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Coronavirus live news: Denmark says partial easing of lockdown has not led to bigger spread of infection Coronavirus live news: Denmark says partial easing of lockdown has not led to bigger spread of infection
(32 minutes later)
Italian PM warns against rushed, unilateral easing of restrictions; Trump claims China wants to block his re-election; 100 cases of unusual illness among children in at least six countriesItalian PM warns against rushed, unilateral easing of restrictions; Trump claims China wants to block his re-election; 100 cases of unusual illness among children in at least six countries
If, like me, you have become slightly obsessed with the different approach Sweden has taken compared with its Nordic neighbours (just me, then?), this Forbes piece is worth a read. After describing scenes of “normal” life which many European countries are currently only able to dream of, it continues
Would be very interested to hear from any readers in Sweden about how they feel about their government’s response to the pandemic.
The Canadian arctic territory of Nunavut has reported its first case of Covid-19 – something officials had long feared as inevitable, reports the Guardian’s Leyland Cecco in Toronto.
The territorial chief public health officer, Dr Michael Patterson, said:
The case was recorded in Pond Inlet, a small community of 1,600 people.
Officials have started contact tracing within the community. The government’s rapid response team is expected to arrive in the community on Thursday afternoon.
All travel to and from Pond Inlet has been restricted, including travel by air and land. The government has made an exception for cargo and emergency travel.
The premier, Joe Savikataaq, said:
Health experts have feared the isolated communities in the Arctic, many of which experience chronic overcrowding in homes and disproportionately high rates of respiratory illness, would be among Canada’s most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.
Anna Banerji, the director of global and indigenous health at the University of Toronto’s faculty of medicine, previously told the Guardian:
Another 3.8 million people lost their jobs in the US last week as the coronavirus pandemic continued to batter the economy. The pace of layoffs appears to be slowing, but in just six weeks an unprecedented 30 million Americans have now sought unemployment benefits and the numbers are still growing, writes my colleague Dominic Rushe.Another 3.8 million people lost their jobs in the US last week as the coronavirus pandemic continued to batter the economy. The pace of layoffs appears to be slowing, but in just six weeks an unprecedented 30 million Americans have now sought unemployment benefits and the numbers are still growing, writes my colleague Dominic Rushe.
The latest figures from the Department of Labor released on Thursday showed a fourth consecutive week of declining claims. While the trend is encouraging, the rate of losses means US unemployment is still on course to reach levels unseen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.The latest figures from the Department of Labor released on Thursday showed a fourth consecutive week of declining claims. While the trend is encouraging, the rate of losses means US unemployment is still on course to reach levels unseen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Read the full report here|:Read the full report here|:
The Associated Press is reporting that New York police were called to a Brooklyn neighbourhood on Wednesday after an overwhelmed funeral home resorted to storing dozens of bodies on ice in rented trucks, and a passerby complained about the smell, according to officials. AP reports:The Associated Press is reporting that New York police were called to a Brooklyn neighbourhood on Wednesday after an overwhelmed funeral home resorted to storing dozens of bodies on ice in rented trucks, and a passerby complained about the smell, according to officials. AP reports:
Investigators who responded to a 911 call found that the home had rented four trucks to hold about 50 corpses, according to a law enforcement official. No criminal charges were brought and the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Investigators who responded to a 911 call found that the home had rented four trucks to hold about 50 corpses, according to a law enforcement official. No criminal charges were brought and the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The Andrew T Cleckley Funeral Home was cited for failing to control the odors. The home was able to obtain a larger, refrigerated truck later in the day, the official said.The Andrew T Cleckley Funeral Home was cited for failing to control the odors. The home was able to obtain a larger, refrigerated truck later in the day, the official said.
Workers suited up in protective gear could be seen in the afternoon transferring bodies into the refrigerated truck.Workers suited up in protective gear could be seen in the afternoon transferring bodies into the refrigerated truck.
In the US again, Anthony Fauci has today said that states reopening their economies “can’t just leap over things” that would potentially allow the coronavirus to rebound.In the US again, Anthony Fauci has today said that states reopening their economies “can’t just leap over things” that would potentially allow the coronavirus to rebound.
In an interview on NBC’s Today show, Savannah Guthrie asked Fauci whether the states that are beginning to reopen have the capability to do contact tracing. Fauci responded that while he could not go through a list of each of them, he urged those that don’t have that capability to “go very slowly”. He said:In an interview on NBC’s Today show, Savannah Guthrie asked Fauci whether the states that are beginning to reopen have the capability to do contact tracing. Fauci responded that while he could not go through a list of each of them, he urged those that don’t have that capability to “go very slowly”. He said:
Fauci said states should follow federal guidelines and only begin to reopen if they have a two-week decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases. He cautioned that states must have the capability of identifying, isolating and contact tracing people who test positive because “there will be blips — there’s no doubt”.Fauci said states should follow federal guidelines and only begin to reopen if they have a two-week decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases. He cautioned that states must have the capability of identifying, isolating and contact tracing people who test positive because “there will be blips — there’s no doubt”.
“When you pull back, there will be cases,” he said.“When you pull back, there will be cases,” he said.
In the US, federal guidelines on social distancing will expire tonight and at least two dozen states are set to begin reopening with greater social movement and business activity tomorrow or over the weekend.In the US, federal guidelines on social distancing will expire tonight and at least two dozen states are set to begin reopening with greater social movement and business activity tomorrow or over the weekend.
This is from our US coronavirus liveblog:This is from our US coronavirus liveblog:
While Donald Trump is keen for this to happen, his own public health experts are urging extreme caution about states relaxing their own stay-at-home orders (as opposed to mere guidelines). There were more than 2,600 new deaths in the US from coronavirus yesterday.While Donald Trump is keen for this to happen, his own public health experts are urging extreme caution about states relaxing their own stay-at-home orders (as opposed to mere guidelines). There were more than 2,600 new deaths in the US from coronavirus yesterday.
And last night California announced it was going to close its beaches and state parks just days after allowing them to open, after people crowded there in an unsafe way.And last night California announced it was going to close its beaches and state parks just days after allowing them to open, after people crowded there in an unsafe way.
And:And:
Top public health expert Anthony Fauci this morning said the preliminary results from early trials of the drug remdesivir in treating coronavirus were “clearly positive” though “modest” and were a “first step in what we project will be better and better drugs” to treat Covid-19.Top public health expert Anthony Fauci this morning said the preliminary results from early trials of the drug remdesivir in treating coronavirus were “clearly positive” though “modest” and were a “first step in what we project will be better and better drugs” to treat Covid-19.
Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has formed his “vetting team” to search for his best vice presidential candidate – while calls for him to address directly a recently elevated accusation of sexual assault in the past are growing.Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has formed his “vetting team” to search for his best vice presidential candidate – while calls for him to address directly a recently elevated accusation of sexual assault in the past are growing.
The latest unemployment figures in the US are due out at 8.30 and our business team will cover that separately. They will not make good reading.The latest unemployment figures in the US are due out at 8.30 and our business team will cover that separately. They will not make good reading.
You can follow all US coronavirus-related news here:You can follow all US coronavirus-related news here:
Tajikistan, which was thought to be one of the few countries untouched by coronavirus, has recorded its first coronavirus cases, according to a report from the website Asia Plus.Tajikistan, which was thought to be one of the few countries untouched by coronavirus, has recorded its first coronavirus cases, according to a report from the website Asia Plus.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP), 15 confirmed Covid-19 cases had been reported in the country as of 29 April.According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP), 15 confirmed Covid-19 cases had been reported in the country as of 29 April.
Health officials had previously said pneumonia was sweeping through the population, according to the report.Health officials had previously said pneumonia was sweeping through the population, according to the report.
Here’s a list from Al Jazeera of countries with no confirmed cases of coronavirus:Here’s a list from Al Jazeera of countries with no confirmed cases of coronavirus:
Comoros; Kiribati; Lesotho; Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Nauru; North Korea; Palau; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Tonga; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; VanuatuComoros; Kiribati; Lesotho; Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Nauru; North Korea; Palau; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Tonga; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
World Health Organization officials in Africa have said the Covid-19 outbreak is still increasing across the continent despite widespread efforts at containment, writes the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, Jason Burke.World Health Organization officials in Africa have said the Covid-19 outbreak is still increasing across the continent despite widespread efforts at containment, writes the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, Jason Burke.
Unlike developed countries that can rely on relatively well-resourced health systems to treat large numbers of sick people, most African nations are hoping they can drastically slow the spread of the disease to protect very limited facilities.Unlike developed countries that can rely on relatively well-resourced health systems to treat large numbers of sick people, most African nations are hoping they can drastically slow the spread of the disease to protect very limited facilities.
There are more than 34,000 confirmed cases across the continent, with about a third of those on its northern Mediterranean coast. The statistics are likely to significantly underestimate the true extent of the spread of the disease.There are more than 34,000 confirmed cases across the continent, with about a third of those on its northern Mediterranean coast. The statistics are likely to significantly underestimate the true extent of the spread of the disease.
Many countries have issued targeted lockdowns in major cities, as well as dusk-to-dawn curfews and restrictions on travel, but most have stopped short of nationwide lockdowns like that in South Africa, citing the economic and social costs of such measures.Many countries have issued targeted lockdowns in major cities, as well as dusk-to-dawn curfews and restrictions on travel, but most have stopped short of nationwide lockdowns like that in South Africa, citing the economic and social costs of such measures.
WHO officials warned that such choices could mean consequences in terms of the spread of Covid-19, but said they recognised the challenge of making tough decisions.WHO officials warned that such choices could mean consequences in terms of the spread of Covid-19, but said they recognised the challenge of making tough decisions.
They did however express concern at surging numbers of cases in some regions.They did however express concern at surging numbers of cases in some regions.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s director for the Africa region, said:Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s director for the Africa region, said:
Senegal, with a population of nearly 16 million, has recorded 933 cases, with nine deaths as of Thursday. The government has declared a state of emergency, closed schools and issued restrictions on gatherings and travel, but cases have continued to rise.There are also concerns that outbreaks are not being recognised. There are unconfirmed reports from local doctors and media of large numbers of deaths involving a respiratory illness in Somalia, northern Nigeria and elsewhere. A limited ability to test has slowed investigation.Senegal, with a population of nearly 16 million, has recorded 933 cases, with nine deaths as of Thursday. The government has declared a state of emergency, closed schools and issued restrictions on gatherings and travel, but cases have continued to rise.There are also concerns that outbreaks are not being recognised. There are unconfirmed reports from local doctors and media of large numbers of deaths involving a respiratory illness in Somalia, northern Nigeria and elsewhere. A limited ability to test has slowed investigation.
Michel Yao, WHO Africa’s emergency operations manager, said identification by symptoms could be enough if there had already been confirmed cases of Covid-19 in a given area.Michel Yao, WHO Africa’s emergency operations manager, said identification by symptoms could be enough if there had already been confirmed cases of Covid-19 in a given area.
In South Africa, which now has 5,350 confirmed Covid-19 cases and more than 100 deaths, the peak of the outbreak is likely to be between July and September, depending on how the disease evolves during the southern hemisphere’s winter and the impact of containment measures, the health minister, Zweli Mkhize, said.In South Africa, which now has 5,350 confirmed Covid-19 cases and more than 100 deaths, the peak of the outbreak is likely to be between July and September, depending on how the disease evolves during the southern hemisphere’s winter and the impact of containment measures, the health minister, Zweli Mkhize, said.
A strict lockdown imposed five weeks ago in South Africa will be marginally softened tomorrow (Friday), with some exercise now allowed and a handful of designated industries returning to work.A strict lockdown imposed five weeks ago in South Africa will be marginally softened tomorrow (Friday), with some exercise now allowed and a handful of designated industries returning to work.
Prof Salim Abdool Karim, the principal government adviser on Covid-19, said South Africa had performed better than developed countries in slowing transmission, although the number of cases has continued to rise. He said:Prof Salim Abdool Karim, the principal government adviser on Covid-19, said South Africa had performed better than developed countries in slowing transmission, although the number of cases has continued to rise. He said:
Deep problems remain, however, with a shortage of trained medical personnel still a major concern.Deep problems remain, however, with a shortage of trained medical personnel still a major concern.
More news from Denmark, where authorities say the spread of Covid-19 has not accelerated since it became the first country outside of Asia to ease lockdown measures a fortnight ago.More news from Denmark, where authorities say the spread of Covid-19 has not accelerated since it became the first country outside of Asia to ease lockdown measures a fortnight ago.
Day care centres and schools began reopening in the Nordic country two weeks ago, followed by hairdressers and other small businesses on 20 April. The move came after the number of infections and deaths slowed. “There are no signs that the Covid-19 epidemic is accelerating,” the State Serum Institute, which is responsible for preparedness against infectious diseases, said.Day care centres and schools began reopening in the Nordic country two weeks ago, followed by hairdressers and other small businesses on 20 April. The move came after the number of infections and deaths slowed. “There are no signs that the Covid-19 epidemic is accelerating,” the State Serum Institute, which is responsible for preparedness against infectious diseases, said.
The “R rate”, which indicates the average number of infections one person with the virus causes, increased slightly in the past two weeks but remained below 1.0, it said. Earlier this week, Germany announced its R rate had edged up back to 1.0 after a lockdown relaxation.The “R rate”, which indicates the average number of infections one person with the virus causes, increased slightly in the past two weeks but remained below 1.0, it said. Earlier this week, Germany announced its R rate had edged up back to 1.0 after a lockdown relaxation.
Denmark, which was one of the first nations in Europe to shut down, had 452 coronavirus-related deaths as of Thursday, with the number of hospitalisations falling steadily during April.Denmark, which was one of the first nations in Europe to shut down, had 452 coronavirus-related deaths as of Thursday, with the number of hospitalisations falling steadily during April.
“There are no signs whatsoever that the partial reopening has caused a bigger spread of infection,” said Christian Wejse, a scientist at the department of infectious diseases at Aarhus University. “At least there is no indication that we are heading into another wave. That has been the concern, but I can’t see that at all,” he told Reuters.“There are no signs whatsoever that the partial reopening has caused a bigger spread of infection,” said Christian Wejse, a scientist at the department of infectious diseases at Aarhus University. “At least there is no indication that we are heading into another wave. That has been the concern, but I can’t see that at all,” he told Reuters.
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said yesterday that the spread of the virus was “under control” and that she would present a plan for the next steps in the reopening before 10 May.Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said yesterday that the spread of the virus was “under control” and that she would present a plan for the next steps in the reopening before 10 May.
“We are by no means home safe, but we have a really good starting point now to get the number of infected further down,” Wejse said.“We are by no means home safe, but we have a really good starting point now to get the number of infected further down,” Wejse said.
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.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.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 affect the virus, but since the changes arose independently in different countries, they may help the virus spread more easily.Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stress that it is unclear how the mutations affect 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 journal or peer reviewed – said their emergence highlighted the need for global surveillance of the virus so that more worrying changes could be picked up fast. Hibberd said: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 journal or peer reviewed – said their emergence highlighted the need for global surveillance of the virus so that more worrying changes could be 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 caused an outbreak in 2002. The difference may have helped the latest coronavirus infect more people and spread rapidly around the world.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 caused 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 vaccine programmes 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.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 vaccine programmes 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 €20m 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 has been more than 24,000 coronavirus deaths, is due to ease lockdown measures on 11 May. The minister Élisabeth Borne said:
The “bicycle repair boost” programme, which will provide up to €50 for repairs by sponsored mechanics, as well as supporting a scheme that allows employers to cover up to €400 of travel costs of staff who commute by bike. Paris currently has about 370km of bike paths and the temporary lanes are expected to increase that to 650km.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
Reuters reports: