This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/apr/30/coronavirus-live-news-more-cases-of-covid-linked-syndrome-in-children-as-uk-deaths-top-spain-and-france

The article has changed 47 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 25 Version 26
Coronavirus live news: Spain to allocate time slots for outdoor activities; South Korea reports no new cases Coronavirus live news: Spain to allocate time slots for outdoor activities; South Korea reports no new cases
(32 minutes later)
Trump claims China wants to block his re-election; 100 cases of unusual illness among children in at least six countries; UK deaths top Spain and FranceTrump claims China wants to block his re-election; 100 cases of unusual illness among children in at least six countries; UK deaths top Spain and France
There’s a series of updates on the situation in the UK after a briefing of political journalists over on our UK coronavirus liveblog.
It appears increasingly unlikely that there will be any major change to the current lockdown next week after the prime minister’s spokesman again played down the prospect, saying it would be wrong to “gamble away” what has already been achieved. No 10 has been transmitting this message for some days, but this seemed to be an even stronger hint that people should not expect too much from the review of the lockdown due by Thursday next week. The spokesman said:
When asked if the lockdown could continue until June, the spokesman said people would have to wait for the government decision. But he also reminded reporters of what Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, has said about how the virus will be around for a significant period of time. The spokesman went on:
My colleague Khushbu Shah has written a great piece from Atlanta, Georgia, where the governor, Brian Kemp, has announced the state will reopen even as coronavirus cases continue to rise, with nearly 25,000 confirmed in the state as of Tuesday afternoon.
G7 finance ministers are today discussing strategies to accelerate economic activity once their economies reopen, the US Treasury has said.
The Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, and his counterparts from the other G7 countries also discussed the importance of foreign direct investment and the use of investment screening mechanisms to identify national security risks, a department spokesperson said.
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said it is highly unlikely there will be a loosening of lockdown restrictions next week.In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said it is highly unlikely there will be a loosening of lockdown restrictions next week.
Noting the next review lockdown guidance planned for 7 May, she said: “It may well be too early even by this time next week to reduce the current restrictions.” She stressed that “our assessment as of today of the data and the evidence is that it would not be safe” to lift the restrictions.Noting the next review lockdown guidance planned for 7 May, she said: “It may well be too early even by this time next week to reduce the current restrictions.” She stressed that “our assessment as of today of the data and the evidence is that it would not be safe” to lift the restrictions.
She urged the Scottish public not to ease up on travel restrictions in particular, revealing that there had been a significant increase over the last week. People using concessionary bus travel rose by a sixth, and car traffic by 5%.She urged the Scottish public not to ease up on travel restrictions in particular, revealing that there had been a significant increase over the last week. People using concessionary bus travel rose by a sixth, and car traffic by 5%.
In the last 24 hours there were 319 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland, bringing the total to 11,353. There were a further 60 deaths registered, taking that total to 1,475.In the last 24 hours there were 319 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland, bringing the total to 11,353. There were a further 60 deaths registered, taking that total to 1,475.
Eye-popping story on the ingenuity of criminals, who are using food delivery services as a cover to transport drugs and other illegal goods during the coronavirus crisis.Eye-popping story on the ingenuity of criminals, who are using food delivery services as a cover to transport drugs and other illegal goods during the coronavirus crisis.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
In Germany, a company working with the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has begun human trials of a potential Covid-19 vaccine that could supply millions by the end of the year, according to the two firms.In Germany, a company working with the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has begun human trials of a potential Covid-19 vaccine that could supply millions by the end of the year, according to the two firms.
Pfizer says it will begin testing the experimental vaccine in the United States as early as next week, and says a vaccine could be ready for emergency use in the autumn, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.Pfizer says it will begin testing the experimental vaccine in the United States as early as next week, and says a vaccine could be ready for emergency use in the autumn, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
There’s a CNN report here. Thanks to Guardian reader Claus Schrøder-Hansen for bringing it to my attention.There’s a CNN report here. Thanks to Guardian reader Claus Schrøder-Hansen for bringing it to my attention.
Cyprus has released details about how it plans to reopen after its lockdown.Cyprus has released details about how it plans to reopen after its lockdown.
The strategy to lift the restrictions and restart the economy has been divided into four phases, which will be adjusted depending on the epidemiological data.The strategy to lift the restrictions and restart the economy has been divided into four phases, which will be adjusted depending on the epidemiological data.
Phase one is set to start on 4 May and will include the reopening of the construction sector, retail apart from shopping malls and open markets.Phase one is set to start on 4 May and will include the reopening of the construction sector, retail apart from shopping malls and open markets.
By phase 4, set to start on 14 July, theatres and cinemas, festivals and concerts, casinos and play areas are expected to be open.By phase 4, set to start on 14 July, theatres and cinemas, festivals and concerts, casinos and play areas are expected to be open.
More details on the opening of schools are expected today.More details on the opening of schools are expected today.
The Cyprus Mail has more details here. My thanks to Guardian reader Roger Dawson who flagged this.The Cyprus Mail has more details here. My thanks to Guardian reader Roger Dawson who flagged this.
Health authorities in Spain have said time slots for specific outdoor activities will be used to help the country avoid confusion and further contagion when adults are allowed out on Saturday to exercise for the first time since mid-March, reports my colleague Sam Jones.Health authorities in Spain have said time slots for specific outdoor activities will be used to help the country avoid confusion and further contagion when adults are allowed out on Saturday to exercise for the first time since mid-March, reports my colleague Sam Jones.
Details of the timetable are due to be explained later today by the health minister. They are thought to include a set time for people to run or go out to exercise as families. Children in Spain – which has been in lockdown since 14 March – have been allowed out to exercise with a parent or guardian since last Sunday.Details of the timetable are due to be explained later today by the health minister. They are thought to include a set time for people to run or go out to exercise as families. Children in Spain – which has been in lockdown since 14 March – have been allowed out to exercise with a parent or guardian since last Sunday.
Speaking on Spanish radio on Thursday, the transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, said trips outside would be “sequenced” to prevent what he called “an explosive exit”.Speaking on Spanish radio on Thursday, the transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, said trips outside would be “sequenced” to prevent what he called “an explosive exit”.
He told Cadena Ser:He told Cadena Ser:
France has plunged into recession.France has plunged into recession.
Data shows that French GDP contracted by 5.8% in the first three months of 2020, a very sharp decline in activity triggered by the coronavirus lockdown.Data shows that French GDP contracted by 5.8% in the first three months of 2020, a very sharp decline in activity triggered by the coronavirus lockdown.
Italy’s economy has entered recessionItaly’s economy has entered recession
Italian GDP shrank by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2020, new figures from ISTAT show - that is the biggest drop since the data series began in 1995.Italian GDP shrank by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2020, new figures from ISTAT show - that is the biggest drop since the data series began in 1995.
South Korea reports no new domestic cases for first time since 29 February.South Korea reports no new domestic cases for first time since 29 February.
South Korea reported on Thursday no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since its 29 February peak, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.South Korea reported on Thursday no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since its 29 February peak, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Spain’s daily death toll falls to lowest in nearly six weeks.Spain’s daily death toll falls to lowest in nearly six weeks.
The number of fatalities related to Covid-19 recorded overnight in Spain was 268.The number of fatalities related to Covid-19 recorded overnight in Spain was 268.
War-torn Yemen reports first virus deaths.War-torn Yemen reports first virus deaths.
The country reported its first two deaths and a new cluster of Covid-19 cases amid worries that the virus has been circulating undetected for some time and attempts at a humanitarian ceasefire to contain the new crisis are failing.The country reported its first two deaths and a new cluster of Covid-19 cases amid worries that the virus has been circulating undetected for some time and attempts at a humanitarian ceasefire to contain the new crisis are failing.
Russia cases pass 100,000 with record daily rise.Russia cases pass 100,000 with record daily rise.
7,099 new cases were recorded on Thursday, bringing the nationwide tally to 106,498.7,099 new cases were recorded on Thursday, bringing the nationwide tally to 106,498.
Czechs say coronavirus spread is contained as country reopens.Czechs say coronavirus spread is contained as country reopens.
The Czech Republic has seen the number of new cases drop below 100 for the past eight consecutive days, and the government will continue to cautiously open up the economy, the health minister said.The Czech Republic has seen the number of new cases drop below 100 for the past eight consecutive days, and the government will continue to cautiously open up the economy, the health minister said.
Japan likely to extend nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus.Japan likely to extend nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus.
Prime minister Shinzō Abe is expected to extend the measure until the end of May or until 6 June, as the country’s healthcare system continues to face an “extremely tough situation”, he said.Prime minister Shinzō Abe is expected to extend the measure until the end of May or until 6 June, as the country’s healthcare system continues to face an “extremely tough situation”, he said.
People out of work in Germany increased by 373,000 to 2.64 million in April.People out of work in Germany increased by 373,000 to 2.64 million in April.
Data from the labour office also showed the unemployment rate increased to 5.8%, up from 5% in March, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.Data from the labour office also showed the unemployment rate increased to 5.8%, up from 5% in March, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
A British pharmaceutical company will know whether it’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate is effective by June or July.A British pharmaceutical company will know whether it’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate is effective by June or July.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the company will continue working with Oxford Vaccine Unit to bring it to patients as soon as possible.AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the company will continue working with Oxford Vaccine Unit to bring it to patients as soon as possible.
More disheartening economic news from the eurozone. Italy has joined France in recession, after suffering its worst slump in decades which has wiped out all of the growth since the eurozone crisis, and then some.More disheartening economic news from the eurozone. Italy has joined France in recession, after suffering its worst slump in decades which has wiped out all of the growth since the eurozone crisis, and then some.
This from our business live blog:This from our business live blog:
Italian GDP shrank by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2020, new figures from ISTAT show.Italian GDP shrank by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2020, new figures from ISTAT show.
That is the worst since the data series began in 1995, showing that the coronavirus lockdown measures implemented in recent weeks have had a very damaging impact on growth.That is the worst since the data series began in 1995, showing that the coronavirus lockdown measures implemented in recent weeks have had a very damaging impact on growth.
It follows a 0.3% contraction in October to December, meaning Italy has notched up two consecutive quarters of contraction.It follows a 0.3% contraction in October to December, meaning Italy has notched up two consecutive quarters of contraction.
You can follow all our live updates on business and economic news here:You can follow all our live updates on business and economic news here:
The International Energy Agency has said lockdowns in response to the pandemic will see global emissions fall by a record 8% - the biggest drop on record.The International Energy Agency has said lockdowns in response to the pandemic will see global emissions fall by a record 8% - the biggest drop on record.
But clearly there is a flip side to this positive news. IEA head Fatih Birol adds:But clearly there is a flip side to this positive news. IEA head Fatih Birol adds:
The impact of the global coronavirus outbreak will be so significant that renewable electricity will be the only source resilient enough to survive, according to the world’s energy watchdog.The impact of the global coronavirus outbreak will be so significant that renewable electricity will be the only source resilient enough to survive, according to the world’s energy watchdog.
This is from the Guardian’s report by energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose.This is from the Guardian’s report by energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose.
Read the full report here:Read the full report here:
The Guardian’s excellent data team, specifically Caelainn Barr and Pamela Duncan, have tried to unpick the figures surrounding Covid-19-related deaths in the UK and this piece is really worth a read.The Guardian’s excellent data team, specifically Caelainn Barr and Pamela Duncan, have tried to unpick the figures surrounding Covid-19-related deaths in the UK and this piece is really worth a read.
Thanks so much to my colleague Jess Murray for her efforts this morning, I’ll be looking after the global live blog for the next 8 hours or so.Thanks so much to my colleague Jess Murray for her efforts this morning, I’ll be looking after the global live blog for the next 8 hours or so.
If you have tips and suggestions, or think we’ve missed a story please do get in touch. We appreciate our readers from all over the globe and love it when you get in touch. Personally, I particularly like the kind messages...but welcome constructive criticism too!If you have tips and suggestions, or think we’ve missed a story please do get in touch. We appreciate our readers from all over the globe and love it when you get in touch. Personally, I particularly like the kind messages...but welcome constructive criticism too!
I’m on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and @lexytopping on Twitter. My DMs are open.I’m on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and @lexytopping on Twitter. My DMs are open.
I’m signing off now and handing over to my colleague Lexy Topping who will be running things for the next few hours.I’m signing off now and handing over to my colleague Lexy Topping who will be running things for the next few hours.
Thanks for everyone for reaching out with their suggestions and comments, I really appreciate it.Thanks for everyone for reaching out with their suggestions and comments, I really appreciate it.
The death toll from the outbreak of Covid-19 in Iran increased by 71 in the past 24 hours to 6,028, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said on Thursday.The death toll from the outbreak of Covid-19 in Iran increased by 71 in the past 24 hours to 6,028, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said on Thursday.
The total number of diagnosed cases of the coronavirus in Iran, one of the Middle Eastern countries hardest hit by the outbreak, has reached 94,640, he said.The total number of diagnosed cases of the coronavirus in Iran, one of the Middle Eastern countries hardest hit by the outbreak, has reached 94,640, he said.
In his final message, Kluge said Covid-19 “is not going away any time soon” and healthcare systems must adapt accordingly.In his final message, Kluge said Covid-19 “is not going away any time soon” and healthcare systems must adapt accordingly.
He said the new Covid-19 Health System Response Monitor, launched by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, is collating evidence of how health systems are responding to the pandemic.He said the new Covid-19 Health System Response Monitor, launched by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, is collating evidence of how health systems are responding to the pandemic.