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Coronavirus live news: Muslim world prepares for Ramadan under lockdown Coronavirus live news: Muslim world prepares for Ramadan under lockdown
(32 minutes later)
Unemployment in US up by 4.4 million to a total of over 26 million; world has ‘a long way to go’, warns WHO chief; Iran reports lowest new daily infections for a monthUnemployment in US up by 4.4 million to a total of over 26 million; world has ‘a long way to go’, warns WHO chief; Iran reports lowest new daily infections for a month
The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo has said his country, until recently the World Health Organization’s biggest donor, may never restore funding to the UN health body.
Last week Donald Trump announced he was freezing donations to the WHO, accusing it of “severely mismanaging and covering up” the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Late on Wednesday, Pompeo told Fox News the US government would “take a real hard look at the WHO”, adding that the US needed to see “a structural fix” with the it operated.
Asked if he was not ruling out a change in leadership of the WHO, Pompeo replied: “Even more than that, it may be the case that the United States can never return to underwriting, having US taxpayer dollars go to the WHO. We may need to have even bolder change than that.”
A key minister in the government of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has urged media in Brazil to stop covering coffins and corpses after images of mass graves in the jungle city of Manaus emerged, and Brazil’s death toll from coronavirus continued to rise, Tom Phillips, the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, reports.
General Luiz Eduardo Ramos said an overload of negative new coverage was spreading fear among the population, as Brazil’s confirmed cases reached 45,757 and deaths hit 2,906 – 165 of those reported in the last 24 hours.
“On the morning news, it’s coffins, it’s bodies,” Ramos told reporters on Wednesday. “On the lunchtime news, it’s coffins, its bodies and it’s the number of deaths. I ask everyone, how do you think an older lady, a poor person, or a fragile person feels… It’s not helping.”
The comments came after Brazilian TV showed footage of mourners beside a mass grave in Manaus. The Amazon city’s mayor, Arthur Virgílio Neto, cried during a newspaper interview on Tuesday and said doctors were reaching the point of having to decide who to save.
On Wednesday, TV Globo broadcast cellphone footage of a doctor in Rio explaining he had one ventilator for 30 patients and had already lost two patients.
But Ramos suggested more good news. “There is so much that is positive happening,” he said, suggesting more coverage of the “wonderful” work of health professionals, ignoring recent in-depth reporting on intensive care wards by the Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo newspapers.
“Bolsonaro government working hard,” tweeted Michele Brasil under video of the briefing. “Working hard to destroy the country,” tweeted one user in reply.
China did not cover up the novel coronavirus outbreak and so the United States should not seek to bully the People’s Republic in a manner reminiscent of the 19th century European colonial wars, the Chinese ambassador to London said on Thursday.
Liu Xiaoming was quoted as saying by Reuters:
You can see the ambassador’s comments - which came as a response to a question from a BBC reporter - for yourself in this video tweeted by the ambassador. The most interesting bit begins at about 1hr three minutes in.
Liu comments come after the state of state of Missouri bizarrely decided to sue the Chinese government in an American court over the coronavirus, alleging that nation’s officials are to blame for the global pandemic.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court by the state’s top lawyer, alleges Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians”.
Egypt has shortened its night-time curfew for an hour for the month of Ramadan, prime minister Mostafa Madbouly has said, according to Reuters.Egypt has shortened its night-time curfew for an hour for the month of Ramadan, prime minister Mostafa Madbouly has said, according to Reuters.
The curfew will start at 9pm instead of the previous 8pm and run until 6 am, Madbouly told a televised news conference.The curfew will start at 9pm instead of the previous 8pm and run until 6 am, Madbouly told a televised news conference.
Ramadan, when Muslims fast until sunset, starts on Friday. In Egypt, fastb-breaking is around 6.30pm.Ramadan, when Muslims fast until sunset, starts on Friday. In Egypt, fastb-breaking is around 6.30pm.
Communal activities and mass prayers remain banned, but some restrictions were being eased, such as allowing shops and restaurants to deliver food, so long as infections do not begin to accelerate too quickly, Madbouly said.Communal activities and mass prayers remain banned, but some restrictions were being eased, such as allowing shops and restaurants to deliver food, so long as infections do not begin to accelerate too quickly, Madbouly said.
The WHO African region director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, in a briefing today again emphasised the risk that lockdowns across Africa could hamper health services on the continent from tackling other diseases.The WHO African region director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, in a briefing today again emphasised the risk that lockdowns across Africa could hamper health services on the continent from tackling other diseases.
Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to prevent the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, the World Health Organization has warned, Kaamil Ahmed reports.Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to prevent the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, the World Health Organization has warned, Kaamil Ahmed reports.
The UN’s global health agency said that if countries failed to maintain delivery of insecticide-treated nets and access to antimalarial medicines, up to 769,000 people could die of malaria this year. That figure, which would be more than double the number of deaths in 2018, would mark a return to mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.The UN’s global health agency said that if countries failed to maintain delivery of insecticide-treated nets and access to antimalarial medicines, up to 769,000 people could die of malaria this year. That figure, which would be more than double the number of deaths in 2018, would mark a return to mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.
“While Covid-19 is a major health threat, it’s critical to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programmes,” said the WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. “The new modeling shows deaths could exceed 700,000 this year alone. We haven’t seen mortality levels like that in 20 years. We must not turn back the clock.”“While Covid-19 is a major health threat, it’s critical to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programmes,” said the WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. “The new modeling shows deaths could exceed 700,000 this year alone. We haven’t seen mortality levels like that in 20 years. We must not turn back the clock.”
In 2018, 94% of global deaths from malaria occured in sub-Saharan Africa.In 2018, 94% of global deaths from malaria occured in sub-Saharan Africa.
The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in Belgium has fallen below 1,000 for the first time since the end of last month.The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in Belgium has fallen below 1,000 for the first time since the end of last month.
According to the latest epidemiological bulletin from Belgium’s Sciensano health institute, 993 patients were in intensive care beds with Covid-19 related health complications, a fall of 27 on the day before. It is the first time there have been fewer than 1,000 Covid-19 patients in Belgian ICU’s since 30 March. Overall, 4,527 patients were in hospital with the disease, 238 fewer than on Wednesday.According to the latest epidemiological bulletin from Belgium’s Sciensano health institute, 993 patients were in intensive care beds with Covid-19 related health complications, a fall of 27 on the day before. It is the first time there have been fewer than 1,000 Covid-19 patients in Belgian ICU’s since 30 March. Overall, 4,527 patients were in hospital with the disease, 238 fewer than on Wednesday.
The institute reported 908 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, 347 of which where in care homes. The death toll rose by 230, 93 of which were in hospital and 134 in care homes (of which 38 were confirmed Covid-19 cases and 96 were suspected).The institute reported 908 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, 347 of which where in care homes. The death toll rose by 230, 93 of which were in hospital and 134 in care homes (of which 38 were confirmed Covid-19 cases and 96 were suspected).
Overall, Belgium has recorded 42,797 coronavirus infections so far.Overall, Belgium has recorded 42,797 coronavirus infections so far.
Damien Gayle back at the controls now.Damien Gayle back at the controls now.
Remember, you can reach me with any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter DM to @damiengayle.Remember, you can reach me with any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter DM to @damiengayle.
Another sign that the world of sport is attempting to return to some version of normality, via Sid Lowe, in Madrid.Another sign that the world of sport is attempting to return to some version of normality, via Sid Lowe, in Madrid.
Face masks have become a familiar sight throughout the world, and in many different forms, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is an extensive gallery of some of the contexts in which they are being used globally:Face masks have become a familiar sight throughout the world, and in many different forms, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is an extensive gallery of some of the contexts in which they are being used globally:
Indonesia has banned all domestic air and sea travel until June to try to prevent further spread of coronavirus, Reuters reports.Indonesia has banned all domestic air and sea travel until June to try to prevent further spread of coronavirus, Reuters reports.
The ban on air travel will be in place until 1 June, Novie Riyanto Rahardjo, the transport ministry’s director general of aviation, said. The ban on travel by sea will be in place until 8 June, the sea transportation director general, Agus Purnomo, said.The ban on air travel will be in place until 1 June, Novie Riyanto Rahardjo, the transport ministry’s director general of aviation, said. The ban on travel by sea will be in place until 8 June, the sea transportation director general, Agus Purnomo, said.
Cargo transportation is exempted from the ban, the officials said. The government is banning Indonesia’s traditional annual exodus for Muslim holidays.Cargo transportation is exempted from the ban, the officials said. The government is banning Indonesia’s traditional annual exodus for Muslim holidays.
Humanitarian agencies are in a “race against time” to help Yemen address Covid-19, according to the UN.Humanitarian agencies are in a “race against time” to help Yemen address Covid-19, according to the UN.
“The threat of Covid-19 is so terrifying we have to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and help the people who may become infected,” said Lisa Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen.“The threat of Covid-19 is so terrifying we have to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and help the people who may become infected,” said Lisa Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen.
“We have to be frank, the odds are stacked against us. Already we are supporting the largest humanitarian operation in the world, reaching more than 13 million people each month.”“We have to be frank, the odds are stacked against us. Already we are supporting the largest humanitarian operation in the world, reaching more than 13 million people each month.”
The UN’s full report on efforts to help Yemen can be found here.The UN’s full report on efforts to help Yemen can be found here.
From our UK-focused live blog, NHS England has announced 514 more deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 16,786.From our UK-focused live blog, NHS England has announced 514 more deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 16,786.
Wales has also announced another 17 deaths. Its total now stands at 641. The figures for England and Wales are broken down here:Wales has also announced another 17 deaths. Its total now stands at 641. The figures for England and Wales are broken down here:
Earlier today, the Chelsea and Germany footballer Antonio Rüdiger announced that – through the foundation he runs – he will provide 60,000 face masks to low-income traders in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. So far, 61 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country, with no deaths.Earlier today, the Chelsea and Germany footballer Antonio Rüdiger announced that – through the foundation he runs – he will provide 60,000 face masks to low-income traders in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. So far, 61 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country, with no deaths.
Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to prevent the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, Kaamil Ahmed writes.Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to prevent the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, Kaamil Ahmed writes.
“While Covid-19 is a major health threat, it’s critical to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programmes,” said the WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. “The new modeling shows deaths could exceed 700,000 this year alone. We haven’t seen mortality levels like that in 20 years. We must not turn back the clock.”“While Covid-19 is a major health threat, it’s critical to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programmes,” said the WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. “The new modeling shows deaths could exceed 700,000 this year alone. We haven’t seen mortality levels like that in 20 years. We must not turn back the clock.”
Kaamil’s piece is here:Kaamil’s piece is here:
Emmanuel Macron has told mayors in France that a plan to unwind the country’s Covid-19 lockdown will be unveiled around Tuesday next week, Reuters reports. France’s lockdown was imposed in mid-March. It currently has the fourth-highest Coronavirus death toll, with 21,340 deaths recorded from 157,135 confirmed cases.Emmanuel Macron has told mayors in France that a plan to unwind the country’s Covid-19 lockdown will be unveiled around Tuesday next week, Reuters reports. France’s lockdown was imposed in mid-March. It currently has the fourth-highest Coronavirus death toll, with 21,340 deaths recorded from 157,135 confirmed cases.
Plans are already well underway to refine what form the easing of present restrictions might take. The government wants retailers to open when the lockdown ends on 11 May although restaurants, bars and cafe will not be among those allowed to start up again. Curbs on travel between regions are expected to remain after that date.Plans are already well underway to refine what form the easing of present restrictions might take. The government wants retailers to open when the lockdown ends on 11 May although restaurants, bars and cafe will not be among those allowed to start up again. Curbs on travel between regions are expected to remain after that date.
Avoiding a second wave of infections remains prominent in any thinking around relaxing the lockdown, and how that might be achieved. Public Health Authority chief Jerome Salomon told a parliamentary hearing on Thursday that lifting it would depend on a substantial fall in the number of people sick and in intensive care.Avoiding a second wave of infections remains prominent in any thinking around relaxing the lockdown, and how that might be achieved. Public Health Authority chief Jerome Salomon told a parliamentary hearing on Thursday that lifting it would depend on a substantial fall in the number of people sick and in intensive care.
“France’s goal is not to create collective immunity by creating a second and then a third wave, that seems too dangerous to us,” Salomon said. “The goal is to prevent the circulation of the virus, and to create favourable conditions to gain time before the arrival of effective drugs or vaccines.”“France’s goal is not to create collective immunity by creating a second and then a third wave, that seems too dangerous to us,” Salomon said. “The goal is to prevent the circulation of the virus, and to create favourable conditions to gain time before the arrival of effective drugs or vaccines.”
This is Nick Ames taking over for the next hour or so of global coronavirus news. As ever, any tips, updates or suggestions are always warmly welcomed. You can email me on nick.ames@theguardian.com or tweet/direct message me at @NickAmes82.This is Nick Ames taking over for the next hour or so of global coronavirus news. As ever, any tips, updates or suggestions are always warmly welcomed. You can email me on nick.ames@theguardian.com or tweet/direct message me at @NickAmes82.