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Coronavirus live news: Brazil’s health system on verge of collapse, medics warn Coronavirus live news: Greece prepares to end lockdown as Brazil’s health system nears collapse
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Leader of US group peddling bleach as ‘miracle’ cure wrote to Trump before remarks; Australia and New Zealand mark Anzac Day from driveways Bill Gates vows to fund vaccine production; Australia and New Zealand mark Anzac Day from driveways
South Africa remains the African country with the most cases of coronavirus, while Algeria has recorded the most deaths, according to the daily tally of figures on the continent published by the World Health Organization’s regional office.
A predicted surge of cases in Africa has yet to occur, with strict lockdowns across the continent apparently successfully halting the spread of the virus. However, this week the WHO’s regional director for the continent, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, issued a warning that the stresses on civil society and healthcare systems caused by the response to the outbreak could lead to a doubling of deaths from malaria to 700,000.
NATO has urged warring sides in Afghanistan to declare an immediate ceasefire as the war-torn country reported a record number of cases for the third day straight, triggered by a surge in transmission in Kandahar, writes Akhtar Mohammad Makoii in Herat.
In a statement, NATO called for both sides “to demonstrate good will by accelerating the release of prisoners” as a confidence building measure, and to embrace the international community’s call “for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire”.
“The continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the urgency of such measures. We call on the Taliban to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the Afghan people”, NATO said.
The NATO call came hours after the Taliban rejected president Ashraf Ghani’s plea for a ceasefire. President Ashraf Ghani, speaking on the eve of Ramadan, asked the militant group to declare a ceasefire during the holy month as the nation is struggling with coronavirus.
But the Taliban’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen tweeted late Thursday a rejection the offer, citing ongoing disagreements over a potential peace process and a delayed prisoner exchange as reasons to keep fighting.
“Asking for ceasefire is not rational and convincing,” wrote Shaheen as he accused the government of putting prisoners’ lives at risk during the outbreak.
The Taliban have intensified their war against the Afghan government in recent days, killing around 100 security forces in the last week, according to local media. A government spokesman said that 34 civilians were killed in Taliban attacks.
Wahidullah Mayar, the health ministry spokesman, said on Saturday that the country is in a “very sensitive” time and and once again called on Taliban to agree to a ceasefire.
“No one is secure against the the virus, we are all vulnerable. we need an immediate ceasefires, instead of fighting with ourselves, let’s get united and fight with one enemy”, he said.
Meanwhile the country’s health ministry has reported a record number of cases for the third day straight. In the past 24 hours, 133 new cases were confirmed, pushing the total number of infections to 1463. The death toll from Covid-19 reached 47, with four more confirmed today.
Afghanistan reported 83 cases on Thursday and 95 on Friday. There have so far been 188 recoveries.
Number of new infections continued to surge in Kandahar on Saturday as 20 new patients tested positive for Covid-19. Kandahar has so far recorded 203 cases. In Kabul, which is now the country’s worst affected area, 16 new cases confirmed taking the total number to 446.
Mayar said the country’s struggle with a shortage of RNA extraction kits has been solved as the ministry received 10,000, with more arriving in coming days, and will increase number of tests.
Bill Gates, the Microsoft tycoon, has said the global coronavirus pandemic is his “worst nightmare”, and he will fund the manufacture of several vaccines even prior to their being approved so they are ready to distribute as quickly as possible.Bill Gates, the Microsoft tycoon, has said the global coronavirus pandemic is his “worst nightmare”, and he will fund the manufacture of several vaccines even prior to their being approved so they are ready to distribute as quickly as possible.
In an interview with the Times, the billionaire – whose charitable foundation is reportedly the biggest funder of the World Health Organization – said he had been concerned about the impact of a viral pandemic for years.In an interview with the Times, the billionaire – whose charitable foundation is reportedly the biggest funder of the World Health Organization – said he had been concerned about the impact of a viral pandemic for years.
Gates told the Times the global health charity in his name will arrange funding to build factories to produce billions of doses of different potential vaccines, so it is ready to distribute around the world. In particular, he said, he was speaking to pharmaceutical companies about scaling up production of a vaccine under development at Oxford university, for which human trials have begun.Gates told the Times the global health charity in his name will arrange funding to build factories to produce billions of doses of different potential vaccines, so it is ready to distribute around the world. In particular, he said, he was speaking to pharmaceutical companies about scaling up production of a vaccine under development at Oxford university, for which human trials have begun.
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration after three days of acceleration in new infections, Reuters reports.Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration after three days of acceleration in new infections, Reuters reports.
On Friday confirmed coronavirus cases had increased by 2,337.On Friday confirmed coronavirus cases had increased by 2,337.
The reported death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, the tally showed on Saturday.The reported death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, the tally showed on Saturday.
Greece is preparing to reverse lockdown measures with the country’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis holding back-to-back teleconference calls today to discuss how best to revoke the restrictions, Helena Smith, the Guardian’s Athens correspondent, reports.Greece is preparing to reverse lockdown measures with the country’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis holding back-to-back teleconference calls today to discuss how best to revoke the restrictions, Helena Smith, the Guardian’s Athens correspondent, reports.
Return to normality is expected to begin Monday, 4 May, when small shops, hairdressers, barbers and beauticians will be to go back to work again. One senior government aide told the Guardian the opening of barbers and hairdressers was regarded as a much-needed “psychological boost” after what would be almost two months of lockdown.Return to normality is expected to begin Monday, 4 May, when small shops, hairdressers, barbers and beauticians will be to go back to work again. One senior government aide told the Guardian the opening of barbers and hairdressers was regarded as a much-needed “psychological boost” after what would be almost two months of lockdown.
“People can’t only be ordered around,” he said. “They also need psychological support.”“People can’t only be ordered around,” he said. “They also need psychological support.”
The centre right administration took a “hard and early” approach to enforcing restrictions, closing schools on 10 March amid fears of Greece’s austerity-hit health system being quickly overwhelmed. Within days cafes, restaurants, malls, museums and shops followed.The centre right administration took a “hard and early” approach to enforcing restrictions, closing schools on 10 March amid fears of Greece’s austerity-hit health system being quickly overwhelmed. Within days cafes, restaurants, malls, museums and shops followed.
After a decade of riding the country’s roller coaster debt crisis it was thought that a nation more usually associated with civil disobedience would rebel against adhering to the barrage of rules and regulations that containment of the pandemic has demanded. Instead they were adhered to in almost exemplary fashion. As a result Greece, to date, has had a sum total of 2,490 confirmed coronavirus cases and 130 fatalities.After a decade of riding the country’s roller coaster debt crisis it was thought that a nation more usually associated with civil disobedience would rebel against adhering to the barrage of rules and regulations that containment of the pandemic has demanded. Instead they were adhered to in almost exemplary fashion. As a result Greece, to date, has had a sum total of 2,490 confirmed coronavirus cases and 130 fatalities.
“The objective of the confinement measures is not to remain in a glass bowl, stuck in our homes,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas said earlier this week. “The objective is to take back our lives and win back our way of life temporarily deprived of us by this cunning and invisible enemy.”“The objective of the confinement measures is not to remain in a glass bowl, stuck in our homes,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas said earlier this week. “The objective is to take back our lives and win back our way of life temporarily deprived of us by this cunning and invisible enemy.”
But recent outbreaks in a migrant facility and medical clinics in Athens have also proved there is no room for complacency. “The situation is good but can easily slip,” the infections diseases professor and health ministry spokesman on the coronavirus, Sotiris Tsiodras, told reporters Thursday.But recent outbreaks in a migrant facility and medical clinics in Athens have also proved there is no room for complacency. “The situation is good but can easily slip,” the infections diseases professor and health ministry spokesman on the coronavirus, Sotiris Tsiodras, told reporters Thursday.
With that in mind the loosening of restrictions will be gradual and, officials say, staggered over the course of several weeks possibly through to July. Schoolchildren are expected to begin returning to class on 11 May but younger pupils may not be back at school until the end of the month.With that in mind the loosening of restrictions will be gradual and, officials say, staggered over the course of several weeks possibly through to July. Schoolchildren are expected to begin returning to class on 11 May but younger pupils may not be back at school until the end of the month.
Mitsotakis, who has deferred to scientific advice throughout the crisis, is expected to address the nation on Monday to explain how the easing of measures will unfold.Mitsotakis, who has deferred to scientific advice throughout the crisis, is expected to address the nation on Monday to explain how the easing of measures will unfold.
Hundreds of people who live in Poland and work in Germany protested on Friday evening in the south-western Polish border town of Zgorzelec against a mandatory coronavirus quarantine for those who cross the border, Reuters reports.Hundreds of people who live in Poland and work in Germany protested on Friday evening in the south-western Polish border town of Zgorzelec against a mandatory coronavirus quarantine for those who cross the border, Reuters reports.
About 300 people gathered at the Polish side and some 100 at the German, some wearing face masks. The two groups were separated by a provisional metal fence that has been erected in the middle of the bridge to prevent people from crossing the border.About 300 people gathered at the Polish side and some 100 at the German, some wearing face masks. The two groups were separated by a provisional metal fence that has been erected in the middle of the bridge to prevent people from crossing the border.
Poland was one of the first European Union states to close borders due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus. It also imposed a mandatory two-week lockdown for those who enter its territory – a major jolt for those who live their lives in between two EU states.Poland was one of the first European Union states to close borders due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus. It also imposed a mandatory two-week lockdown for those who enter its territory – a major jolt for those who live their lives in between two EU states.
The protest was the latest in a swelling wave of dissent over lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Protesters have already gathered in several US cities, and a protest in the Austrian capital, Vienna, was broken up by police on Friday.The protest was the latest in a swelling wave of dissent over lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Protesters have already gathered in several US cities, and a protest in the Austrian capital, Vienna, was broken up by police on Friday.
On Friday, protests were staged also in other Polish towns located on the German and Czech borders, according to Reuters.On Friday, protests were staged also in other Polish towns located on the German and Czech borders, according to Reuters.
While the US president has apparently suggested that transfusions of disinfectant could be used to cure coronavirus, in the UK it has emerged that British armed forces are to be given insect repellant to protect them against Covid-19 infection.While the US president has apparently suggested that transfusions of disinfectant could be used to cure coronavirus, in the UK it has emerged that British armed forces are to be given insect repellant to protect them against Covid-19 infection.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Friday that it plans to buy stocks of a product containing a lemon eucalyptus oil extract called citriodiol. But questions remain over its effectiveness, with British officials refusing to reveal any evidence it would work, writes Guardian reporter Kevin Rawlinson.The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Friday that it plans to buy stocks of a product containing a lemon eucalyptus oil extract called citriodiol. But questions remain over its effectiveness, with British officials refusing to reveal any evidence it would work, writes Guardian reporter Kevin Rawlinson.
After the news emerged, Public Health England confirmed the government’s guidance does not include using any such substance to protect against Covid-19 infection.After the news emerged, Public Health England confirmed the government’s guidance does not include using any such substance to protect against Covid-19 infection.
Similarly, the World Health Organization said there was no evidence the virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes and that an insect repellant would therefore be ineffective. The use of citriodiol to prevent infection does not form part of its advice.Similarly, the World Health Organization said there was no evidence the virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes and that an insect repellant would therefore be ineffective. The use of citriodiol to prevent infection does not form part of its advice.
The World Health Organization has warned agains the introduction of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” that would exempt people who have developed immunity to Covid-19 from lockdown conditions.The World Health Organization has warned agains the introduction of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” that would exempt people who have developed immunity to Covid-19 from lockdown conditions.
Some governments had suggested the introduction of such certifications, which would be given to individuals who are found to have antibodies to the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease and enable them to travel or return to work.Some governments had suggested the introduction of such certifications, which would be given to individuals who are found to have antibodies to the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease and enable them to travel or return to work.
But in a scientific brief circulated on Saturday, the WHO said there was so far no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 are immune to a second infection – even if they are found to have antibodies. The UN health body said:But in a scientific brief circulated on Saturday, the WHO said there was so far no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 are immune to a second infection – even if they are found to have antibodies. The UN health body said:
The British health service has launched an awareness campaign to urge people to seek medical help if they need it, after visits to hospital emergency departments fell by almost half this month amid fears over the coronavirus outbreak.The British health service has launched an awareness campaign to urge people to seek medical help if they need it, after visits to hospital emergency departments fell by almost half this month amid fears over the coronavirus outbreak.
National Health Service (NHS) officials said they were worried that people were avoiding hospitals for fear of catching , thereby jeopardising survival and potentially becoming collateral damage to the virus, the PA news agency reports.National Health Service (NHS) officials said they were worried that people were avoiding hospitals for fear of catching , thereby jeopardising survival and potentially becoming collateral damage to the virus, the PA news agency reports.
PA reported that recent research found four in 10 people are too worried about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP. Recent messaging from the government has ordered Britons to: “Stay home; save lives; protect the NHS.”PA reported that recent research found four in 10 people are too worried about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP. Recent messaging from the government has ordered Britons to: “Stay home; save lives; protect the NHS.”
However, a predicted surge in admissions to hospitals as a result of Covid-19 has not materialised.However, a predicted surge in admissions to hospitals as a result of Covid-19 has not materialised.
Announcing the campaign, Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS, said:Announcing the campaign, Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS, said:
Prof Carrie MacEwen, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said:Prof Carrie MacEwen, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said:
Recent figures reported by the UK’s Private Eye magazine showed that in a single week in April there were 6,000 more deaths than the average for the previous five years, but that half were not linked to the coronavirus.Recent figures reported by the UK’s Private Eye magazine showed that in a single week in April there were 6,000 more deaths than the average for the previous five years, but that half were not linked to the coronavirus.
The British Heart Foundation has reported a 50% fall in the number of people attending A&E with heart attacks, thereby risking their survival.The British Heart Foundation has reported a 50% fall in the number of people attending A&E with heart attacks, thereby risking their survival.
And, earlier this week, Cancer Research UK warned 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week – partly down to patients’ reluctance to go and see their GP.And, earlier this week, Cancer Research UK warned 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week – partly down to patients’ reluctance to go and see their GP.
This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog in London now, keeping you updated for the next eight hours or so with the latest in coronavirus world news developments.This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog in London now, keeping you updated for the next eight hours or so with the latest in coronavirus world news developments.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message on Twitter to @damiengayle.If you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage, please send me an email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or a direct message on Twitter to @damiengayle.
I’ll hand over to my colleagues in London shortly. In the meantime catch up with the most recent developments with our ‘Coronavirus: at a glance’ here.I’ll hand over to my colleagues in London shortly. In the meantime catch up with the most recent developments with our ‘Coronavirus: at a glance’ here.
Thailand reported 53 new coronavirus cases and the death of a 48-year-old Thai man who was infected with the virus along with four other family members.Thailand reported 53 new coronavirus cases and the death of a 48-year-old Thai man who was infected with the virus along with four other family members.
Of the new cases, three were linked to previous cases, one had no known links, and 42 are migrant workers who have been under quarantine at an immigration detention centre in the southern province of Songkhla.Of the new cases, three were linked to previous cases, one had no known links, and 42 are migrant workers who have been under quarantine at an immigration detention centre in the southern province of Songkhla.
Seven other new cases were reported from the southern province of Yala, where authorities are aggressively testing the population because of high infection rates there, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration.Seven other new cases were reported from the southern province of Yala, where authorities are aggressively testing the population because of high infection rates there, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
Since the outbreak escalated in January, Thailand has reported a total of 2,907 cases and 51 deaths, while 2,547 patients have recovered and gone home.Since the outbreak escalated in January, Thailand has reported a total of 2,907 cases and 51 deaths, while 2,547 patients have recovered and gone home.