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Coronavirus live news: Singapore to ease restrictions as second wave of cases subsides Coronavirus live news: Singapore to ease restrictions as second wave of cases subsides
(32 minutes later)
Anthony Fauci barred from testifying before Congress, as Trump hopes for fewer than 100,000 dead and testing row continues in UKAnthony Fauci barred from testifying before Congress, as Trump hopes for fewer than 100,000 dead and testing row continues in UK
New polling shows pretty extraordinarily high support for the SNP government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the YouGov survey for the Times Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has the confidence of 71% of Scots when it comes to her ability to make the correct decisions in dealing with the virus, with 23% saying they do not have faith in her judgments. That gives the Scottish first minister a +48 rating overall.
There was a high level of cross-party consensus in support of the Scottish government’s performance - three quarters of Scots, including the vast majority of Tory and Labour voters, believe the SNP government is the crisis well.
As well as 85% of SNP voters, 84% of Liberal Democrats and 70% of both Conservative and Labour supporters are happy with the approach taken by the Scottish government. Just 19% said the virus was being handled badly in Edinburgh.
This consensus falls apart when assessing the UK government’s performance. Scots are split, with 47% of those surveyed agreeing Conservative ministers have handled the outbreak well and 48% disagreeing. Boris Johnson himself has a net rating of -15.
Singapore’s health ministry confirmed 447 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, the smallest daily rise in two weeks, according to a report by Reuters.
The increase takes the city state’s tally of cases to 17,548, with 16 virus-related deaths.
The ministry said most of the new cases were among migrant workers living in dormitories.
The mayor of Moscow says about 2% of the city’s population, more than 250,000 people, have the virus.The mayor of Moscow says about 2% of the city’s population, more than 250,000 people, have the virus.
“According to screening tests of various population groups, the real number of the infected is around 2 percent of Moscow’s total population,” Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his blog, AFP reported. “According to screening tests of various population groups, the real number of the infected is around 2% of Moscow’s total population,” Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his blog, Agence France-Presse reported.
Russia has so far reported more than 114,000 cases of the coronavirus including 57,300 cases in Moscow, which is the epicentre of the contagion. Russia has so far reported more than 114,000 cases of the coronavirus, including 57,300 cases in Moscow, which is the centre of the country’s contagion.
According to official statistics, Moscow has a population of 12.7m people but the real figure is believed to be higher. According to official statistics, Moscow has a population of 12.7 million people but the real figure is believed to be higher.
Sobyanin said Moscow has significantly ramped up testing capacity over the past few weeks, adding the city has managed to “contain the spread of the infection” due to the enforcement of stay-at-home rules and other measures. Sobyanin said Moscow has significantly increased testing capacity over the past few weeks, adding the city has managed to “contain the spread of the infection” due to the enforcement of stay-at-home rules and other measures.
But he reiterated that the city was not yet past the peak of the outbreak.But he reiterated that the city was not yet past the peak of the outbreak.
“The threat is apparently on the rise,” he said.“The threat is apparently on the rise,” he said.
Hello, I’m taking over the liveblog from my colleague Helen. If you want to get in touch with any tips or comments, you can email me on aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com or tweet me @aamnamohdin Hello, I’m taking over the live blog from my colleague Helen. If you want to get in touch with any tips or comments, you can email me on aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com or tweet me @aamnamohdin.
A nursing home in New York has reported a “horrifying” death toll of 98 people from the coronavirus as residential facilities continued to emerge as a deadly source of outbreaks across the world.A nursing home in New York has reported a “horrifying” death toll of 98 people from the coronavirus as residential facilities continued to emerge as a deadly source of outbreaks across the world.
The death toll at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Manhattan is one of the worst such outbreaks in the United States and caused a shock even in hard-hit New York after an official state tally of nursing home deaths listed only 13 at the home as of Friday.The death toll at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Manhattan is one of the worst such outbreaks in the United States and caused a shock even in hard-hit New York after an official state tally of nursing home deaths listed only 13 at the home as of Friday.
But officials at the 705-bed centre later confirmed that up to 46 residents who tested positive for Covid-19 had died, as well as an additional 52 people suspected to have the virus, Associated Press reported. Some died at the nursing home and some died after being treated at hospitals.But officials at the 705-bed centre later confirmed that up to 46 residents who tested positive for Covid-19 had died, as well as an additional 52 people suspected to have the virus, Associated Press reported. Some died at the nursing home and some died after being treated at hospitals.
“It’s absolutely horrifying,” mayor Bill de Blasio said. “It’s just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place.”“It’s absolutely horrifying,” mayor Bill de Blasio said. “It’s just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place.”
India has mandated that all public and private sector employees use a government-backed Bluetooth tracing app and maintain social distancing in offices as New Delhi begins easing some of its lockdown measures in lower-risk areas.India has mandated that all public and private sector employees use a government-backed Bluetooth tracing app and maintain social distancing in offices as New Delhi begins easing some of its lockdown measures in lower-risk areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Friday said India - the country with the largest number of people in lockdown - would extends its nationwide control measures for another two weeks from Monday to battle the spread of the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 illness, but allow “considerable relaxations” in lower-risk districts.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Friday said India - the country with the largest number of people in lockdown - would extends its nationwide control measures for another two weeks from Monday to battle the spread of the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 illness, but allow “considerable relaxations” in lower-risk districts.
As part of its efforts to fight the deadly virus, India last month launched the app Aarogya Setu - meaning Health Bridge - a Bluetooth and GPS-based system developed by the country’s National Informatics Centre. The app alerts users who may have come in contact with people later found to be positive for COVID-19 or deemed to be at high risk.As part of its efforts to fight the deadly virus, India last month launched the app Aarogya Setu - meaning Health Bridge - a Bluetooth and GPS-based system developed by the country’s National Informatics Centre. The app alerts users who may have come in contact with people later found to be positive for COVID-19 or deemed to be at high risk.
“Use of Aarogya Setu shall be made mandatory for all employees, both private and public,” India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said in a notification late on Friday.It will the responsibility of the heads of companies and organizations “to ensure 100% coverage of this app among the employees,” the ministry said.“Use of Aarogya Setu shall be made mandatory for all employees, both private and public,” India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said in a notification late on Friday.It will the responsibility of the heads of companies and organizations “to ensure 100% coverage of this app among the employees,” the ministry said.
Officials at India’s technology ministry and a lawyer who framed the privacy policy for Aarogya Setu told Reuters the app needs to be on at least 200 million phones for it to be effective in the country of 1.3 billion people.Officials at India’s technology ministry and a lawyer who framed the privacy policy for Aarogya Setu told Reuters the app needs to be on at least 200 million phones for it to be effective in the country of 1.3 billion people.
The app has been downloaded around 50 million times on Android phones, which dominate India’s smartphone user base of 500 million, according to Google Play Store data.The app has been downloaded around 50 million times on Android phones, which dominate India’s smartphone user base of 500 million, according to Google Play Store data.
The app’s compulsory use is raising concerns among privacy advocates, who say it is unclear how the data will be used and who stress that India lacks privacy laws to govern the app.The app’s compulsory use is raising concerns among privacy advocates, who say it is unclear how the data will be used and who stress that India lacks privacy laws to govern the app.
“Such a move should be backed by a dedicated law which provides strong data protection cover and is under the oversight of an independent body,” said Udbhav Tiwari, Public Policy Advisor for internet company Mozilla.New Delhi has said the app will not infringe on privacy as all data is collected anonymously.“Such a move should be backed by a dedicated law which provides strong data protection cover and is under the oversight of an independent body,” said Udbhav Tiwari, Public Policy Advisor for internet company Mozilla.New Delhi has said the app will not infringe on privacy as all data is collected anonymously.
New Zealand has been under a strict lockdown and has seen extraordinary results in containing the virus outbreak.New Zealand has been under a strict lockdown and has seen extraordinary results in containing the virus outbreak.
As those restrictions were downgraded to level three, we asked Guardian readers about their experiences.As those restrictions were downgraded to level three, we asked Guardian readers about their experiences.
“I was nearly skipping when I got to work,” said Kylie Toka, a fencer from Marton, Rangetikei.“I was nearly skipping when I got to work,” said Kylie Toka, a fencer from Marton, Rangetikei.
Australian health authorities are investigating possible breaches of infection control at a Sydney aged care facility at the centre of a coronavirus cluster.Australian health authorities are investigating possible breaches of infection control at a Sydney aged care facility at the centre of a coronavirus cluster.
Of the five new Covid-19 cases in the state over the last 24 hours, two were recorded at Newmarch House, where 13 residents have died.Of the five new Covid-19 cases in the state over the last 24 hours, two were recorded at Newmarch House, where 13 residents have died.
Anglicare Sydney, which runs the aged care facility, confirmed the positive tests but said it had “strict procedures and enforced infection control practices” in place.Anglicare Sydney, which runs the aged care facility, confirmed the positive tests but said it had “strict procedures and enforced infection control practices” in place.
More than 60 people – 24 staff and 37 residents – have tested positive to Covid-19 since the outbreak at the Penrith nursing home on 11 April.More than 60 people – 24 staff and 37 residents – have tested positive to Covid-19 since the outbreak at the Penrith nursing home on 11 April.
Read more here:Read more here:
Medics, funeral workers and gravediggers in Somalia have reported an unprecedented surge of deaths in recent days amid growing fears that official counts of Covid-19 deaths reflect only a fraction of the virus’s toll in Africa .Medics, funeral workers and gravediggers in Somalia have reported an unprecedented surge of deaths in recent days amid growing fears that official counts of Covid-19 deaths reflect only a fraction of the virus’s toll in Africa .
So far Somalia, one of the poorest and most vulnerable countries on the continent, has announced an official total of 601 confirmed cases and 28 deaths.So far Somalia, one of the poorest and most vulnerable countries on the continent, has announced an official total of 601 confirmed cases and 28 deaths.
But evidence from medics and burial workers in Mogadishu, the capital of the unstable east African country, suggest the number of deaths could be many times higher.But evidence from medics and burial workers in Mogadishu, the capital of the unstable east African country, suggest the number of deaths could be many times higher.
Read more here:Read more here:
The Jakarta Post has reported that a hamlet on the island of Bali has been put under lockdown after rapid testing showed hundreds of residents were probably infected.The Jakarta Post has reported that a hamlet on the island of Bali has been put under lockdown after rapid testing showed hundreds of residents were probably infected.
Out of 1,200 tests, 400 returned a reactive result.Out of 1,200 tests, 400 returned a reactive result.
“Starting Thursday, Serokadan hamlet in Abuan village is isolated, closed. No one is allowed to enter or leave the hamlet,” said the Bali provincial Covid-19 taskforce’s executive chairman, Dewa Made Indra.“Starting Thursday, Serokadan hamlet in Abuan village is isolated, closed. No one is allowed to enter or leave the hamlet,” said the Bali provincial Covid-19 taskforce’s executive chairman, Dewa Made Indra.
“We have followed up the rapid test results by taking swab samples for further PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests to get accurate results on whether they are positive for Covid-19 or not. Of course, we will use the swab test results as the final results.”“We have followed up the rapid test results by taking swab samples for further PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests to get accurate results on whether they are positive for Covid-19 or not. Of course, we will use the swab test results as the final results.”
Associated Press: Gun-carrying protesters have been a common sight at some demonstrations calling for coronavirus-related restrictions to be lifted. But an armed militia’s involvement in an angry protest in the Michigan statehouse on Thursday marked an escalation that drew condemnation and shone a spotlight on the practice of bringing weapons to protest.Associated Press: Gun-carrying protesters have been a common sight at some demonstrations calling for coronavirus-related restrictions to be lifted. But an armed militia’s involvement in an angry protest in the Michigan statehouse on Thursday marked an escalation that drew condemnation and shone a spotlight on the practice of bringing weapons to protest.
The American Patriot rally started on the statehouse steps, where members of the Michigan Liberty Militia stood guard with weapons and tactical gear, their faces partially covered. They later moved inside the capitol along with several hundred protesters, who demanded to be let on to the House floor, which is prohibited.The American Patriot rally started on the statehouse steps, where members of the Michigan Liberty Militia stood guard with weapons and tactical gear, their faces partially covered. They later moved inside the capitol along with several hundred protesters, who demanded to be let on to the House floor, which is prohibited.
Some protesters with guns which are allowed in the statehouse went to the Senate gallery, where a senator said some armed men shouted at her, and some senators wore bulletproof vests.Some protesters with guns which are allowed in the statehouse went to the Senate gallery, where a senator said some armed men shouted at her, and some senators wore bulletproof vests.
For some observers, the images of armed men in tactical gear at a state capitol were an unsettling symbol of rising tensions in a nation grappling with crisis. Others saw evidence of racial bias in the way the protesters were treated by police.For some observers, the images of armed men in tactical gear at a state capitol were an unsettling symbol of rising tensions in a nation grappling with crisis. Others saw evidence of racial bias in the way the protesters were treated by police.
For some politicians, there was fresh evidence of the risk of aligning with a movement with clear ties to far-right groups.For some politicians, there was fresh evidence of the risk of aligning with a movement with clear ties to far-right groups.
Prominent Michigan Republicans on Friday criticised the showing, with the GOP leader of the state senate referring to some protesters as “a bunch of jackasses” who used intimidation and the threat of physical harm to “stir up fear and feed rancor”.Prominent Michigan Republicans on Friday criticised the showing, with the GOP leader of the state senate referring to some protesters as “a bunch of jackasses” who used intimidation and the threat of physical harm to “stir up fear and feed rancor”.
President Donald Trump, who has been criticized in the past for condoning extremist views, called the protesters very good people and urged Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer to make a deal.President Donald Trump, who has been criticized in the past for condoning extremist views, called the protesters very good people and urged Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer to make a deal.
Michigan has been the centre of the political showdown over how to contain the spread of the deadly virus without decimating the economy. About a quarter of the state’s workforce has filed for unemployment and nearly 4,000 people have died.Michigan has been the centre of the political showdown over how to contain the spread of the deadly virus without decimating the economy. About a quarter of the state’s workforce has filed for unemployment and nearly 4,000 people have died.
Parts of Australia have started easing their restrictions on social activity. In the state of NSW for example, two people could visit another house for the first time from yesterday. In the Northern Territory, some national parks have opened and there is a date for pub’s reopening. Queensland is allowing people to travel up to 50km for recreation.
Naaman Zhou has spoken to a few people about what they planned to do with the new (relative) freedom.
Singapore’s health minister says the city state will relax some anti-coronavirus measures after a fall in the number of cases in the broader community.
Some businesses will be allowed to open again after 12 May while some schools will reopen from 19 May.
Singapore saw cases flare up recently in a second wave as infections rose sharply in its crowded migrant worker dormitories.
The postponed Tokyo Olympics are unlikely to go ahead in 2021, infectious disease experts have warned, in a Bloomberg article.
AFP: Ten years after sinking into its worst economic crisis in living memory, Greece once again faces the spectre of a grave recession in the midst of a global coronavirus lockdown.
Though the country has so far been spared the death toll of other European nations at fewer than 150 fatalities from Covid-19, it will not escape the resulting economic downturn, prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned this week.
“The consequences of this coronavirus attack will undoubtedly be dramatic,” he told parliament on Thursday.
“We know with certainty that (the recession) will be deep... we don’t know how long the health crisis will last, we don’t yet know if we’ll have tourism.”
Tourism is one of Greece’s most important sources of revenue, along with shipping.
The Greek state alone could lose 8-10 billion euros ($8.8-11 billion) in income this year, the prime minister said.
There were attempts at May Day rallies in some countries yesterday. In Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protests have been a massive presence since mid last year, authorities banned any May Day marches, citing public health regulations.
3,000 riot police were reportedly sent out on the street in anticipation of people ignoring the ban.
Lab or organisers appealed the ban, but lost, and so instead went out in two small groups that were 1.5m apart. They were, however, fined by police, according to activist leader Lee Cheuk-Yan.
Lee told the Guardian yesterday police stopped them and said because the two groups had “the same objective” they would all be fined.
He accused police of abusing the social distancing laws to stop protest actions.
Elsewhere some protesters took to shopping malls to hold small rallies or to sing. They were met with quite an intense response from police, who used pepper spray to disperse more than 100 protesters singing and chanting pro-democracy slogans at a shopping mall in the New Territories.
The International Monetary Fund has approved a request from Ecuador for emergency financing to fight the coronavirus pandemic, granting a $643 million loan, the Andean country’s economy ministry said on Friday.
Ecuador has been among the hardest-hit countries in Latin America by the coronavirus, with 24,675 confirmed cases and 883 deaths, plus a further 1,357 deaths that were likely caused by the virus.
“This financing will allow us to have the necessary liquidity to support the reactivation of the economy, and protect jobs,” the ministry said in a statement.
The outbreak there is boosting pressure on President Lenin Moreno to default on $17 billion in debt and devote more resources toward fighting a pandemic that has left bodies in the streets of the country’s largest city, Guayaquil.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose by 945 to 161,703, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.
The death toll rose by 94 to 6,575.
Malaysian authorities are rounding up undocumented migrants as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, the country’s police chief said late on Friday, after hundreds of migrants and refugees were detained in the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Over 700 migrants were taken into custody, including young children and ethnic Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, during Friday’s raid in a downtown area where thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers live, rights groups had said.
The operation was aimed at preventing undocumented migrants from travelling to other areas amid movement curbs imposed to contain the spread of the outbreak, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador told state news agency Bernama.
“We cannot allow them to move freely... as it will be difficult for us to track them down if they leave identified locations,” Abdul Hamid was quoted as saying.
Those detained would be placed at a single location for monitoring until the movement curbs were lifted, he said according to Bernama.
The arrests followed public anger in recent days over the presence of migrant foreigners, particularly Rohingya refugees, with some in Malaysia accusing them of spreading the coronavirus and being a burden on state resources.
Malaysia has around 2 million registered foreign workers but authorities estimate many more are living in the Southeast Asian country without proper documents. Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees, regarding them as illegal migrants.
The Australian government has urged any citizens or residents currently in Africa to get a flight out as soon as possible, if they can.
“We have no plans to provide evacuation [flights],” it said.
“The government cannot guarantee you access to medical services if the situation gets worse.”
World Health Organization officials in Africa have said the Covid-19 outbreak is still increasing across the continent despite widespread efforts at containment.
Most African nations are hoping they can slow the spread of the disease to protect their very limited health facilities, which aren’t able to treat large numbers of sick people.