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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
Boris Johnson will return to Downing Street on Monday and is “raring to go”, Sky News reports.
The PM was discharged from hospital on Easter Sunday, after spending three nights in intensive care.
He may host on Monday’s daily Downing Street news conference and take on new Labour leader Keir Starmer at PMQs on Wednesday, depending the advice of doctors.
“He is ‘raring to go’ and will be back Monday,” a Downing Street source told Sky News.
Johnson now faces a dilemma over whether to ease lockdown measures.
Leading scientists have warned the number of new cases of Covid-19 being diagnosed is still much too high, as highlighted in this report:
Algeria has taken further steps to ease restrictions over coronavirus by allowing several businesses to reopen “to reduce the economic and social impact of the health crisis” caused by the pandemic, the prime minister’s office said on Saturday.
It said shops to be reopened include those for materials for building and public works, appliances, fabrics, jewellery, clothing and shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, home and office furniture, pastries and hairdressers in addition to urban transport by taxi.
The government on Thursday decided to ease confinement measures by shortening the curfew for some provinces but called on citizens to be “vigilant”. That measure came hours before the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Friday.
Algeria has said restrictions linked to coronavirus has significantly hit the economy which is under financial pressure due to a sharp fall in global oil prices.
The government has reported a total of 3,256 confirmed infections with the virus, with 419 deaths and 1,479 recoveries.
As unconfirmed rumours of Kim Jong-un’s death circulate on social media, one news agency has suggested that he may be sheltering from Covid-19 in a North Korean resort town.
On Friday, South Korean news agency Newsis said that a special train for Kim’s use had been spotted by intelligence sources in the town of Wonsan. It suggested he may be sheltering from the novel coronavirus.
Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, 38 North, also captured satellite images of special train possibly belonging to the Northern Korean leader in Wonsan.
A report the project published on Saturday said that the train was parked at the “leadership station” in Wonsan on April 21 and April 23. The station is reserved for the use of the Kim family, it said.
Though the group said it was probably Kim Jong Un’s train, Reuters has not been able to confirm that independently, or whether he was in Wonsan.
“The train’s presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country’s eastern coast,” the report said.
It comes after a series of conflicting and unconfirmed reports on the leader’s health and whereabouts.
Speculation about Kim’s health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.
China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on Kim Jong-un, according to three people familiar with the situation.
Venezuelan food and beverage producer Empresas Polar, the largest private company in the socialist country, on Saturday called a new government move to supervise the company’s food unit’s sales amid rising prices nationwide “arbitrary.”Venezuelan food and beverage producer Empresas Polar, the largest private company in the socialist country, on Saturday called a new government move to supervise the company’s food unit’s sales amid rising prices nationwide “arbitrary.”
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced the measure on Friday as part of a slew of steps to try to control prices and slow inflation during the coronavirus pandemic, which together with an acute fuel shortage complicating the transport of goods is prompting a rise in consumer prices.Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced the measure on Friday as part of a slew of steps to try to control prices and slow inflation during the coronavirus pandemic, which together with an acute fuel shortage complicating the transport of goods is prompting a rise in consumer prices.
Inflation was 124% in the first three months of 2020, according to the central bank.Inflation was 124% in the first three months of 2020, according to the central bank.
“There is no reason or justification for this arbitrary measure,” Empresas Polar’s chairman, Lorenzo Mendoza, said in a statement calling on the government to walk back the move targeting Alimentos Polar, the company’s food unit, which manufactures many Venezuelan staples including corn flour dough.“There is no reason or justification for this arbitrary measure,” Empresas Polar’s chairman, Lorenzo Mendoza, said in a statement calling on the government to walk back the move targeting Alimentos Polar, the company’s food unit, which manufactures many Venezuelan staples including corn flour dough.
Venezuela’s information ministry, which fields media requests on the government’s behalf, did not respond to a request for comment.The move toward price controls marks a shift away from a gradual liberalization of economic policy in the OPEC nation.Venezuela’s information ministry, which fields media requests on the government’s behalf, did not respond to a request for comment.The move toward price controls marks a shift away from a gradual liberalization of economic policy in the OPEC nation.
In the face of U.S. sanctions imposed early last year, President Nicolas Maduro relaxed enforcement of decades-old price controls and eased restrictions on the use of foreign currency.In the face of U.S. sanctions imposed early last year, President Nicolas Maduro relaxed enforcement of decades-old price controls and eased restrictions on the use of foreign currency.
That has not been enough to turn around a six-year economic recession marked by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods and a collapse in public services such as electricity and water. Gasoline shortages have grown worse in recent months, prompting sporadic lootings in eastern Venezuela last week.That has not been enough to turn around a six-year economic recession marked by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods and a collapse in public services such as electricity and water. Gasoline shortages have grown worse in recent months, prompting sporadic lootings in eastern Venezuela last week.
The government also said it would supervise the sales of Plumrose, a meat producer, and a 180-day intervention at cooking oils producer Coposa. It also announced fixed prices on 27 basic products.The government also said it would supervise the sales of Plumrose, a meat producer, and a 180-day intervention at cooking oils producer Coposa. It also announced fixed prices on 27 basic products.
“This action is completely contrary to what the population expects at this moment,” Mendoza said in the statement. “It is a threat to the public and private supply chains the company serves. Far from calming the country down, it generates anxiety and panic.”“This action is completely contrary to what the population expects at this moment,” Mendoza said in the statement. “It is a threat to the public and private supply chains the company serves. Far from calming the country down, it generates anxiety and panic.”
In the UK, the selection of Trevor Phillips to investigate why Covid-19 is killing more Black, Asian and minority ethnic people has sparked a row after leading Muslims criticised his appointment as “insensitive”.In the UK, the selection of Trevor Phillips to investigate why Covid-19 is killing more Black, Asian and minority ethnic people has sparked a row after leading Muslims criticised his appointment as “insensitive”.
Phillips, the former chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, was asked by Public Health England to provide expert support to an inquiry into why increasing numbers of victims of the coronavirus pandemic are from BAME backgrounds.Phillips, the former chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, was asked by Public Health England to provide expert support to an inquiry into why increasing numbers of victims of the coronavirus pandemic are from BAME backgrounds.
Philips has been suspended from the Labour party over allegations of Islamophobia.Philips has been suspended from the Labour party over allegations of Islamophobia.
The Muslim Council of Britain’s general secretary, Harun Khan, has said that Phillips has a “consistent record in pushing the divisive narrative of Muslims being apart from the rest of British society”.The Muslim Council of Britain’s general secretary, Harun Khan, has said that Phillips has a “consistent record in pushing the divisive narrative of Muslims being apart from the rest of British society”.
Prof Kevin Fenton, PHE’s regional director, London, said Phillips and Prof Richard Webber have been selected as “their specialist consultancy has the right skills and experience”.Prof Kevin Fenton, PHE’s regional director, London, said Phillips and Prof Richard Webber have been selected as “their specialist consultancy has the right skills and experience”.
Here is the full report:Here is the full report:
In Israel, several thousand protestors took to the streets of Tel Aviv to denounce a unity government deal reached last week that leaves prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power as he prepares to go on trial for corruption charges.In Israel, several thousand protestors took to the streets of Tel Aviv to denounce a unity government deal reached last week that leaves prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power as he prepares to go on trial for corruption charges.
The protest filled central Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, although demonstrators stayed two metres apart from each other in line with health regulations in place for weeks meant to halt the spread of the coronavirus.The protest filled central Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, although demonstrators stayed two metres apart from each other in line with health regulations in place for weeks meant to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Here is a selection of photos from the protests:Here is a selection of photos from the protests:
The UK’s biggest steel producer needs about £500m in government support to see it through the coronavirus crisis, according to Welsh MP Stephen Kinnock.The UK’s biggest steel producer needs about £500m in government support to see it through the coronavirus crisis, according to Welsh MP Stephen Kinnock.
Tata Steel has approached the UK and Welsh governments for a bailout after its big European customers halted production, Sky News reported on Saturday.Tata Steel has approached the UK and Welsh governments for a bailout after its big European customers halted production, Sky News reported on Saturday.
The company employs 8,385 people across the UK, including more than 4,000 workers at the Port Talbot steelworks in south Wales.The company employs 8,385 people across the UK, including more than 4,000 workers at the Port Talbot steelworks in south Wales.
Here is the full report:Here is the full report:
Prime minister Édouard Philippe will present France’s parliament with a plan to unwind the nation’s lockdown on Tuesday, according to Reuters.Prime minister Édouard Philippe will present France’s parliament with a plan to unwind the nation’s lockdown on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The nation has been subject to confinement measures since March 17.The nation has been subject to confinement measures since March 17.
Mobile phone data shows Britons beginning to ignore lockdownMobile phone data shows Britons beginning to ignore lockdown
Health officials fear Britons are starting to get complacent about the Covid-19 lockdown after traffic and mobile phone data revealed more of us are on the roads and looking for directions, PA reports.Health officials fear Britons are starting to get complacent about the Covid-19 lockdown after traffic and mobile phone data revealed more of us are on the roads and looking for directions, PA reports.
Mobility data released by Apple shows that, despite a dramatic drop in requests for directions, in recent days searches for maps for walking or driving have increased by eight percentage points.Mobility data released by Apple shows that, despite a dramatic drop in requests for directions, in recent days searches for maps for walking or driving have increased by eight percentage points.
The news came as professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said on Saturday “there was a little bit of concern” after the unseasonably warm weather drew big crowds to public spaces.The news came as professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said on Saturday “there was a little bit of concern” after the unseasonably warm weather drew big crowds to public spaces.
At the Downing Street briefing, Prof Powis said traffic levels are down 59% compared to February, but grew by three percentage points in the last seven days compared to the previous week.At the Downing Street briefing, Prof Powis said traffic levels are down 59% compared to February, but grew by three percentage points in the last seven days compared to the previous week.
Prof Powis said:Prof Powis said:
He added:He added:
Elsewhere, B&Q’s decision to reopen 130 stores saw massive queues forming outside its outlets in Bristol and in Swansea, as the public use the shutdown to catch up on DIY.Elsewhere, B&Q’s decision to reopen 130 stores saw massive queues forming outside its outlets in Bristol and in Swansea, as the public use the shutdown to catch up on DIY.
The Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), a body representing Met officers, said despite its assertions to the contrary, the government was sending out mixed messages around the shutdown.The Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), a body representing Met officers, said despite its assertions to the contrary, the government was sending out mixed messages around the shutdown.
MPF chairman Ken Marsh questioned the wisdom of allowing DIY stores to reopen.MPF chairman Ken Marsh questioned the wisdom of allowing DIY stores to reopen.
Mr Marsh said:Mr Marsh said:
UK government ‘reviewing’ NHS surcharge for migrant medicsUK government ‘reviewing’ NHS surcharge for migrant medics
The UK government is “reviewing” the surcharge that some migrant doctors and nurses working in the NHS must pay to access the health service, the home secretary Priti Patel has said.The UK government is “reviewing” the surcharge that some migrant doctors and nurses working in the NHS must pay to access the health service, the home secretary Priti Patel has said.
The government was criticised in December for planning to increase the immigration health surcharge for migrants from outside the European Economic Area, including nurses and doctors, from £400 to £625 a year each. The fees were introduced in 2015.The government was criticised in December for planning to increase the immigration health surcharge for migrants from outside the European Economic Area, including nurses and doctors, from £400 to £625 a year each. The fees were introduced in 2015.
In the daily press conference at Downing Street on Saturday, Patel was asked if this is the right to abolish it for NHS workers.In the daily press conference at Downing Street on Saturday, Patel was asked if this is the right to abolish it for NHS workers.
She said:She said:
My colleague Mattha Busby has the full report:My colleague Mattha Busby has the full report:
Spain could lift more lockdown restrictions and allow adults out to exercise from 2 May if efforts to contain the spread of the virus continue to pay off, the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has said.Spain could lift more lockdown restrictions and allow adults out to exercise from 2 May if efforts to contain the spread of the virus continue to pay off, the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has said.
The strict lockdown enacted after the declaration of a state of emergency on 14 March has been extended until 9 May, but children under the age of 14 will be allowed out for an hour’s exercise each day from tomorrow.The strict lockdown enacted after the declaration of a state of emergency on 14 March has been extended until 9 May, but children under the age of 14 will be allowed out for an hour’s exercise each day from tomorrow.
Addressing the nation on Saturday night, Sánchez said: “If things keep going in a positive direction with the pandemic, from 2 May people will be allowed out to exercise individually or to go out for a walk with the person they live with.”Addressing the nation on Saturday night, Sánchez said: “If things keep going in a positive direction with the pandemic, from 2 May people will be allowed out to exercise individually or to go out for a walk with the person they live with.”
However, the prime minister stressed that the loosening of the lockdown would depend on continuing progress to halt the virus.However, the prime minister stressed that the loosening of the lockdown would depend on continuing progress to halt the virus.
Sánchez also warned once again that any “de-escalation” would be gradual.Sánchez also warned once again that any “de-escalation” would be gradual.
“We’re not going to get back to all kinds of activity and social movement right away,” he said. “We’ll do it in stages.”“We’re not going to get back to all kinds of activity and social movement right away,” he said. “We’ll do it in stages.”
Experts have warned that anti-Muslim hatred India could undermine the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The AP has this report:Experts have warned that anti-Muslim hatred India could undermine the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The AP has this report:
India’s government is blaming an Islamic missionary meeting for a surge in coronavirus cases, triggering a wave of violence, business boycotts and hate speech toward Muslims that experts warn could worsen the pandemic in the world’s second-most populous country.India’s government is blaming an Islamic missionary meeting for a surge in coronavirus cases, triggering a wave of violence, business boycotts and hate speech toward Muslims that experts warn could worsen the pandemic in the world’s second-most populous country.
The stigma faced by India’s Muslims, poorer and with less access to health care than other groups, is making health workers’ battle against the virus even tougher, according to veterans of other epidemics.The stigma faced by India’s Muslims, poorer and with less access to health care than other groups, is making health workers’ battle against the virus even tougher, according to veterans of other epidemics.
India has about 24,500 confirmed coronavirus cases about one in five of which have been linked to the missionary meeting and 775 deaths, and the outbreak may not peak until June.India has about 24,500 confirmed coronavirus cases about one in five of which have been linked to the missionary meeting and 775 deaths, and the outbreak may not peak until June.
Dr. Anant Bhan, a bioethics and global health expert, said:Dr. Anant Bhan, a bioethics and global health expert, said:
About 8,000 people in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation met for three days in March at the group’s compound in the crowded Nizamuddin area of New Delhi, shortly before the Indian government banned large gatherings.About 8,000 people in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation met for three days in March at the group’s compound in the crowded Nizamuddin area of New Delhi, shortly before the Indian government banned large gatherings.
The compound stayed open, later giving shelter to people stranded in a 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, according to the group’s spokesman, Mujeeb ur Rehman.The compound stayed open, later giving shelter to people stranded in a 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, according to the group’s spokesman, Mujeeb ur Rehman.
On the second day of the lockdown, a government raid on the compound discovered the largest virus cluster in India. Police filed a case against some of the group’s leaders for violating the ban, a charge the group denies. Officials said Tuesday they have arrested 29 people, including 16 foreigners, who participated in the missionary meeting.On the second day of the lockdown, a government raid on the compound discovered the largest virus cluster in India. Police filed a case against some of the group’s leaders for violating the ban, a charge the group denies. Officials said Tuesday they have arrested 29 people, including 16 foreigners, who participated in the missionary meeting.
India’s communal fault lines, still stressed by deadly riots over a new naturalisation law that excludes Muslims, were split wide open by the allegations against Jamaat.India’s communal fault lines, still stressed by deadly riots over a new naturalisation law that excludes Muslims, were split wide open by the allegations against Jamaat.
Politicians in Modi’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party were quoted on TV and in newspapers describing the Jamaat incident as “corona terrorism.”Politicians in Modi’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party were quoted on TV and in newspapers describing the Jamaat incident as “corona terrorism.”
False news targeting Muslims began to circulate, including video clips purportedly showing congregation members spitting on authorities. The clips were quickly proven to be fake, yet by April 1, the hashtag “CoronaJihad” was trending on Twitter in India.False news targeting Muslims began to circulate, including video clips purportedly showing congregation members spitting on authorities. The clips were quickly proven to be fake, yet by April 1, the hashtag “CoronaJihad” was trending on Twitter in India.
Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary of India’s health ministry, repeatedly called out the congregation by name in daily news briefings. On April 5, he said the number of virus cases was doubling in just 4.1 days, and would have been a slower 7.4 days “if the additional ... cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat meeting would not have arisen.”Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary of India’s health ministry, repeatedly called out the congregation by name in daily news briefings. On April 5, he said the number of virus cases was doubling in just 4.1 days, and would have been a slower 7.4 days “if the additional ... cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat meeting would not have arisen.”
That same day, Dilshad Mohammad took his life.That same day, Dilshad Mohammad took his life.
Panic, blame and stigma were spreading across India when the 37-year-old chicken peddler was shunned by his neighbours in Bangarh, a village in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh, for giving two members of the Jamaat congregation a ride to their village on his scooter.Panic, blame and stigma were spreading across India when the 37-year-old chicken peddler was shunned by his neighbours in Bangarh, a village in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh, for giving two members of the Jamaat congregation a ride to their village on his scooter.
Neighbours accused him of deliberately trying to infect them with the virus, which causes the Covid-19 disease.Neighbours accused him of deliberately trying to infect them with the virus, which causes the Covid-19 disease.
Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, the district police superintendent, blamed his suicide on stigma.Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, the district police superintendent, blamed his suicide on stigma.
Doctors who studied previous epidemics warn that stigma and blame for a contagious disease weaken trust in marginalised communities, threatening decades-long efforts against illnesses such as polio and tuberculosis by making people less likely to seek treatment.Doctors who studied previous epidemics warn that stigma and blame for a contagious disease weaken trust in marginalised communities, threatening decades-long efforts against illnesses such as polio and tuberculosis by making people less likely to seek treatment.
Stigma in general is adding to India’s coronavirus death toll, said Dr. Randeep Guleria, head of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi and among the architects of the country’s response.Stigma in general is adding to India’s coronavirus death toll, said Dr. Randeep Guleria, head of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi and among the architects of the country’s response.
He said:He said:
Muslims were already at a disadvantage when the coronavirus entered India.Muslims were already at a disadvantage when the coronavirus entered India.
India’s 200 million Muslims account for 14% of the population and are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation and also the poorest, surviving on an average of 32.6 rupees ($0.43) per day, a 2013 government survey found.India’s 200 million Muslims account for 14% of the population and are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation and also the poorest, surviving on an average of 32.6 rupees ($0.43) per day, a 2013 government survey found.
Muslims also have less access to health care. About 40% of villages with large Muslims populations don’t have medical facilities, a government report in 2006 said.Muslims also have less access to health care. About 40% of villages with large Muslims populations don’t have medical facilities, a government report in 2006 said.
The “vilification of Muslims was done to hide the government’s mismanagement in dealing with the virus and their callousness,” said Professor Tanweer Fazal, a sociologist at the University of Hyderabad.The “vilification of Muslims was done to hide the government’s mismanagement in dealing with the virus and their callousness,” said Professor Tanweer Fazal, a sociologist at the University of Hyderabad.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How will any eventual vaccine be shared out? Who decides? Will supplies go to the highest bidder?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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:
It added:
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.