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Coronavirus live news: US may never restore funding to World Health Organization, says Mike Pompeo Coronavirus live news: US may never restore funding to World Health Organization, says Mike Pompeo
(31 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
An experimental drug that had touted as a potentially effective treatment for coronavirus has flopped in its first comprehensive clinical trial, according to draft results accidentally published online by the World Health Organisation.
According to a report in the Financial Times, which saw the documents, remdesivir failed to improve the condition of patients or reduce the among of the virus in the blood.
The trial, in China, studied the effects of remdesivir on 237 patients, giving the drug to 158, while keeping 79 others as a control group.
Optimism about the drug, made by US drug company Gilead Sciences, had boosted stock markets around the world at the end of last week.
A University of Chicago hospital participating in a study of the antiviral medication had found that nearly all patients suffering severe fever and respiratory symptoms were discharged within a week.
However, it was not an official trial.
Singapore’s ministry of health has reported 1,037 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, the fourth day in a row that it has discovered more than a thousand infections in the city.
Yet again the majority of new cases were among migrant workers housed in dormitories, with the numbers found among Singaporeans and so-called “permanent residents” actually fewer on average than last week.
A 47-year-old Indian national who had tested positive for Covid-19 died on Thursday, the ministry said. However, his death was not immediately ruled to be as a result of the coronavirus so the country’s official Covid-19 death toll remains just 12. So far, Singapore has recorded 11,178 cases of coronavirus.
The ministry said in its press release on Thursday:
South Africa has recorded 318 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.South Africa has recorded 318 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Indonesia will ban all air and sea travel until June, officials said Thursday, in an apparent effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus during Ramadan.Indonesia will ban all air and sea travel until June, officials said Thursday, in an apparent effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus during Ramadan.
The temporary ban takes effect Friday, the first day of the fasting month, and lasts until 1 June, AFP reports.The temporary ban takes effect Friday, the first day of the fasting month, and lasts until 1 June, AFP reports.
It comes a day after the government, fearing an explosion in virus cases, banned the annual exodus for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, when millions travel to their hometowns and ancestral villages.It comes a day after the government, fearing an explosion in virus cases, banned the annual exodus for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, when millions travel to their hometowns and ancestral villages.
The latest measure will not apply to emergency, diplomatic or cargo transport, the government said.The latest measure will not apply to emergency, diplomatic or cargo transport, the government said.
The repatriation of Indonesian citizens from abroad and foreigners living in the Southeast Asian archipelago will also be exempt.The repatriation of Indonesian citizens from abroad and foreigners living in the Southeast Asian archipelago will also be exempt.
“It applies to both domestic and international commercial travel but there are some exceptions,” Transportation Ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati told AFP.“It applies to both domestic and international commercial travel but there are some exceptions,” Transportation Ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati told AFP.
As of Thursday, Indonesia had confirmed 7,775 cases of COVID-19 and 647 deaths. But the toll is widely believed to be much higher in a country with one of the lowest testing rates in the world.As of Thursday, Indonesia had confirmed 7,775 cases of COVID-19 and 647 deaths. But the toll is widely believed to be much higher in a country with one of the lowest testing rates in the world.
Italy reported 464 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, 27 more than on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 25,549, Angela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s Rome correspondent, reports.Italy reported 464 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, 27 more than on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 25,549, Angela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s Rome correspondent, reports.
The number of people currently infected with the virus fell for the fourth day in a row, by 851 to 106,848, while the number of people recovered increased by 3,033.The number of people currently infected with the virus fell for the fourth day in a row, by 851 to 106,848, while the number of people recovered increased by 3,033.
Italy’s total cases to date, including the victims and 57,576 survivors, is 189,327.Italy’s total cases to date, including the victims and 57,576 survivors, is 189,327.
Sweden on Thursday said it had had recorded more than 2,000 deaths from Covid-19 in the country, while revising earlier statements about when the capital Stockholm was believed to have passed the peak of infections, AFP reports.Sweden on Thursday said it had had recorded more than 2,000 deaths from Covid-19 in the country, while revising earlier statements about when the capital Stockholm was believed to have passed the peak of infections, AFP reports.
The country’s public health agency said it had recorded 16,755 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and 2,021 deaths. It also corrected a report it published earlier this week on Stockholm, the epicentre of the Swedish epidemic.The country’s public health agency said it had recorded 16,755 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and 2,021 deaths. It also corrected a report it published earlier this week on Stockholm, the epicentre of the Swedish epidemic.
The report, based on statistical modelling, initially said the capital region passed the peak of simultaneous infections on 15 April with 86,000 people believed to be have been infected. But on Thursday it revised the date to 8 April, with some 70,500 believed to have been infected.The report, based on statistical modelling, initially said the capital region passed the peak of simultaneous infections on 15 April with 86,000 people believed to be have been infected. But on Thursday it revised the date to 8 April, with some 70,500 believed to have been infected.
Criminal justice experts have warned that chronic overcrowding and underfunding have left prisons around the world vulnerable to being ravaged by coronavirus, Hannah Summers reports.Criminal justice experts have warned that chronic overcrowding and underfunding have left prisons around the world vulnerable to being ravaged by coronavirus, Hannah Summers reports.
The challenges of a record global prison population of 11 million have been brought to light in a report published by Penal Reform International (PRI) which found that 102 countries have prison occupancy levels of more than 110%.The challenges of a record global prison population of 11 million have been brought to light in a report published by Penal Reform International (PRI) which found that 102 countries have prison occupancy levels of more than 110%.
Social distancing and personal infection control are almost impossible in overcrowded settings where poor ventilation and sanitation are likely increase the speed at which the virus spreads.Social distancing and personal infection control are almost impossible in overcrowded settings where poor ventilation and sanitation are likely increase the speed at which the virus spreads.
Florian Irminger, executive director of PRI, said: “Prison systems globally were at crisis point before the coronavirus pandemic. Now prisons across the world are ticking time bombs set to be devastated by this virus because of overcrowding, lack of basic healthcare, limited access to clean water … and inhumane living conditions.”Florian Irminger, executive director of PRI, said: “Prison systems globally were at crisis point before the coronavirus pandemic. Now prisons across the world are ticking time bombs set to be devastated by this virus because of overcrowding, lack of basic healthcare, limited access to clean water … and inhumane living conditions.”
In Bangladesh 10 doctors serve 68 prisons, while Ghana has two doctors covering 46 prisons with 15,000 inmates.In Bangladesh 10 doctors serve 68 prisons, while Ghana has two doctors covering 46 prisons with 15,000 inmates.
Health authorities in Kenya have reported 17 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total in the country to 320.Health authorities in Kenya have reported 17 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total in the country to 320.
European Union leaders were expected to clash over the size and scope of a coronavirus recovery fund on Thursday, as they stand on the precipice of an economic slump unparalleled since the 1930’s Great Depression, Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels.European Union leaders were expected to clash over the size and scope of a coronavirus recovery fund on Thursday, as they stand on the precipice of an economic slump unparalleled since the 1930’s Great Depression, Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels.
The bloc’s 27 leaders meet in a video-conference summit on Thursday and will debate a variety of trillion-euro proposals to resuscitate the single market, following the global pandemic that so far has claimed more than 108,000 lives in the European Economic Area and UK.The bloc’s 27 leaders meet in a video-conference summit on Thursday and will debate a variety of trillion-euro proposals to resuscitate the single market, following the global pandemic that so far has claimed more than 108,000 lives in the European Economic Area and UK.
Some European commission officials have suggested a €2tn plan, a combination of loans and grants that relies on raising funds on capital markets and an agreement on the tortured question of the EU’s next seven-year budget. Spain has called for a €1.5tn programme of grants for the worst-hit countries, funded by “perpetual” (non-maturing) bonds, while France wants a special fund outside the EU budget.Some European commission officials have suggested a €2tn plan, a combination of loans and grants that relies on raising funds on capital markets and an agreement on the tortured question of the EU’s next seven-year budget. Spain has called for a €1.5tn programme of grants for the worst-hit countries, funded by “perpetual” (non-maturing) bonds, while France wants a special fund outside the EU budget.
Zambia has reported two new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours - and two recoveries.Zambia has reported two new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours - and two recoveries.
From forest ranger to care home cleaner: volunteering to take on coronavirus in Spain - video diaryFrom forest ranger to care home cleaner: volunteering to take on coronavirus in Spain - video diary
Javier is a 50-year-old forest ranger in Soria, a popular tourist region in the north-east of Spain and one of the regions hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. Alongside local firefighters and trainee police, he has joined a group of volunteers dedicated to containing the spread of Covid-19 in the most vulnerable settings: care homes for the elderlyJavier is a 50-year-old forest ranger in Soria, a popular tourist region in the north-east of Spain and one of the regions hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. Alongside local firefighters and trainee police, he has joined a group of volunteers dedicated to containing the spread of Covid-19 in the most vulnerable settings: care homes for the elderly
Mirroring a similar move by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates has shortened its nationwide coronavirus curfew by two hours for Ramadan, Reuters reports.
The curfew will run daily from 10pm to 6am for the Muslim fasting month, the state news agency WAM said on Thursday. It had been in force from 8pm to 6am daily.
It was unclear whether Dubai, one of the Gulf country’s seven emirates, which has been under a 24-hour curfew since 26 March, was included in the latest decision.
Health care services in Gaza are not ready for an outbreak of coronavirus, the Red Cross has warned, as it donated intensive care equipment to the territory.
Palestinians say 13 years of economic sanctions by Israel and its border blockade have crippled their economy and undermined the development of medical facilities, weakening their ability to face a pandemic.
Hospitals in Gaza only have about 110 intensive care beds for adults, most of which are already occupied, and 93 ventilators, for a population of about 2 million.
The ICRC’s donation includes a ventilator, patient monitors, defibrillators, suction devices and pumps for treating patients with serious cases of Covid-19.
Announcing the donation on Thursday, Daniel Duvillard, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, said:
With passage through Gaza’s borders tightly controlled by Israel and Egypt, so far there have been just 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Gaza. Quarantine facilities have been set up by local health authorities for Palestinians who enter via Egypt or Israel.
The president of Botswana and all the country’s MPs ended 14 days of self-isolation on Thursday, after they were quarantined following contact with a nurse who had contracted the coronavirus.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the country’s 63 legislators all tested negative for the virus, AFP reports. It was Masisi’s second period of quarantine in the past month. His office said in a statement:
Botswana has recorded 22 coronavirus cases so far, including one death.
Masisi has imposed a 28-day period of “extreme social distancing” from 2 April to limit the spread of infection.
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 way 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 Brazil’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has urged the media to stop using footage of coffins and bodies, after images of mass graves in the jungle city of Manaus emerged, and Brazil’s death toll from coronavirus continued to rise, Dom Phillips reports for the Guardian from Rio de Janeiro.
Gen 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 mobile phone footage of a doctor in Rio explaining he had one ventilator for 30 patients and had already lost two patients.
But Ramos suggested the media report 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 footage of the briefing. “Working hard to destroy the country,” tweeted one user in reply.
China did not cover up the coronavirus outbreak and the US should not seek to bully the country in a manner reminiscent of the 19th century European colonial wars, the Chinese ambassador to London said on Thursday.
Liu Xiaoming was quoted by Reuters as saying:
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 3min in.
Liu’s comments came after the state of state of Missouri bizarrely decided to sue the Chinese government in a US court over the coronavirus, alleging that nation’s officials are to blame for the pandemic.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court by the state’s top lawyer, claims 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, the prime minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has said, according to Reuters.
The curfew will start at 9pm instead of the previous 8pm and run until 6am, Madbouly told a televised news conference.
Ramadan, when Muslims fast until sunset, starts on Friday. In Egypt, fast-breaking is around 6.30pm.
Communal activities and mass prayers were still banned, but some restrictions were being eased, such as allowing shops and restaurants to deliver food, as long as infections did not begin to accelerate too quickly, Madbouly said.
The WHO’s Africa 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.
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.”
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.
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, with 93 of those occurring 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.