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Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes 200,000 Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes 200,000
(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
Paraguayan authorities have laid out details of a plan to begin lifting the country’s total quarantine.
Health minister Julio Mazzonleni announced at press conference on Friday that a new “intelligent quarantine” will begin on 4 May. It will gradually reintroduce public freedoms and economic activities through a four-stage plan set to run until early July.
On Saturday, Paraguay had 223 coronavirus cases and nine deaths – according to figures from researchers at Johns Hopkins University – among the lowest rates in South America.
The government has built two emergency hospitals and recently received a large cargo flight of medical supplies.
The total number of people to die worldwide after contracting the novel coronavirus has surpassed 200,000, figures show.The total number of people to die worldwide after contracting the novel coronavirus has surpassed 200,000, figures show.
The Coronavirus Resource Centre, run by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, shows that the global death toll stands at 200,698 as of Saturday.The Coronavirus Resource Centre, run by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, shows that the global death toll stands at 200,698 as of Saturday.
The figures for infections are likely to underestimate the true scale of the pandemic due to suspected under-reporting and differing testing regimes.The figures for infections are likely to underestimate the true scale of the pandemic due to suspected under-reporting and differing testing regimes.
Death toll figures are also controversial, with some countries reporting deaths as confirmed Covid-19 cases on the basis of symptoms and in the absence of a positive test, while others are not including them.Death toll figures are also controversial, with some countries reporting deaths as confirmed Covid-19 cases on the basis of symptoms and in the absence of a positive test, while others are not including them.
If you’re only just joining us – here is a recap of the biggest global developments in the coronavirus pandemic as of 6pm on Saturday.If you’re only just joining us – here is a recap of the biggest global developments in the coronavirus pandemic as of 6pm on Saturday.
This is Aaron Walawalkar, in London, keeping you updated for the next eight hours or so with the latest in coronavirus world news developments.This is Aaron Walawalkar, in London, 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.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.
Once we have a vaccine, how will it be shared fairly around the world?Once we have a vaccine, how will it be shared fairly around the world?
While we may not yet be at the point of having a tried-and-tested vaccine against the novel coronavirus, experts say that governments must start looking now for an ethical and equitable distribution process.While we may not yet be at the point of having a tried-and-tested vaccine against the novel coronavirus, experts say that governments must start looking now for an ethical and equitable distribution process.
With vaccines seen as one of the few real routes out of the coronavirus crisis, fears of “vaccine nationalism” are already increasing.With vaccines seen as one of the few real routes out of the coronavirus crisis, fears of “vaccine nationalism” are already increasing.
Each step of creating, testing and mass-producing a vaccine is an epic challenge – but the political and ethical decisions around its subsequent distribution pose another.Each step of creating, testing and mass-producing a vaccine is an epic challenge – but the political and ethical decisions around its subsequent distribution pose another.
How will any eventual vaccine be shared out? Who decides? Will supplies go to the highest bidder?How will any eventual vaccine be shared out? Who decides? Will supplies go to the highest bidder?
My colleague Michael Savage has this report:My colleague Michael Savage has this report:
The death toll in France from the coronavirus has risen by 369 to stand at 22,614, the health ministry said on Saturday.The death toll in France from the coronavirus has risen by 369 to stand at 22,614, the health ministry said on Saturday.
Nigerian state governors have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the compulsory use of face masks in public as confirmed coronavirus cases rise, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Saturday.Nigerian state governors have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the compulsory use of face masks in public as confirmed coronavirus cases rise, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Saturday.
The 36 state governors argued the approval was necessary to have a uniform and coordinated policy at federal and state levels to tackle the virus, the letter from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said.The 36 state governors argued the approval was necessary to have a uniform and coordinated policy at federal and state levels to tackle the virus, the letter from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said.
Nigeria reported 114 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, bringing its total to 1,095 with 32 deaths. A total of 28 states have so far reported cases, with more than half of those in the commercial hub Lagos.Nigeria reported 114 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, bringing its total to 1,095 with 32 deaths. A total of 28 states have so far reported cases, with more than half of those in the commercial hub Lagos.
Nigeria, with 200 million people, is Africa’s most populous country. Some 20 million reside in Lagos.Nigeria, with 200 million people, is Africa’s most populous country. Some 20 million reside in Lagos.
Among measures to be announced by Buhari the governors want the government to incorporate a lockdown on flights and on interstate movement, restrictions on large gatherings, overnight curfews and compulsory face mask use in public.Among measures to be announced by Buhari the governors want the government to incorporate a lockdown on flights and on interstate movement, restrictions on large gatherings, overnight curfews and compulsory face mask use in public.
The measures would exclude movement of food, beverages, medical and pharmaceuticals, petroleum supplies and agricultural products, said the governors who on Thursday agreed to ban interstate movement for two weeks.The measures would exclude movement of food, beverages, medical and pharmaceuticals, petroleum supplies and agricultural products, said the governors who on Thursday agreed to ban interstate movement for two weeks.
Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the capital Abuja, are already under federally imposed lockdowns, while various states have instigated their own containment measures.Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the capital Abuja, are already under federally imposed lockdowns, while various states have instigated their own containment measures.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday that he would allow independent pharmacists to collect samples to test for the novel coronavirus and would expand screening for antibodies, starting with first responders and other essential workers.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday that he would allow independent pharmacists to collect samples to test for the novel coronavirus and would expand screening for antibodies, starting with first responders and other essential workers.
Cuomo also told a daily briefing that hospitalisations across his state for Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, had fallen to same level as 21 days ago.Cuomo also told a daily briefing that hospitalisations across his state for Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, had fallen to same level as 21 days ago.
There now around 1,100 hospitalisations per day – down from 1,300 seen previously, he said.There now around 1,100 hospitalisations per day – down from 1,300 seen previously, he said.
Italy’s coronavirus death toll rose by 415 on Saturday, five deaths fewer than on Friday and the lowest day-to-to increase since 17 March. The total number of people who have died after contracting the virus now stands at 26,384, while the number who have recovered has risen to 63,120.Italy’s coronavirus death toll rose by 415 on Saturday, five deaths fewer than on Friday and the lowest day-to-to increase since 17 March. The total number of people who have died after contracting the virus now stands at 26,384, while the number who have recovered has risen to 63,120.
The number of people currently infected with the virus fell for the sixth day in a row, by 680 to 105,847, while the number of intensive care beds in use has fallen by almost half since 31 March.The number of people currently infected with the virus fell for the sixth day in a row, by 680 to 105,847, while the number of intensive care beds in use has fallen by almost half since 31 March.
Italy has recorded 195,351 coronavirus cases to date, including the victims and survivors.Italy has recorded 195,351 coronavirus cases to date, including the victims and survivors.
The total number of coronavirus deaths in Canada has risen to 2,350, according to public health agency data.The total number of coronavirus deaths in Canada has risen to 2,350, according to public health agency data.
Figures released on Saturday show an increase of 153 deaths in the 24 hours since April 23. The total number of cases has risen to 44,364 from 42,750.Figures released on Saturday show an increase of 153 deaths in the 24 hours since April 23. The total number of cases has risen to 44,364 from 42,750.
South Africa’s government and specialists appointed to try to save the state-owned airline have agreed to extend a deadline for trade unions to agree staff severance terms, Reuters reports.South Africa’s government and specialists appointed to try to save the state-owned airline have agreed to extend a deadline for trade unions to agree staff severance terms, Reuters reports.
South African Airways (SAA) entered a form of bankruptcy protection in December and its fortunes deteriorated further when the coronavirus pandemic forced it to suspend all commercial flights.South African Airways (SAA) entered a form of bankruptcy protection in December and its fortunes deteriorated further when the coronavirus pandemic forced it to suspend all commercial flights.
The airline offered severance packages to its roughly 5,000-strong workforce after the government said it would not provide more funds for rescue efforts.The airline offered severance packages to its roughly 5,000-strong workforce after the government said it would not provide more funds for rescue efforts.
The proposal was put to trade union leaders, with the business rescue team advising that a deal should be reached by Saturday. However, that deadline has been extended until 1 May.The proposal was put to trade union leaders, with the business rescue team advising that a deal should be reached by Saturday. However, that deadline has been extended until 1 May.
The department of public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan, issued a letter to the unions at the airline on Saturday. It said:The department of public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan, issued a letter to the unions at the airline on Saturday. It said:
It added:It added:
Public enterprises ministry spokesman Sam Mkokeli confirmed the contents of the letter and said the department would issue a statement later.Public enterprises ministry spokesman Sam Mkokeli confirmed the contents of the letter and said the department would issue a statement later.
SAA has not been profitable since 2011 and has received more than 20bn rand ($1.05bn) in bailouts in the past three years, a drain on public resources at a time of weak economic growth.SAA has not been profitable since 2011 and has received more than 20bn rand ($1.05bn) in bailouts in the past three years, a drain on public resources at a time of weak economic growth.
Far-right groups in the UK, US and EU are exploiting the coronavirus crisis to push their anti-minority agendas and win new support.
A report by the Zinc Network, a communications agency that tracks disinformation and propaganda, suggests there has been a clear pivot among far-right movements to “utilise the pandemic to bring new relevancy, attention and support for their key grievances”.
A favoured tactic among these extremist groups is to put fake documents into circulation, designed to look like real medical or government communications.
My colleague Jamie Doward has the full report:
Chelsea have said they will not impose a pay cut on their first-team squad in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
But the Premier League side added they had asked players to continue donating to charities during the ongoing pandemic.
It has been reported the west London club have been in talks with their players about a salary reduction of about 10% in a bid to reduce costs at a time when football has been suspended because of the virus.
That figure, however, is significantly lower than the Premier League’s suggestion of 30% for all clubs.
But that has not stopped the Stamford Bridge side from taking their own course of action as they highlighted the PlayersTogether initiative launched by Premier League players earlier this month, which aims to raise and distribute funds for charities supporting the NHS.
The said club representatives of the Chelsea board had held “extensive talks with the men’s first team to discuss how they can contribute financially to the club during the coronavirus crisis”.
The statement said:
It added:
Meanwhile, the Blues said they would not be taking advantage of the British government’s coronavirus job retention or furlough scheme, with casual workers and matchday staff being compensated by the club through to 30 June.
In the UK, home secretary, Priti Patel, is 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 there has been an overall drop in crime rates during lockdown, with car crime, burglary and shoplifting 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-focused 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.
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:
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”.
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:
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.
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.
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 are on the frontline of this virus and if we are not protected then the whole population is at risk.”