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Coronavirus live news: ‘No evidence’ you can’t get Covid-19 twice, says WHO Coronavirus live news: ‘No evidence’ you can’t get Covid-19 twice, says WHO
(32 minutes later)
Greece prepares to end lockdown; Bill Gates vows to fund vaccine production; Australia and New Zealand mark Anzac Day from drivewaysGreece prepares to end lockdown; Bill Gates vows to fund vaccine production; Australia and New Zealand mark Anzac Day from driveways
In the UK, home secretary Priti Patel is now delivering the daily Downing Street briefing on the coronavirus crisis.
She is joined by Lynne Owens, director general of the National Crime Agency, and NHS England director Stephen Powis.
She said that there has been an overall drop in crime rates during lockdown, with car crime, burglary and shop lifting down on this time last year.
However she added that sophisticated criminals are trying to exploit the crisis, citing how police have seized £1m worth of cocaine smuggled into the UK in boxes of face masks.
Follow the latest developments on our UK-focussed coronavirus live blog:
This is Aaron Walawalkar 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 a direct message on Twitter (@AaronWala). Due to the overwhelming interest, I may not be able to respond to all messages but I will certainly read them.
People on South Africa will have to wear face masks from 1 May when coronavirus lockdown restrictions will begin to be eased, the government said on Saturday.
“It is going to be mandatory to use a cloth mask as you step out of your home,” Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma told a press conference in Pretoria, AFP reports.
“You will need to have your nose and mouth covered in public,” Dlamini-Zuma said, adding that people could use a scarf or T-shirt if they do not have a mask.
South Africa has been on lockdown since 27 March. On Thursday, Cyril Ramaphosa, the president, said restrictions would gradually begin to be eased from the beginning of next month.
The industry and commerce minister, Ebrahim Patel, said on Saturday that among the changes, agriculture will be allowed to resume completely; restaurants can open but only for home delivery while mines can restart some activities.
But Dlamini-Zuma said restrictions would remain in place for those not working in essential industries. “If you are not an essential worker or do not work in the prioritised sectors continue to stay at home, except when you are buying essential goods or services or for emergency medical services,” she said.
The vast illegal wildlife trade and humanity’s excessive intrusion into nature is to blame for the coronavirus pandemic, according to a leading US scientist who says “this is not nature’s revenge, we did it to ourselves”, Phoebe Weston, the Guardian’s biodiversity writer, reports.The vast illegal wildlife trade and humanity’s excessive intrusion into nature is to blame for the coronavirus pandemic, according to a leading US scientist who says “this is not nature’s revenge, we did it to ourselves”, Phoebe Weston, the Guardian’s biodiversity writer, reports.
Scientists are discovering two to four new viruses are created every year as a result of human infringement on the natural world, and any one of those could turn into a pandemic, according to Thomas Lovejoy, who coined the term “biological diversity” in 1980 and is often referred to as the godfather of biodiversity.Scientists are discovering two to four new viruses are created every year as a result of human infringement on the natural world, and any one of those could turn into a pandemic, according to Thomas Lovejoy, who coined the term “biological diversity” in 1980 and is often referred to as the godfather of biodiversity.
Lovejoy, a senior fellow at the United Nations Foundation and professor of environment science at George Mason University, said:Lovejoy, a senior fellow at the United Nations Foundation and professor of environment science at George Mason University, said:
In the UK, a further 813 people have died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the country’s total to 20,319.In the UK, a further 813 people have died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the country’s total to 20,319.
It comes almost six weeks after the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, said on 17 March that keeping the toll under 20,000 would be “a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get”.It comes almost six weeks after the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, said on 17 March that keeping the toll under 20,000 would be “a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get”.
Follow our UK blog for more updates:Follow our UK blog for more updates:
As lockdowns drag on and the economic consequences are felt, particularly among the poorest, organised crime groups are stepping in to fill a gap vacated by officials, according to Roberto Saviano, the Italian journalist famous for his work on the Mafia, in an article for the Observer. He writes:As lockdowns drag on and the economic consequences are felt, particularly among the poorest, organised crime groups are stepping in to fill a gap vacated by officials, according to Roberto Saviano, the Italian journalist famous for his work on the Mafia, in an article for the Observer. He writes:
Today is World Malaria Day. As we approach 200,000 deaths so far this year from Covid-19, it’s worth remembering that the World Health Organization has warned that deaths from malaria could double to 700,000 this year as a result of the disruption caused by the new disease.Today is World Malaria Day. As we approach 200,000 deaths so far this year from Covid-19, it’s worth remembering that the World Health Organization has warned that deaths from malaria could double to 700,000 this year as a result of the disruption caused by the new disease.
Dozens of doctors and nurses in Pakistan have launched a hunger strike over a lack of protective masks and other equipment for treating patients with Covid-19.Dozens of doctors and nurses in Pakistan have launched a hunger strike over a lack of protective masks and other equipment for treating patients with Covid-19.
More than 150 doctors in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Young Doctors Association in Punjab, the country’s worst-hit province.More than 150 doctors in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Young Doctors Association in Punjab, the country’s worst-hit province.
Several doctors and nurses have already died from Covid-19, including a 26-year-old physician who had recently started his career. An official told AFP that a specialist at a state-run hospital died from the disease on Saturday.Several doctors and nurses have already died from Covid-19, including a 26-year-old physician who had recently started his career. An official told AFP that a specialist at a state-run hospital died from the disease on Saturday.
Salman Haseeb, head of the Punjab’s Grand Health Alliance, said about 30 doctors and nurses in Punjab were on hunger strike. The protesters have kept working in their hospitals while taking turns to demonstrate outside the health authority offices in provincial capital Lahore, where they have been joined by up to 200 colleagues.Salman Haseeb, head of the Punjab’s Grand Health Alliance, said about 30 doctors and nurses in Punjab were on hunger strike. The protesters have kept working in their hospitals while taking turns to demonstrate outside the health authority offices in provincial capital Lahore, where they have been joined by up to 200 colleagues.
“We do not intend on stopping until the government listens to our demands. They have been consistently refusing to adhere to our demands,” Haseeb told AFP.“We do not intend on stopping until the government listens to our demands. They have been consistently refusing to adhere to our demands,” Haseeb told AFP.
“We are on the frontline of this virus and if we are not protected then the whole population is at risk.”“We are on the frontline of this virus and if we are not protected then the whole population is at risk.”
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 655 to 37,190, health authorities said on Saturday, with 120 new deaths, Reuters reports.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 655 to 37,190, health authorities said on Saturday, with 120 new deaths, Reuters reports.
The country’s death toll stands at 4,409, the Netherlands Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in its daily update. The actual numbers are probably higher, as not all suspected cases are tested, the RIVM said.The country’s death toll stands at 4,409, the Netherlands Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in its daily update. The actual numbers are probably higher, as not all suspected cases are tested, the RIVM said.
Health officials in Iran have raised fears of a “fresh outbreak” of coronavirus cases in their country, already the worst-affected in the region.Health officials in Iran have raised fears of a “fresh outbreak” of coronavirus cases in their country, already the worst-affected in the region.
As the predominantly Shia country marked the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a day later than much of the Muslim world, Alireza Zali, the anti-coronavirus coordinator for the capital, Tehran, criticised “hasty reopenings”.As the predominantly Shia country marked the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a day later than much of the Muslim world, Alireza Zali, the anti-coronavirus coordinator for the capital, Tehran, criticised “hasty reopenings”.
Since 11 April, Iran has allowed the reopening of a number of businesses that were closed as part of measures to curb Covid-19.Since 11 April, Iran has allowed the reopening of a number of businesses that were closed as part of measures to curb Covid-19.
Zali was quoted by the official news agency, Irna, as saying reopenings could “create new waves of sickness in Tehran and complicate efforts to bring the epidemic under control”, Reuters reports.Zali was quoted by the official news agency, Irna, as saying reopenings could “create new waves of sickness in Tehran and complicate efforts to bring the epidemic under control”, Reuters reports.
Iran reported 76 new deaths from coronavirus on Saturday, raising its total death to 6,650.Iran reported 76 new deaths from coronavirus on Saturday, raising its total death to 6,650.
Announcing the latest figures on Saturday, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said social distancing and hygiene measures to guard against the coronavirus needed to remain in place.Announcing the latest figures on Saturday, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said social distancing and hygiene measures to guard against the coronavirus needed to remain in place.
The ministry’s infectious diseases department head, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, warned of signs of a fresh outbreak in provinces such as Gilan and Mazandaran in the north and Qom in central Iran, “where we made great efforts to control the epidemic”.The ministry’s infectious diseases department head, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, warned of signs of a fresh outbreak in provinces such as Gilan and Mazandaran in the north and Qom in central Iran, “where we made great efforts to control the epidemic”.
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 5,966 over the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide tally to 74,588, the country’s coronavirus crisis response centre said on Saturday, according to Reuters.The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 5,966 over the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide tally to 74,588, the country’s coronavirus crisis response centre said on Saturday, according to Reuters.
It also reported 66 new deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the total death toll to 681.It also reported 66 new deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the total death toll to 681.
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia began rising sharply this month, although it had reported far fewer infections than many western European countries in the early stages of the outbreak.The number of coronavirus cases in Russia began rising sharply this month, although it had reported far fewer infections than many western European countries in the early stages of the outbreak.
The Singapore ministry of health has announced it has detected a further 618 cases of coronavirus infection, “the vast majority of whom are work permit holders residing in foreign worker dormitories”.The Singapore ministry of health has announced it has detected a further 618 cases of coronavirus infection, “the vast majority of whom are work permit holders residing in foreign worker dormitories”.
Singapore reacted quickly and aggressively to the virus as soon as it was identified earlier this year. It seemed that the city state had controlled its spread but from Monday it registered more than 1,000 new confirmed cases for four days in a row, mainly among migrant workers.Singapore reacted quickly and aggressively to the virus as soon as it was identified earlier this year. It seemed that the city state had controlled its spread but from Monday it registered more than 1,000 new confirmed cases for four days in a row, mainly among migrant workers.
More details on the latest infections will be published later, the ministry said.More details on the latest infections will be published later, the ministry said.
For more on how the virus has spread through Singapore’s army of migrant workers, who perform many of the basic functions that keep the city running, see this report by Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s south-east Asia correspondent.For more on how the virus has spread through Singapore’s army of migrant workers, who perform many of the basic functions that keep the city running, see this report by Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s south-east Asia correspondent.
Kenya has detected seven more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total in the country to 343, the country’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta, said as he extended lockdown measures for a further three weeks.Kenya has detected seven more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total in the country to 343, the country’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta, said as he extended lockdown measures for a further three weeks.
Confirmed coronavirus cases on the Italian Costa Atlantica cruise ship are nearing 150, AFP reports.Confirmed coronavirus cases on the Italian Costa Atlantica cruise ship are nearing 150, AFP reports.
Almost a quarter of the 623 crew members on the ship, docked in western Japan, have tested positive for the coronavirus, an official said on Saturday.Almost a quarter of the 623 crew members on the ship, docked in western Japan, have tested positive for the coronavirus, an official said on Saturday.
The Costa Atlantica has no passengers onboard and arrived in the southern port of Nagasaki for repairs in January.The Costa Atlantica has no passengers onboard and arrived in the southern port of Nagasaki for repairs in January.
Its operator first notified local authorities of suspected virus infections last weekend.Its operator first notified local authorities of suspected virus infections last weekend.
All crew members have now been tested, with another 57 testing positive on Saturday, raising the number of cases to 148, a local official told reporters.All crew members have now been tested, with another 57 testing positive on Saturday, raising the number of cases to 148, a local official told reporters.
Further details, such as their nationalities or age, were not immediately available, the official said.Further details, such as their nationalities or age, were not immediately available, the official said.
Japan has already dealt with one virus outbreak on a cruise ship – the Diamond Princess, which docked in Yokohama in February after a former passenger tested positive for the disease.Japan has already dealt with one virus outbreak on a cruise ship – the Diamond Princess, which docked in Yokohama in February after a former passenger tested positive for the disease.
Authorities ordered an on-ship quarantine but more than 700 people were infected with the virus and 13 died.Authorities ordered an on-ship quarantine but more than 700 people were infected with the virus and 13 died.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 655 to 37,190, health authorities said on Saturday, with 120 new deaths, Reuters reports.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 655 to 37,190, health authorities said on Saturday, with 120 new deaths, Reuters reports.
The country’s death toll stands at 4,409, the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.The country’s death toll stands at 4,409, the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.
The actual numbers are probably higher, as not all suspected cases are tested, the RIVM said.The actual numbers are probably higher, as not all suspected cases are tested, the RIVM said.
A reader has written in to alert me to these striking images of Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, celebrating Liberation Day alone, wearing a protective mask, in front of the Altare della Patria monument in Rome.A reader has written in to alert me to these striking images of Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, celebrating Liberation Day alone, wearing a protective mask, in front of the Altare della Patria monument in Rome.
Liberation Day is a national holiday commemorating the end of the Nazi occupation during the second world war and the victory of Italy’s resistance.Liberation Day is a national holiday commemorating the end of the Nazi occupation during the second world war and the victory of Italy’s resistance.
Serbia has sent four planes carrying medical equipment including gloves, masks and protective suits to Italy on Saturday, as a donation.Serbia has sent four planes carrying medical equipment including gloves, masks and protective suits to Italy on Saturday, as a donation.
Another four equipment-laden planes will be sent in the next two days, also donated by the Serbian government, the president Aleksandar Vučićsaid, according to Reuters.Another four equipment-laden planes will be sent in the next two days, also donated by the Serbian government, the president Aleksandar Vučićsaid, according to Reuters.
“We will win together, be brave Italy, Serbia is with you,” Vučić wrote on one of the boxes of equipment before it was loaded on to a plane.“We will win together, be brave Italy, Serbia is with you,” Vučić wrote on one of the boxes of equipment before it was loaded on to a plane.
“On its path to Europe, Serbia always had help from Italy,” Vučić said, noting that during devastating floods in 2014, Italy was one of the first countries to send aid.“On its path to Europe, Serbia always had help from Italy,” Vučić said, noting that during devastating floods in 2014, Italy was one of the first countries to send aid.
“This is our opportunity to say thank you,” he said.“This is our opportunity to say thank you,” he said.
Last year, Italy was Serbia’s second-largest trade partner after Germany, data from January showed. Italian companies including Fiat employ more than 20,000 people in Serbia.Last year, Italy was Serbia’s second-largest trade partner after Germany, data from January showed. Italian companies including Fiat employ more than 20,000 people in Serbia.
Serbia has so far reported 7,483 cases of people infected with the coronavirus and 144 deaths.Serbia has so far reported 7,483 cases of people infected with the coronavirus and 144 deaths.
India reopened neighbourhood stores on Saturday, which many of the country’s 1.3 billion people rely on.India reopened neighbourhood stores on Saturday, which many of the country’s 1.3 billion people rely on.
The country’s extremely strict lockdown was imposed on 24 March, and with only a few hours’ warning, causing widespread anger in the population.The country’s extremely strict lockdown was imposed on 24 March, and with only a few hours’ warning, causing widespread anger in the population.
But the relaxation of the restrictions came with significant caveats, the Associated Press reports.But the relaxation of the restrictions came with significant caveats, the Associated Press reports.
Hundreds of quarantined towns and other infection hotspots are exempt from the eased measures.Hundreds of quarantined towns and other infection hotspots are exempt from the eased measures.
The outbreak has killed at least 780 people in India and created huge pressure on the millions of people living in slum conditions too crowded for social distancing.The outbreak has killed at least 780 people in India and created huge pressure on the millions of people living in slum conditions too crowded for social distancing.
Shopping malls also remained closed across the country.Shopping malls also remained closed across the country.
Last week, India allowed manufacturing and farming activities to resume in rural areas to ease the economic plight of millions of daily wage-earners left without work by the lockdown, under which people can only leave their homes to buy food, medicine or other essentials.Last week, India allowed manufacturing and farming activities to resume in rural areas to ease the economic plight of millions of daily wage-earners left without work by the lockdown, under which people can only leave their homes to buy food, medicine or other essentials.