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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
Scientists have found evidence for mutations in some strains of the coronavirus that suggest the pathogen may be adapting to humans after spilling over from bats.
The analysis of more than 5,300 coronavirus genomes from 62 countries shows that while the virus is fairly stable, some have gained mutations, including two genetic changes that alter the critical “spike protein” the virus uses to infect human cells.
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stress that it is unclear how the mutations affects the virus, but since the changes arose independently in different countries, they may help the virus spread more easily.
The spike mutations are rare at the moment but Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious diseases and a senior author on the study – which has yet to be published in a jounral or peer reviewed – said their emergence highlights the need for global surveillance of the virus so that more worrying changes are picked up fast. Hibberd said:
Studies of the virus revealed early on that the shape of its spike protein allowed it to bind to human cells more efficiently than Sars, a related virus that sparked an outbreak in 2002. The difference may have helped the latest coronavirus infect more people and spread rapidly around the world.
Scientists will be concerned if more extensive mutations in the spike protein arise, not only because they may alter how the virus behaves. The spike protein is the main target of leading vaccines around the world, and if it changes too much those vaccines may no longer work. Other potential therapies, such as synthetic antibodies that home in on the spike protein, could be less effective, too.
Hosting the Tour de France for more than a century, it is a country already famous for cycling. Now French commuters are being urged to swap cars for bicycles when the Covid-19 lockdown ends.
The government has announced plans to develop temporary bike lanes, with an additional 20 million euro ($22 million) subsidy towards the cost of repairs.
The initiative, by the energy and transport ministry, also includes an increase in bicycle parking spaces and training to get people back in the saddle.
France, where there have been more than 24,000 coronavirus deaths, is due to ease lockdown measures on May 11. Minister Elisabeth Borne said:
The “bicycle repair boost” programme, which will provide up to 50 euros for repairs by sponsored mechanics, as well as supporting a scheme which allows employers to cover up to 400 euros of travel costs of staff who commute by bike. Paris currently has about 370 km of bike paths and the temporary lanes are expected to increase that to 650 km.
Breaking news from Denmark where it has emerged police, security and intelligence officials have carried out an operation to thwart preparations for an Islamist terrorist attack, according to a statement from police.
In Germany, the country’s foreign minister has warned the coronavirus pandemic must not be exploited as an excuse to hinder the work of international observers monitoring the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow-backed rebels run statelets independent of Kiev’s control.
Speaking after a video conference of foreign ministers from countries involved in mediation efforts, Heiko Maas agreed on a series of points.
Maas agreed with his counterparts from France, Ukraine and Russia that there needed to be increased prisoner exchanges between the warring parties, efforts to ensure retired people in the east could access their Ukrainian pensions and more crossing points to add to the five currently in place along the 500km of the contact line.
“In recent times too many excuses have been found to hesitate,” he said of a faltering implementation of a ceasefire, calling for observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be given unhindered access. “The health concerns in the pandemic must not be used as an excuse.”
But Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said that Kiev and Moscow were still far from finalising a prisoner swap of all inmates.The conflict, which broke out in 2014, has killed more than 13,000 people, left a large swathe of Ukraine de facto controlled by the separatists and aggravated the deepest east-west rift since the cold war.
More from Italy, where it emerged earlier the economy has gone into recession, with the country’s prime minister announcing some regions might be able to unwind Covid-19 restrictions more rapidly than others.More from Italy, where it emerged earlier the economy has gone into recession, with the country’s prime minister announcing some regions might be able to unwind Covid-19 restrictions more rapidly than others.
But prime minister Giuseppe Conte also warned local authorities against rushed, unilateral rollbacks. It comes after Italy, which has registered the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe with 27,682 fatalities, has endured some of the world’s toughest lockdown measures. But the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, also warned local authorities against rushed, unilateral rollbacks. It comes after Italy, which has registered the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe with 27,682 fatalities, has endured some of the world’s toughest lockdown measures.
But, according to Reuters, regions run by right-wing parties – which are not part of the ruling government coalition – have kicked back against plans for a gradual, nationwide easing of curbs, saying the proposed schedule, due to kick off on Monday, is too timid. But, according to Reuters, regions run by rightwing parties – which are not part of the ruling government coalition – have kicked back against plans for a gradual, nationwide easing of curbs, saying the proposed schedule, due to start on Monday, is too timid.
Highlighting the growing discord, Calabria, in the south west of the country, announced that bars and restaurants in its region can reopen immediately so long as they have outdoor tables - a month ahead of the government’s proposed schedule. Highlighting the growing discord, Calabria, in the south-west of the country, announced that bars and restaurants in its region can reopen immediately so long as they have outdoor tables - a month ahead of the government’s proposed schedule.
In a speech to parliament, Conte said he would be willing to work with regions in future to enable them to relax measures more quickly if they had particularly low rates of infection. “There will not be a plan based on sudden initiatives by individual local authorities, but rather one based on scientific findings,” he said, warning that a quick end to curbs could fuel the contagion and lead to a surge in infections. He added:In a speech to parliament, Conte said he would be willing to work with regions in future to enable them to relax measures more quickly if they had particularly low rates of infection. “There will not be a plan based on sudden initiatives by individual local authorities, but rather one based on scientific findings,” he said, warning that a quick end to curbs could fuel the contagion and lead to a surge in infections. He added:
Autonomous moves by regions would be considered illegitimate, he added, opening the way for confrontations with regional chiefs set on defying the central government.Autonomous moves by regions would be considered illegitimate, he added, opening the way for confrontations with regional chiefs set on defying the central government.
It’s Simon Murphy here taking over the live blog while my colleague, Alexandra Topping, takes a well-earned break. I’ll do my best to keep you updated with developments over the next hour or so.It’s Simon Murphy here taking over the live blog while my colleague, Alexandra Topping, takes a well-earned break. I’ll do my best to keep you updated with developments over the next hour or so.
There’s a series of updates on the situation in the UK after a briefing of political journalists over on our UK coronavirus liveblog.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: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: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.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.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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Italy’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.
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.
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.
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.
Russia cases pass 100,000 with record daily rise.
7,099 new cases were recorded on Thursday, bringing the nationwide tally to 106,498.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.