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Coronavirus live news: Malaysia rounds up migrants as UN warns of crackdown on vulnerable Coronavirus live news: Malaysia rounds up migrants as UN warns of crackdown on vulnerable
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Somalia reports rapid rise in Covid-19 deaths; 98 people die in one New York nursing homeSomalia reports rapid rise in Covid-19 deaths; 98 people die in one New York nursing home
People in Spain will have to wear facemasks when using public transport from Monday, the country’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced.
Speaking on Saturday, as adults in Spain were allowed out to exercise for the first time since the strict lockdown was imposed on 14 March, the prime minister said the use of masks would be compulsory on buses, tubes and trains.Sánchez said 6m masks would be handed out at transport hubs, 7m would be issued by councils, and 1.5m would be distributed by the Red Cross and other NGOs.
He also announced that the government would seek MPs’ approval next week for another two-week extension of the state of emergency, which is currently due to end on 10 May.
He said that the success of Spain’s phased emergence from lockdown would depend on “social and personal responsibility”, adding: “The key to the de-escalation isn’t just about personal decisions. The key will be tens of thousands of decisions taken at home, on public transport, at work, and in free time.”
According to the latest health ministry figures, there have been 216,582 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Spain, and 25,100 deaths.
Japan will fast-track a review of the antiviral drug remdesivir so that it can hopefully be approved for domestic COVID-19 patients a week after Gilead Sciences filing for such approval, the health minister said on Saturday, according to a report by Reuters.
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato’s comment comes after remdesivir was granted emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration for COVID-19 on Friday.
“I’ve heard that Gilead Sciences will file for approval (in Japan) within days,” Kato told reporters. “I issued an instruction so that we will be ready to approve it within a week or so.”
The Chinese virologist whose work has been at the centre of the controversial claim that coronavirus came from a laboratory has dismissed rumours that she has defected from China, South China Morning Post reports.
Shi Zhengli, a researcher of bat coronaviruses, wrote on WeChat on Saturday that she and her family had not fled the country, despite coming under heavy scrutiny amid conspiracy theories that the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic had originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in central China where she works.
“No matter how difficult things are, there will not be a ‘defector’ situation as the rumours have said,” Shi wrote.
Chinese state newspaper Global Times said it had confirmed the post had been written by Shi. “We have not done anything wrong and we continue to have strong faith in science. There must be a day when the clouds part and the sun comes out,” she added.
Malta reported just one new Covid-19 infection on Saturday, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases up to 468, according to the Times of Malta.
The R number, which is a way of rating a disease’s ability to spread, is below 1 according to a health official.
“The R-factor is below 1 and we want to keep it that way,” said Charmaine Gauci, superintendent of public health. “We have now started easing measures, including the opening of non-essential retail outlets. These will be allowed to open provided they adhere to some conditions.”
The single infected patient is reported to be a Sudanese man aged 27.
The son of a care home nurse who died in the UK after contracting Covid-19 has said a lack of personal protective equipment is what killed his mother, as the family were forced to say goodbye via an iPad.The son of a care home nurse who died in the UK after contracting Covid-19 has said a lack of personal protective equipment is what killed his mother, as the family were forced to say goodbye via an iPad.
In an online tribute, Ian O’Neal described Suzanne Loverseed, 63, as a “lioness” who gave everything for her children.In an online tribute, Ian O’Neal described Suzanne Loverseed, 63, as a “lioness” who gave everything for her children.
He wrote: “At the end, she worked in a care home, with patients dying of this virus. She had no PPE [protective personal equipment] but fearlessly she carried on. That’s what killed her.”He wrote: “At the end, she worked in a care home, with patients dying of this virus. She had no PPE [protective personal equipment] but fearlessly she carried on. That’s what killed her.”
It comes amid growing concern about the risks faced by those in the UK’s care homes, with the sector believed to be at the centre of crisis. On Wednesday, the government released figures that revealed coronavirus deaths for both in hospitals and the community, including care homes, for the first time. It added an additional 3,811 deaths for those who had tested positive for Covid-19 in the community since the start of the outbreak, bringing the total number of deaths to more than 26,000.It comes amid growing concern about the risks faced by those in the UK’s care homes, with the sector believed to be at the centre of crisis. On Wednesday, the government released figures that revealed coronavirus deaths for both in hospitals and the community, including care homes, for the first time. It added an additional 3,811 deaths for those who had tested positive for Covid-19 in the community since the start of the outbreak, bringing the total number of deaths to more than 26,000.
Mick Jagger and Will Smith will be among dozens of international celebrities performing from their homes in a four-hour concert to raise funds for the battle against coronavirus in India, where the number of cases is surging.Mick Jagger and Will Smith will be among dozens of international celebrities performing from their homes in a four-hour concert to raise funds for the battle against coronavirus in India, where the number of cases is surging.
The country’s cricket captain Virat Kohli, Bollywood actors Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan are some of the top domestic names billed to perform or read messages during the event on Sunday.The country’s cricket captain Virat Kohli, Bollywood actors Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan are some of the top domestic names billed to perform or read messages during the event on Sunday.
The performances will be livestreamed by Facebook and will pay tribute to workers fighting the pandemic.The performances will be livestreamed by Facebook and will pay tribute to workers fighting the pandemic.
A trial has begun in the UK to test if blood plasma from coronavirus survivors could help treat those critically ill with the disease.A trial has begun in the UK to test if blood plasma from coronavirus survivors could help treat those critically ill with the disease.
Plasma is a clear liquid that makes up about half of people’s blood volume and carries red and white blood cells and platelets around the body. More than 6,500 people registered their interest for the plasma donation programme, which is being led by NHS Blood and Transplant on behalf of the government.Plasma is a clear liquid that makes up about half of people’s blood volume and carries red and white blood cells and platelets around the body. More than 6,500 people registered their interest for the plasma donation programme, which is being led by NHS Blood and Transplant on behalf of the government.
The organisation is recruiting people with the help of NHS data and inviting suitable candidates who have recovered from a confirmed case of coronavirus or had symptoms to donate plasma at its 23 main blood centres.The organisation is recruiting people with the help of NHS data and inviting suitable candidates who have recovered from a confirmed case of coronavirus or had symptoms to donate plasma at its 23 main blood centres.
“Recovered patients’ plasma may contain antibodies that their immune systems have produced in fighting the virus,” NHS Blood and Transplant said in a statement. “It is hoped that plasma taken no sooner than 28 days after recovery from Covid-19 will contain a high level of this neutralising antibody.”“Recovered patients’ plasma may contain antibodies that their immune systems have produced in fighting the virus,” NHS Blood and Transplant said in a statement. “It is hoped that plasma taken no sooner than 28 days after recovery from Covid-19 will contain a high level of this neutralising antibody.”
Blood had started being collected from 148 people in England so far, the BBC reported, and researchers hope antibodies found in it could become a significant solution in the fight against the virus.Blood had started being collected from 148 people in England so far, the BBC reported, and researchers hope antibodies found in it could become a significant solution in the fight against the virus.
Malaysian authorities have defended plans to ease coronavirus lockdown measures next week even as the number of new infections jumped to a two-week high, Reuters reports.Malaysian authorities have defended plans to ease coronavirus lockdown measures next week even as the number of new infections jumped to a two-week high, Reuters reports.
Most businesses will reopen on Monday following a six-week shutdown ordered to fight the Covid-19 outbreak, though schools, cinemas and nightclubs will remain closed, along with the country’s borders, and mass gatherings will still be banned.Most businesses will reopen on Monday following a six-week shutdown ordered to fight the Covid-19 outbreak, though schools, cinemas and nightclubs will remain closed, along with the country’s borders, and mass gatherings will still be banned.
The decision to allow businesses to resume trading has sparked criticism including from members of the ruling coalition that restrictions were being eased too soon.The decision to allow businesses to resume trading has sparked criticism including from members of the ruling coalition that restrictions were being eased too soon.
The number of new coronavirus infections as reported by the health ministry rose by 105 on Saturday, the highest daily increase since 16 April. The number of known infections totalled 6,176 and fatalities were at 103.The number of new coronavirus infections as reported by the health ministry rose by 105 on Saturday, the highest daily increase since 16 April. The number of known infections totalled 6,176 and fatalities were at 103.
Ireland has extended its lockdown for another two weeks to 18 May, when it will introduce a phased, five-stage exit over three months.Ireland has extended its lockdown for another two weeks to 18 May, when it will introduce a phased, five-stage exit over three months.
The country’s lockdown regime has been much stricter than the UK’s, but Friday night’s announcement offers a clear, step-by-step map out of the lockdown for schools, shops, businesses as well as the global Irish diaspora including more than 300,000 in the UK, many of whom would normally make visits home in the summer.The country’s lockdown regime has been much stricter than the UK’s, but Friday night’s announcement offers a clear, step-by-step map out of the lockdown for schools, shops, businesses as well as the global Irish diaspora including more than 300,000 in the UK, many of whom would normally make visits home in the summer.
The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said while the rise in the death rate from coronavirus had flattened it was still too dangerous to ease the lockdown.The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said while the rise in the death rate from coronavirus had flattened it was still too dangerous to ease the lockdown.
While thousands of lives had been saved, “we have not yet won this fight”, he said, adding that two more weeks of tight restrictions to weaken the virus further were necessary to ensure it “doesn’t have the strength to make a comeback”.While thousands of lives had been saved, “we have not yet won this fight”, he said, adding that two more weeks of tight restrictions to weaken the virus further were necessary to ensure it “doesn’t have the strength to make a comeback”.
Coronavirus was initially described as the “great leveller”, but as the virus has spread across the UK and the world, it’s the poorest that have borne the brunt.Coronavirus was initially described as the “great leveller”, but as the virus has spread across the UK and the world, it’s the poorest that have borne the brunt.
The Guardian’s front page leads on what it calls the UK’s “corona divide”, as official data shows people in the poorest parts of Britain are dying from the illness at twice the rate of those in the wealthiest.The Guardian’s front page leads on what it calls the UK’s “corona divide”, as official data shows people in the poorest parts of Britain are dying from the illness at twice the rate of those in the wealthiest.
The new data analysis, which revealed the devastating scale of the death toll in the poorest parts of England and Wales, led to calls for the government to prioritise health funding for the most deprived regions in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis.The new data analysis, which revealed the devastating scale of the death toll in the poorest parts of England and Wales, led to calls for the government to prioritise health funding for the most deprived regions in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis.
London’s poorest boroughs have the highest Covid-19 death rates in England and Wales. Nearly a decade after hosting the Olympics, the spotlight was back on the London borough of Newham, which recorded the worst mortality rate in England and Wales with 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population.London’s poorest boroughs have the highest Covid-19 death rates in England and Wales. Nearly a decade after hosting the Olympics, the spotlight was back on the London borough of Newham, which recorded the worst mortality rate in England and Wales with 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population.
Here’s my dispatch on the area, where residents say the pandemic has become a stark reminder that the better jobs, housing and quality of life that were promised have failed to materialise.Here’s my dispatch on the area, where residents say the pandemic has become a stark reminder that the better jobs, housing and quality of life that were promised have failed to materialise.
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, will hold a news conference on Monday at 9am GMT about the coronavirus, the ministry of foreign affairs said on Saturday, according to Reuters.Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, will hold a news conference on Monday at 9am GMT about the coronavirus, the ministry of foreign affairs said on Saturday, according to Reuters.
Abe is expected to extend a nationwide state of emergency which runs until 6 May under which his government has asked restaurants and stores to close, and for people to stay at home in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus.Abe is expected to extend a nationwide state of emergency which runs until 6 May under which his government has asked restaurants and stores to close, and for people to stay at home in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Russia has posted another record jump in coronavirus cases, as the disease continues to overwhelm the country’s hospitals and infect top members of government.Russia has posted another record jump in coronavirus cases, as the disease continues to overwhelm the country’s hospitals and infect top members of government.
Russia posted a record increase of 9,623 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, indicating the country has still not reached a plateau, with the national tally growing to 124,054. Russia is showing the second-highest rate of spread of the disease in the world behind the US, and the surge has vaulted Russia past Turkey to give it the seventh-largest caseload in the world.Russia posted a record increase of 9,623 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, indicating the country has still not reached a plateau, with the national tally growing to 124,054. Russia is showing the second-highest rate of spread of the disease in the world behind the US, and the surge has vaulted Russia past Turkey to give it the seventh-largest caseload in the world.
Officials say that the actual number of infected may be far higher than government statistics show. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, estimated on Saturday that 2% of the Russian capital’s population was infected, meaning that more than 240,000 people may have the virus in a city of more than 12 million. That exceeds the confirmed 62,658 cases by nearly four times.Officials say that the actual number of infected may be far higher than government statistics show. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, estimated on Saturday that 2% of the Russian capital’s population was infected, meaning that more than 240,000 people may have the virus in a city of more than 12 million. That exceeds the confirmed 62,658 cases by nearly four times.
Hospitals in the capital are at capacity, with television footage showing ambulances forced to wait for hours or even overnight in order to deliver the infected to emergency rooms. Sobyanin last week also ordered medical students to be mobilised in the fight against disease, with some telling the Moscow Times and other news outlets that they had been coerced into serving at local hospitals.Hospitals in the capital are at capacity, with television footage showing ambulances forced to wait for hours or even overnight in order to deliver the infected to emergency rooms. Sobyanin last week also ordered medical students to be mobilised in the fight against disease, with some telling the Moscow Times and other news outlets that they had been coerced into serving at local hospitals.
Officially, Russia has posted close to 1,200 deaths from coronavirus, but the numbers are likely higher. In St Petersburg, eight refrigerator trailers used as mobile morgues appeared outside of hospitals this week to handle the overflow, according to the Fontanka news agency.Officially, Russia has posted close to 1,200 deaths from coronavirus, but the numbers are likely higher. In St Petersburg, eight refrigerator trailers used as mobile morgues appeared outside of hospitals this week to handle the overflow, according to the Fontanka news agency.
Birds’ seven-week reign in Madrid is coming to an end.Birds’ seven-week reign in Madrid is coming to an end.
By 9.30am on Saturday, the musings of blackbirds, the cooings of pigeons and the hooligan shrieks of parakeets had begun to mix with the rhythmic fall of foot on pavement and the whizzing of bikes.By 9.30am on Saturday, the musings of blackbirds, the cooings of pigeons and the hooligan shrieks of parakeets had begun to mix with the rhythmic fall of foot on pavement and the whizzing of bikes.
Spain’s coronavirus lockdown, one of the toughest in Europe, is slowly being eased, and people are twitchy for the newly-restored privilege of exercise.Spain’s coronavirus lockdown, one of the toughest in Europe, is slowly being eased, and people are twitchy for the newly-restored privilege of exercise.
As of first thing Saturday, adults are allowed to exercise between 6am and 10am and then from 8pm to 11pm. The children’s slot is midday to 7pm, while the streets belong to older people and those who need assistance from 10am to midday and then 7pm until 8pm.As of first thing Saturday, adults are allowed to exercise between 6am and 10am and then from 8pm to 11pm. The children’s slot is midday to 7pm, while the streets belong to older people and those who need assistance from 10am to midday and then 7pm until 8pm.
Juan Badiola, a 28-year-old teacher, was relishing his freedom as he walked along the streets of Hortaleza in north-east Madrid.Juan Badiola, a 28-year-old teacher, was relishing his freedom as he walked along the streets of Hortaleza in north-east Madrid.
“It’s been pretty tough and I’ve been working really hard for weeks,” he said. “My family is all healthy and OK, but I’ve really missed being able to go out and make plans.”“It’s been pretty tough and I’ve been working really hard for weeks,” he said. “My family is all healthy and OK, but I’ve really missed being able to go out and make plans.”
His sister, Ana, was also thrilled to be out even if she can’t yet resume her hobby of climbing – or see her friends.His sister, Ana, was also thrilled to be out even if she can’t yet resume her hobby of climbing – or see her friends.
“Being able to get out again is a big deal,” said the 21-year-old student. “But people need to be responsible.”“Being able to get out again is a big deal,” said the 21-year-old student. “But people need to be responsible.”
China’s most populous cities saw an increase in outbound travellers, tourists and day-trippers on the long holiday weekend, according Reuters.China’s most populous cities saw an increase in outbound travellers, tourists and day-trippers on the long holiday weekend, according Reuters.
The increase in the number of people travelling was led by residents of Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus epidemic that first struck the country late last year.The increase in the number of people travelling was led by residents of Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus epidemic that first struck the country late last year.
Reuters reports the number of people travelling outside their home cities jumped 40% on 1 May, the start of the Labour Day weekend, compared with the first day of the tomb sweeping holiday on 4 April, according to Reuters calculations on data from China’s internet giant Baidu Inc.Reuters reports the number of people travelling outside their home cities jumped 40% on 1 May, the start of the Labour Day weekend, compared with the first day of the tomb sweeping holiday on 4 April, according to Reuters calculations on data from China’s internet giant Baidu Inc.
The increase in tourism was led by increases in travellers from Wuhan, Beijing, Dalian, Tianjin and Jinan, with China having eased curbs on travel and relaxed rules on quarantine amid dwindling cases of the coronavirus.The increase in tourism was led by increases in travellers from Wuhan, Beijing, Dalian, Tianjin and Jinan, with China having eased curbs on travel and relaxed rules on quarantine amid dwindling cases of the coronavirus.
Iran’s death toll from coronavirus increased by 65 in the past 24 hours to 6,156 people on Saturday, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a statement on state TV.Iran’s death toll from coronavirus increased by 65 in the past 24 hours to 6,156 people on Saturday, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a statement on state TV.
Reuters reports the total number of diagnosed cases in Iran, one of the hardest-hit Middle Eastern countries, has reached 96,448, he said, adding that 2,787 were in critical condition.Reuters reports the total number of diagnosed cases in Iran, one of the hardest-hit Middle Eastern countries, has reached 96,448, he said, adding that 2,787 were in critical condition.
Guardian reporters Joan E Greve and Julia Carrie Wong have written the following story on the use of the experimental drug remdesivir.Guardian reporters Joan E Greve and Julia Carrie Wong have written the following story on the use of the experimental drug remdesivir.
US regulators have allowed the emergency use of the experimental drug remdesivir, which appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster.US regulators have allowed the emergency use of the experimental drug remdesivir, which appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster.
It is the first drug shown to help fight Covid-19, which has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide.It is the first drug shown to help fight Covid-19, which has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide.
Donald Trump announced the news on Friday at the White House alongside Stephen Hahn, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, who said the drug would be available for patients hospitalized with Covid-19.Donald Trump announced the news on Friday at the White House alongside Stephen Hahn, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, who said the drug would be available for patients hospitalized with Covid-19.
The president said the approval represented a “very promising situation” in the country’s fight against coronavirus, and Dr Deborah Birx added, “I think this really illustrates what can happen in such a short time.”The president said the approval represented a “very promising situation” in the country’s fight against coronavirus, and Dr Deborah Birx added, “I think this really illustrates what can happen in such a short time.”
The emergency approval comes days after Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, expressed cautious optimism about the results of a remdesivir drug trial.The emergency approval comes days after Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, expressed cautious optimism about the results of a remdesivir drug trial.
“The data shows that remdesivir has a clear-cut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery,” Fauci said earlier this week. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”“The data shows that remdesivir has a clear-cut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery,” Fauci said earlier this week. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”
Spain’s coronavirus death toll reached 25,100 on Saturday after 276 people died overnight, the health ministry said.Spain’s coronavirus death toll reached 25,100 on Saturday after 276 people died overnight, the health ministry said.
Reuters reports the total cases rose to 216,582 from 215,216 on Friday.Reuters reports the total cases rose to 216,582 from 215,216 on Friday.
Spain has had one of the worst outbreaks in the world, but is past its peak and gradually easing lockdown restrictions.Spain has had one of the worst outbreaks in the world, but is past its peak and gradually easing lockdown restrictions.