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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
(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
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UK prime minister Boris Johnson will be back at work as soon as Monday, the Telegraph reports.UK prime minister Boris Johnson will be back at work as soon as Monday, the Telegraph reports.
Johnson has been recovering from the coronavirus in Chequers since his release from hospital. He was hospitalised for a week, including three days in intensive care.Johnson has been recovering from the coronavirus in Chequers since his release from hospital. He was hospitalised for a week, including three days in intensive care.
Four people in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon have tested positive for the coronavirus, a health official said, bringing total cases in the settlement to five.Four people in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon have tested positive for the coronavirus, a health official said, bringing total cases in the settlement to five.
AFP reports that the residents of the Wavel camp in the eastern Bekaa Valley were tested after a member of their household, a Palestinian refugee from Syria, was admitted to the state-run Rafic Hariri hospital in Beirut earlier this week after developing Covid-19 symptoms.AFP reports that the residents of the Wavel camp in the eastern Bekaa Valley were tested after a member of their household, a Palestinian refugee from Syria, was admitted to the state-run Rafic Hariri hospital in Beirut earlier this week after developing Covid-19 symptoms.
Contact tracing and initial investigation by the health ministry “of the refugee patient who tested positive with Covid-19 in Baalbek yesterday reveals four members of her immediate household affected,” Firas Abiad, the hospital’s head, wrote on Twitter.Contact tracing and initial investigation by the health ministry “of the refugee patient who tested positive with Covid-19 in Baalbek yesterday reveals four members of her immediate household affected,” Firas Abiad, the hospital’s head, wrote on Twitter.
Lebanon has officially announced 688 infections including 22 deaths from the virus across the country.Lebanon has officially announced 688 infections including 22 deaths from the virus across the country.
Medical experts visited the Wavel camp on Wednesday to carry out tests, focusing on relatives of the first patient, people she has interacted with, as well as 50 others chosen arbitrarily inside the camp and its surroundings, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency.Medical experts visited the Wavel camp on Wednesday to carry out tests, focusing on relatives of the first patient, people she has interacted with, as well as 50 others chosen arbitrarily inside the camp and its surroundings, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency.
Apart from the 5 confirmed cases in the camp, all other tests have returned negative, said the head of the Rafic Hariri hospital.Apart from the 5 confirmed cases in the camp, all other tests have returned negative, said the head of the Rafic Hariri hospital.
The 2020 European Athletics Championships, due to be held in Paris at the end of August, have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have announced.The 2020 European Athletics Championships, due to be held in Paris at the end of August, have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have announced.
“The decision to cancel was driven by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the associated risks linked to the current situation, which are far from being under control, as well as the existing ban on mass gatherings in France,” said European Athletics in a statement.“The decision to cancel was driven by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the associated risks linked to the current situation, which are far from being under control, as well as the existing ban on mass gatherings in France,” said European Athletics in a statement.
It said the decision was partly swayed by an “unfavourable opinion” from the French Athletics Federation medical commission after it evaluated potential risks for spectators and officials.It said the decision was partly swayed by an “unfavourable opinion” from the French Athletics Federation medical commission after it evaluated potential risks for spectators and officials.
The event had been due to take place from 25 to 30 August.The event had been due to take place from 25 to 30 August.
Dan Collyns has written this dispatch on how Peru will extend its lockdown faced with an rising number of Covid-19 infections:Dan Collyns has written this dispatch on how Peru will extend its lockdown faced with an rising number of Covid-19 infections:
Peru’s president Martín Vizcarra told the country’s 32m people in his daily press briefing that the strict lockdown they had endured for the last 39 days would be extended until May 10 rather than lifted this Sunday.Peru’s president Martín Vizcarra told the country’s 32m people in his daily press briefing that the strict lockdown they had endured for the last 39 days would be extended until May 10 rather than lifted this Sunday.
The message was not unexpected as the number of Covid-19 cases has doubled in the last nine days to 20,194 with 572 deaths and rising patient numbers, reported at 2,786, which are putting hospitals under pressure. Reuters reports cases of bodies being kept in hallways, masks being reused, and protests from medical workers concerned about their safety.The message was not unexpected as the number of Covid-19 cases has doubled in the last nine days to 20,194 with 572 deaths and rising patient numbers, reported at 2,786, which are putting hospitals under pressure. Reuters reports cases of bodies being kept in hallways, masks being reused, and protests from medical workers concerned about their safety.
“The most important thing in Peru is its people,” said Vizcarra announcing the two-week extension. “These are the efforts we have to make to beat this disease.” He added “lifestyle changes” like social distancing and using a mask would have to become habits until there was a vaccine.“The most important thing in Peru is its people,” said Vizcarra announcing the two-week extension. “These are the efforts we have to make to beat this disease.” He added “lifestyle changes” like social distancing and using a mask would have to become habits until there was a vaccine.
“To begin with, there was skepticism, they said it was an exaggeration,” the president said, referring to the quarantine measures.“To begin with, there was skepticism, they said it was an exaggeration,” the president said, referring to the quarantine measures.
“Now, when we see the effects in an important part of the population we realise that the right measures were taken at the right time because with this country’s precarious health system imagine what it would have been like [if the quarantine had not been applied].”“Now, when we see the effects in an important part of the population we realise that the right measures were taken at the right time because with this country’s precarious health system imagine what it would have been like [if the quarantine had not been applied].”
Some 6.8m poor households would receive additional cash transfers worth 760 soles ( £182) over the next two weeks, Vizcarra announced. Last month, in the response to the coronavirus, Peru launched the biggest economic stimulus package in the region worth 90bn soles (£21bn) – equivalent to about 12% of GDP.Some 6.8m poor households would receive additional cash transfers worth 760 soles ( £182) over the next two weeks, Vizcarra announced. Last month, in the response to the coronavirus, Peru launched the biggest economic stimulus package in the region worth 90bn soles (£21bn) – equivalent to about 12% of GDP.
Cameroon has freed over 1,300 prisoners in its two main cities in an effort to ease overcrowding and limit the spread of the coronavirus, officials have said.Cameroon has freed over 1,300 prisoners in its two main cities in an effort to ease overcrowding and limit the spread of the coronavirus, officials have said.
President Paul Biya signed a decree to commute sentences and free some prisoners in April, AFP reports. The country’s justice minister said that 608 prisoners had been freed in Doula, the economic capital, and another 700 released in the capital Yaounde.President Paul Biya signed a decree to commute sentences and free some prisoners in April, AFP reports. The country’s justice minister said that 608 prisoners had been freed in Doula, the economic capital, and another 700 released in the capital Yaounde.
More prisoners in other areas are in the process of being released, the ministry said, with the exact number to be determined by commissions put in place to study who is eligible.More prisoners in other areas are in the process of being released, the ministry said, with the exact number to be determined by commissions put in place to study who is eligible.
Cameroon has officially registered 1,163 coronavirus infections and 42 deaths, making it the second most affected country in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa.Cameroon has officially registered 1,163 coronavirus infections and 42 deaths, making it the second most affected country in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa.
Cameroon has a prison population of around 30,000 with more than half of those awaiting sentencing and mostly held in overcrowded facilities. As well as overcrowding, poor hygiene conditions and a high rate of illnesses including tuberculosis, cholera and AIDS make the prison populations vulnerable.Cameroon has a prison population of around 30,000 with more than half of those awaiting sentencing and mostly held in overcrowded facilities. As well as overcrowding, poor hygiene conditions and a high rate of illnesses including tuberculosis, cholera and AIDS make the prison populations vulnerable.
This follows warnings from criminal justice experts that chronic overcrowding and underfunding have left prisons around the world vulnerable to being devastated by the coronavirus.This follows warnings from criminal justice experts that chronic overcrowding and underfunding have left prisons around the world vulnerable to being devastated by the coronavirus.
European Union leaders have clashed over how to rescue their economies from an economic slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic and forecast to be unparalleled since the 1930s Great Depression, Jennifer Rankin reports.European Union leaders have clashed over how to rescue their economies from an economic slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic and forecast to be unparalleled since the 1930s Great Depression, Jennifer Rankin reports.
Meeting via video-conference summit, as the confirmed Covid-19 death toll passed 108,000 lives across the European Economic Area and UK, the 27 leaders instructed the head of the EU executive Ursula von der Leyen to draft a recovery plan.Meeting via video-conference summit, as the confirmed Covid-19 death toll passed 108,000 lives across the European Economic Area and UK, the 27 leaders instructed the head of the EU executive Ursula von der Leyen to draft a recovery plan.
Read the full report here.Read the full report here.
Armenia has turned off street lights nationwide as President Armen Sarkisian acknowledged the coronavirus lockdown altered the annual commemoration of the victims of WWI-era genocide by Ottoman Turks.Armenia has turned off street lights nationwide as President Armen Sarkisian acknowledged the coronavirus lockdown altered the annual commemoration of the victims of WWI-era genocide by Ottoman Turks.
In the capital Yerevan, a torch-lit procession traditionally held annually on 23 April had been cancelled and access was closed to the genocide memorial. Instead, street lights were switched off and church bells chimed across the country, while many lit candles or mobile phone flashlights at windowsills.In the capital Yerevan, a torch-lit procession traditionally held annually on 23 April had been cancelled and access was closed to the genocide memorial. Instead, street lights were switched off and church bells chimed across the country, while many lit candles or mobile phone flashlights at windowsills.
The 105th anniversary of the tragedy “is commemorated in accordance with a protocol forced on us by the (coronavirus) pandemic,” President Sarkisian said in a statement. “We remember our victims all the time and everywhere, no matter where in the world we are.”The 105th anniversary of the tragedy “is commemorated in accordance with a protocol forced on us by the (coronavirus) pandemic,” President Sarkisian said in a statement. “We remember our victims all the time and everywhere, no matter where in the world we are.”
Last month, Armenia - which has reported 1,401 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths - declared a state of emergency and imposed a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the infection.Last month, Armenia - which has reported 1,401 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths - declared a state of emergency and imposed a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the infection.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million people were killed during World War I as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart, a claim supported by many other countries. Turkey continues to reject the genocide label.Armenians say up to 1.5 million people were killed during World War I as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart, a claim supported by many other countries. Turkey continues to reject the genocide label.
Nina Lakhani has written in from New York with the latest on the pandemic’s forecasted economic effects:Nina Lakhani has written in from New York with the latest on the pandemic’s forecasted economic effects:
Global remittances are projected to plummet by about 20 percent - or $109 billion - in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic which has pushed the world towards recession, according to the World Bank.Global remittances are projected to plummet by about 20 percent - or $109 billion - in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic which has pushed the world towards recession, according to the World Bank.
The grim forecast is mostly down to a sharp fall in the wages and employment of migrant workers, who tend to be the most vulnerable during any economic crisis. Research shows that remittances help alleviate poverty in lower- and middle-income (LCMI) countries, and are linked with reductions in malnutrition, child labour, and missed school in disadvantaged households.The dramatic fall will be felt sharply after a record $554bn was sent to LMICs in remittances in 2019 - overtaking foreign investment for the first time. The latter is predicted to drop by a whopping 35% next year, which means the decline in weekly or monthly money transfers to struggling families in countries such as Guatemala, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine will hit communities hard. The unprecedented crash in crude oil prices will also add to the woes.The biggest falls are expected in Europe and Central Asia (27.5%), followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (23.1%), South Asia (22.1%), the Middle East and North Africa (19.6%), Latin America and the Caribbean (19.3%), and East Asia and the Pacific (13%).On the bright-ish side, the World Bank reckons that remittances will recover slightly by 2021, to rise by an estimated 5.6% to $470 billion. But - and there are a lot of buts - this depends on how the pandemic evolves across the globe during the rest of the year, and the measures implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus. Also, remittance flows are typically counter-cyclical, as migrant workers tend to send more money to their families in times of crisis and hardship back home. But, this pandemic is truly global, and so is the economic fall-out.The grim forecast is mostly down to a sharp fall in the wages and employment of migrant workers, who tend to be the most vulnerable during any economic crisis. Research shows that remittances help alleviate poverty in lower- and middle-income (LCMI) countries, and are linked with reductions in malnutrition, child labour, and missed school in disadvantaged households.The dramatic fall will be felt sharply after a record $554bn was sent to LMICs in remittances in 2019 - overtaking foreign investment for the first time. The latter is predicted to drop by a whopping 35% next year, which means the decline in weekly or monthly money transfers to struggling families in countries such as Guatemala, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine will hit communities hard. The unprecedented crash in crude oil prices will also add to the woes.The biggest falls are expected in Europe and Central Asia (27.5%), followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (23.1%), South Asia (22.1%), the Middle East and North Africa (19.6%), Latin America and the Caribbean (19.3%), and East Asia and the Pacific (13%).On the bright-ish side, the World Bank reckons that remittances will recover slightly by 2021, to rise by an estimated 5.6% to $470 billion. But - and there are a lot of buts - this depends on how the pandemic evolves across the globe during the rest of the year, and the measures implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus. Also, remittance flows are typically counter-cyclical, as migrant workers tend to send more money to their families in times of crisis and hardship back home. But, this pandemic is truly global, and so is the economic fall-out.
Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, has written this dispatch on how South Africa will begin to ease its lockdown:Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, has written this dispatch on how South Africa will begin to ease its lockdown:
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the nation for the second time in three days on Thursday night, giving 56 million people the good news that the very strict lockdown that they have endured for nearly month would be lifted at the end of the month, but undoubtedly disappointing some by making it very clear that changes to the lives of many would not be substantial.South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the nation for the second time in three days on Thursday night, giving 56 million people the good news that the very strict lockdown that they have endured for nearly month would be lifted at the end of the month, but undoubtedly disappointing some by making it very clear that changes to the lives of many would not be substantial.
So far South Africa, which has been praised for its pro-active strategy of screening and testing to contain the Covid-19 virus, has nearly 4,000 confirmed cases and has suffered 75 deaths. Ramaphosa announced a shift to a system of five levels. The total lockdown - where any movement out of the home is banned - is now designated level five and can be restored if necessary. But from May 1st South Africa will move to level four, which will allow “some activity to resume subject to extreme precautions”.So far South Africa, which has been praised for its pro-active strategy of screening and testing to contain the Covid-19 virus, has nearly 4,000 confirmed cases and has suffered 75 deaths. Ramaphosa announced a shift to a system of five levels. The total lockdown - where any movement out of the home is banned - is now designated level five and can be restored if necessary. But from May 1st South Africa will move to level four, which will allow “some activity to resume subject to extreme precautions”.
Few further details were immediately available though Ramaphosa mentioned the phased reopening of schools. The country’s borders will remain shut however. Level three would allow some social activities, but even level two would mean a continuing ban on religious services, sporting events, concerts, cinema and similar gatherings.Few further details were immediately available though Ramaphosa mentioned the phased reopening of schools. The country’s borders will remain shut however. Level three would allow some social activities, but even level two would mean a continuing ban on religious services, sporting events, concerts, cinema and similar gatherings.
Ramaphosa stressed the risk of a new surge of infections, and though the president did not mention the coming winter, experts have repeatedly warned that the month ahead are likely to be difficult. Very significant restrictions look set to remain in place for six months at least.Ramaphosa stressed the risk of a new surge of infections, and though the president did not mention the coming winter, experts have repeatedly warned that the month ahead are likely to be difficult. Very significant restrictions look set to remain in place for six months at least.
“Let us stay strong and united,” Ramaphosa, a popular leader who took power in 2018 and won an election last year, said.“Let us stay strong and united,” Ramaphosa, a popular leader who took power in 2018 and won an election last year, said.
Dubai has become the latest city to ease lockdown restrictions, announcing that cafes and restaurants are to reopen with a maximum capacity of 30 per cent.Dubai has become the latest city to ease lockdown restrictions, announcing that cafes and restaurants are to reopen with a maximum capacity of 30 per cent.
Reuters reports public transportation services, including the subway, will resume from 26 April. Shopping malls will also be partially reopened.Reuters reports public transportation services, including the subway, will resume from 26 April. Shopping malls will also be partially reopened.
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.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.