ll be allowed to go out for walks with your families from Sunday,” said Iglesias.
“I know this confinement hasn’t been at all easy for you - you’ve had to stop going to school and seeing your teachers and friends. You’ve not been able to see many of your relatives and you’ve had to stay at home and play instead of going out. I want to thank you and I want you to know that we sometimes get things wrong when we make very difficult decisions.”“I know this confinement hasn’t been at all easy for you - you’ve had to stop going to school and seeing your teachers and friends. You’ve not been able to see many of your relatives and you’ve had to stay at home and play instead of going out. I want to thank you and I want you to know that we sometimes get things wrong when we make very difficult decisions.”
Spain has recorded 4,635 news cases of the virus and 440 deaths overnight - a slight rise on Wednesday’s figures. The country now has a total of 213,024 confirmed cases and 22,157 deaths.Spain has recorded 4,635 news cases of the virus and 440 deaths overnight - a slight rise on Wednesday’s figures. The country now has a total of 213,024 confirmed cases and 22,157 deaths.
The latest figures from the health ministry show the number of new cases grew by 2.2% over the past 24 hours - roughly in line with recent days and vastly down on the 38% daily rise seen when the state of emergency was declared just over a month ago.The latest figures from the health ministry show the number of new cases grew by 2.2% over the past 24 hours - roughly in line with recent days and vastly down on the 38% daily rise seen when the state of emergency was declared just over a month ago.
The ministry also said that 34,355 of the country’s cases - 16% of the total - are among healthworkers.The ministry also said that 34,355 of the country’s cases - 16% of the total - are among healthworkers.
Germany has agreed on a further aid package to help its economy survive the coronavirus crisis. The extra 10.8bn euros (£9.4bn, $11.7bn) will go towards tax cuts for businesses and further employment benefits for workers. Families are to be given help to buy equipment like computers for home learning.Germany has agreed on a further aid package to help its economy survive the coronavirus crisis. The extra 10.8bn euros (£9.4bn, $11.7bn) will go towards tax cuts for businesses and further employment benefits for workers. Families are to be given help to buy equipment like computers for home learning.
Workers staying at home due to the lockdown will now receive 70-77% of their net salary from the fourth month of unemployment, a 10% increase over what they got for the first three months. From the seventh month, they will receive 80-87%.Workers staying at home due to the lockdown will now receive 70-77% of their net salary from the fourth month of unemployment, a 10% increase over what they got for the first three months. From the seventh month, they will receive 80-87%.
The additional package comes Germany takes tentative steps to reopen the economy : bookshops, florists, fashion stores, bike and car outlets and other shops smaller than 800 sq m were permitted to reopen on Monday morning.The additional package comes Germany takes tentative steps to reopen the economy : bookshops, florists, fashion stores, bike and car outlets and other shops smaller than 800 sq m were permitted to reopen on Monday morning.
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.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.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.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.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: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.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: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.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.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.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.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 islandThe 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.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.