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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
(30 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 Czech Republic is speeding up plans to relax its coronavirus lockdown by two weeks to get all shops, restaurants and hotels running again by May 25 as the number of infections stabilises, Reuters reports.The Czech Republic is speeding up plans to relax its coronavirus lockdown by two weeks to get all shops, restaurants and hotels running again by May 25 as the number of infections stabilises, Reuters reports.
The central European country has used drastic measures including shop and school closures, limiting people’s daily movements and making masks obligatory in public in an effort to prevent any uncontrolled spike in the new coronavirus.The central European country has used drastic measures including shop and school closures, limiting people’s daily movements and making masks obligatory in public in an effort to prevent any uncontrolled spike in the new coronavirus.
With the number of cases declining in recent days, it had planned a cautious lifting of restrictions between this week and June 8. Business lobbies had criticised the schedule as being too slow.With the number of cases declining in recent days, it had planned a cautious lifting of restrictions between this week and June 8. Business lobbies had criticised the schedule as being too slow.
Industry minister Karel Havlicek said on Thursday the slowing of new infections since the Easter holiday weekend had been good enough for the government to move faster.Industry minister Karel Havlicek said on Thursday the slowing of new infections since the Easter holiday weekend had been good enough for the government to move faster.
“We evaluated Easter, the results are very promising,” Havlicek told a televised news briefing. “There will be 14-day intervals (in the re-opening), at the moment (the schedule) roughly copies what is done in Germany or Austria.”“We evaluated Easter, the results are very promising,” Havlicek told a televised news briefing. “There will be 14-day intervals (in the re-opening), at the moment (the schedule) roughly copies what is done in Germany or Austria.”
The country has seen the daily increase of reported cases drop to an average of 119 in the past week, less than half of what was being recorded in early April. The virus’s reproduction factor has dropped to 0.73, according to Havlicek. A figure below the neutral level of 1 means the epidemic is on the decline.The country has seen the daily increase of reported cases drop to an average of 119 in the past week, less than half of what was being recorded in early April. The virus’s reproduction factor has dropped to 0.73, according to Havlicek. A figure below the neutral level of 1 means the epidemic is on the decline.
It has reported a total of 7,138 cases since the start of March, and the number of active cases fell below 5,000 on Wednesday for the first time since April 8. Havlicek said the easing may be reversed if the situation worsens again.It has reported a total of 7,138 cases since the start of March, and the number of active cases fell below 5,000 on Wednesday for the first time since April 8. Havlicek said the easing may be reversed if the situation worsens again.
The country has recorded 210 deaths of people who had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Peru’s reported coronavirus cases have rapidly increased this week, reaching 20,914 on Thursday. The country has the second highest number of cases in South America after Brazil despite introducing tough lockdown measures.Peru’s reported coronavirus cases have rapidly increased this week, reaching 20,914 on Thursday. The country has the second highest number of cases in South America after Brazil despite introducing tough lockdown measures.
The health ministry says it expects patient numbers to peak within the following week, as hospitals strain to deal with the sharp rise in infections. Reuters reports cases of bodies being kept in hallways, masks being reused, and protests from medical workers concerned about their safety.The health ministry says it expects patient numbers to peak within the following week, as hospitals strain to deal with the sharp rise in infections. Reuters reports cases of bodies being kept in hallways, masks being reused, and protests from medical workers concerned about their safety.
Peru has recorded 572 deaths, and the number of recorded coronavirus cases in the country has doubled in the last nine days.Peru has recorded 572 deaths, and the number of recorded coronavirus cases in the country has doubled in the last nine days.
Hello, I’ll be taking over the live blog for the next few hours. As always, tips and suggestions are most welcome. You can reach me via Twitter DM @cleaskopeliti or by email at clea.skopeliti.casual@guardian.co.uk. Thanks in advance.Hello, I’ll be taking over the live blog for the next few hours. As always, tips and suggestions are most welcome. You can reach me via Twitter DM @cleaskopeliti or by email at clea.skopeliti.casual@guardian.co.uk. Thanks in advance.
Here are the latest lines from our global coronavirus news coverage.Here are the latest lines from our global coronavirus news coverage.
The US may never restore funding to the World Health Organization, the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has said. Before Donald Trump announced last week that he was freezing donations to the UN health body, the US was its largest donor. China, meanwhile, has stepped up support.The US may never restore funding to the World Health Organization, the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has said. Before Donald Trump announced last week that he was freezing donations to the UN health body, the US was its largest donor. China, meanwhile, has stepped up support.
Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to suppress the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, the WHO has said. If countries fail to maintain supplies of treated nets and antimalarial medicines, up to 769,000 people could die, marking a return to mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.Deaths from malaria could double across sub-Saharan Africa this year if work to suppress the disease is disrupted by Covid-19, the WHO has said. If countries fail to maintain supplies of treated nets and antimalarial medicines, up to 769,000 people could die, marking a return to mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.
Another 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment, adding to a total of more than 26 million since the pandemic shut down the US and large parts of its economy. Millions more are expected to file in the coming weeks as there is a backlog of claims.Another 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment, adding to a total of more than 26 million since the pandemic shut down the US and large parts of its economy. Millions more are expected to file in the coming weeks as there is a backlog of claims.
The UK reported 616 more deaths in hospital from Covid-19, taking the total to 18,738, according to statistics published by the UK’s department for health and social care. Wednesday’s daily figure was 759.The UK reported 616 more deaths in hospital from Covid-19, taking the total to 18,738, according to statistics published by the UK’s department for health and social care. Wednesday’s daily figure was 759.
A potential treatment for coronavirus has flopped in its first proper clinical trial, according to draft results accidentally published online by the World Health Organisation. Remdesivir had earlier shown promise when given to patients in the US.A potential treatment for coronavirus has flopped in its first proper clinical trial, according to draft results accidentally published online by the World Health Organisation. Remdesivir had earlier shown promise when given to patients in the US.
The Muslim world is preparing for Ramadan under lockdown. This year mosques will remain closed for evening prayers and feasting will be confined to family homes during the month of fasting, which begins on FridayThe Muslim world is preparing for Ramadan under lockdown. This year mosques will remain closed for evening prayers and feasting will be confined to family homes during the month of fasting, which begins on Friday
France is to unveil its lockdown exit plan next week, its president, Emmanuel Macron, has said. Restaurants, bars and cafes will not open immediately, and travel restrictions within the country are expected to remain in place for a while yet. France has been in lockdown since mid-March.France is to unveil its lockdown exit plan next week, its president, Emmanuel Macron, has said. Restaurants, bars and cafes will not open immediately, and travel restrictions within the country are expected to remain in place for a while yet. France has been in lockdown since mid-March.
Greece is extending lockdown measures by a week, to 4 May. The country has been in lockdown since 22 March and has announced 2,408 confirmed cases and 121 deaths, with 55 people remaining in intensive care.Greece is extending lockdown measures by a week, to 4 May. The country has been in lockdown since 22 March and has announced 2,408 confirmed cases and 121 deaths, with 55 people remaining in intensive care.
Bank of England has warned of the worst slump ‘in centuries’. The virus and the lockdown have caused both a supply shock and a demand shock, said a policy-maker at the world’s oldest central bank, with some sectors being much worse hit than others.Bank of England has warned of the worst slump ‘in centuries’. The virus and the lockdown have caused both a supply shock and a demand shock, said a policy-maker at the world’s oldest central bank, with some sectors being much worse hit than others.
Indonesia has banned all domestic air and sea travel until June, to prevent thefurther spread of the coronavirus, Indonesia has ordered a ban on air travel until 1 June, while travel by sea will be prohibited until 8 June.Indonesia has banned all domestic air and sea travel until June, to prevent thefurther spread of the coronavirus, Indonesia has ordered a ban on air travel until 1 June, while travel by sea will be prohibited until 8 June.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey increased to 101,790 on Thursday, the Turkish health minister said.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey increased to 101,790 on Thursday, the Turkish health minister said.
The country registered 115 Covid-19 deaths and 3,116 new cases in the past 24 hours, Fahrettin Koca said on his official Twitter account.The country registered 115 Covid-19 deaths and 3,116 new cases in the past 24 hours, Fahrettin Koca said on his official Twitter account.
With the latest figures, Turkey’s fatalities have reached 2,491.With the latest figures, Turkey’s fatalities have reached 2,491.
A four-day lockdown began in 31 Turkish cities including Ankara and Istanbul on Thursday, and will last until midnight Sunday, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus, AFP reports.A four-day lockdown began in 31 Turkish cities including Ankara and Istanbul on Thursday, and will last until midnight Sunday, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus, AFP reports.
The government has already taken a series of measures including shutting schools and universities, banning mass gatherings and closing public spaces such as restaurants.The government has already taken a series of measures including shutting schools and universities, banning mass gatherings and closing public spaces such as restaurants.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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 stood 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 27 leaders in the bloc’s video-conference summit were to debate a variety of trillion-euro proposals to resuscitate the single market, following the 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 elderly 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 elderly.