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Coronavirus live news: More new cases in China as parts of Europe to ease restrictions Coronavirus live news: More new cases in China as parts of Europe ease restrictions
(32 minutes later)
Boris Johnson’s plans for UK labeled vague and divisive; China records new cases in Wuhan and Shulan; New Zealand to move to level 2 restrictionsBoris Johnson’s plans for UK labeled vague and divisive; China records new cases in Wuhan and Shulan; New Zealand to move to level 2 restrictions
I’ll now hand over to my colleague Paul MacInnes in London. Thanks for your company.
You can catch up on the most recent developments with our global wrap here:
Donald Trump is culpable in the deaths of thousands of Americans by using the coronavirus pandemic to boost his electoral prospects and line the pockets of big business, Prof Noam Chomsky has said.
In an interview with the Guardian, the radical intellectual argued the US president was stabbing average Americans in the back while pretending to be the country’s saviour during the worst health crisis in at least a century.
He said Trump, who will seek re-election later this year, had cut government funding for healthcare and research into infectious disease for the benefit of wealthy corporations.
Chomsky said: “That’s something that Trump has been doing every year of his term, cutting it back more. So [his plan is] let’s continue to cut it back, let’s continue to make sure that the population is as vulnerable as we can make it, that it can suffer as much as possible, but will of course increase profits for his primary constituents in wealth and corporate power.”
Australia’s deputy chief medical officer, professor Michael Kidd, is addressing media about the pending easing of restrictions in some states.
“We have very serious risks if overcrowding starts to occur,” Kidd says. “Covid-19 is still out there in our country.”
“If you see a crowd, please go in the other direction.”
Kidd says ideally employers would have people working from home if possible, otherwise having staggered start and finish times.
Individuals also need to take personal responsibility, for example not getting into a lift if it looks too full.
Kidd reports there are no new cases in the ACT, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, or Tasmania.
Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-wen has posted a clip of an interview affirming Taiwan’s wish to rejoin the World Health Organisation.
Taiwan’s membership has been blocked by the Chinese Communist Party government, which claims ownership over Taiwan as a Chinese territory. Amid tensions between China and other nations (including the US and Australia), there has been growing international pressure on the WHO to allow Taiwan to be given back its observer status.
Tsai expressed gratitude to the countries supporting Taiwan’s acceptance into the WHO, and reasserted the country’s right to as the world for help.
“We have the right to participate in the WHO as a world organisation responsible for the health of everybody in the world,” said Tsai.
“And of course we do have a right to be part of it.”
She said Taiwan wanted access to information and to exchange experiences and learn from the international community, but also “to be useful and helpful to the international community”.
“We are more than happy to share with the rest of the world.”
Footage showing half a dozen dead bodies lying on beds next to Covid-19 patients in hospital has horrified India and exposed how the nation’s health system is struggling, in some areas, to cope during the pandemic.Footage showing half a dozen dead bodies lying on beds next to Covid-19 patients in hospital has horrified India and exposed how the nation’s health system is struggling, in some areas, to cope during the pandemic.
The footage from Sion hospital in Mumbai showed the bodies, wrapped in black plastic, lying next to patients undergoing treatment. Families tending to the patients were also seen moving around the ward, with the bodies lying nearby .The footage from Sion hospital in Mumbai showed the bodies, wrapped in black plastic, lying next to patients undergoing treatment. Families tending to the patients were also seen moving around the ward, with the bodies lying nearby .
The vision provoked public outrage and echoed the fears expressed by many Indians that some states might be overwhelmed if there is an increase in cases. The country’s official Covid-19 figures remain low compared with the scale of the pandemic in Europe and the US, and given its population.The vision provoked public outrage and echoed the fears expressed by many Indians that some states might be overwhelmed if there is an increase in cases. The country’s official Covid-19 figures remain low compared with the scale of the pandemic in Europe and the US, and given its population.
The hospital’s dean, Pramod Ingale, blamed the families of the dead for failing to collect the bodies of their loved ones and said the bodies were left in the ward because the morgue was full. Ingale said the rules were not clear about what the hospital should do with unclaimed bodies.The hospital’s dean, Pramod Ingale, blamed the families of the dead for failing to collect the bodies of their loved ones and said the bodies were left in the ward because the morgue was full. Ingale said the rules were not clear about what the hospital should do with unclaimed bodies.
Regulations state the body of a Covid-19 patient has to be removed 30 minutes after being declared dead.Regulations state the body of a Covid-19 patient has to be removed 30 minutes after being declared dead.
New Zealand to move to level 2 lockdown, easing some restrictions. Jacinda Ardern said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10, both inside and outside, as the director-general of health had deemed these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest Covid-19 clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference. It came as the country reported three new cases.New Zealand to move to level 2 lockdown, easing some restrictions. Jacinda Ardern said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10, both inside and outside, as the director-general of health had deemed these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest Covid-19 clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference. It came as the country reported three new cases.
South Korea has reported 35 new cases on Monday, 29 linked to Seoul clubs and bars which were attended by a man in his 20s. More than 1,500 people have been contacted as possible contacts.It was the single biggest daily toll since 9 April, and the country’s containment measures are being put to the test, Yonhap News reports.South Korea has reported 35 new cases on Monday, 29 linked to Seoul clubs and bars which were attended by a man in his 20s. More than 1,500 people have been contacted as possible contacts.It was the single biggest daily toll since 9 April, and the country’s containment measures are being put to the test, Yonhap News reports.
Japan could lift a state-of-emergency in many regions this week if new coronavirus cases are under control, the economy minister said on Monday, as it inches towards a gradual return of economic activity.Japan could lift a state-of-emergency in many regions this week if new coronavirus cases are under control, the economy minister said on Monday, as it inches towards a gradual return of economic activity.
In Ghana, one worker at a fish-processing factory in the Atlantic seafront city of Tema infected 533 other workers, according to President Nana Akufo-Addo.In Ghana, one worker at a fish-processing factory in the Atlantic seafront city of Tema infected 533 other workers, according to President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The first Disneyland resort has reopened, in Shanghai. Chinese state media reports the park is reopening to guests with restrictions on numbers and traffic flow. Children’s playgrounds and indoor theatres are staying closed for the time being.The first Disneyland resort has reopened, in Shanghai. Chinese state media reports the park is reopening to guests with restrictions on numbers and traffic flow. Children’s playgrounds and indoor theatres are staying closed for the time being.
An untraced coronavirus outbreak in a Chinese city near the Russian border and a spate of new cases in Wuhan has prompted fears of a fresh wave of infections in China. Wuhan has recorded its highest number of new infections since 11 March, reporting five new cases for 10 May, among 17 new cases nationwide, the highest in almost two weeks. Five locally transmitted cases were in three provinces bordering Russia and/or North Korea - Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning.An untraced coronavirus outbreak in a Chinese city near the Russian border and a spate of new cases in Wuhan has prompted fears of a fresh wave of infections in China. Wuhan has recorded its highest number of new infections since 11 March, reporting five new cases for 10 May, among 17 new cases nationwide, the highest in almost two weeks. Five locally transmitted cases were in three provinces bordering Russia and/or North Korea - Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning.
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.
US vice president Mike Pence is self-isolating, or at least distancing somewhat, from others at the White House. His office said Pence was not in quarantine and plans to be at the White House on Monday, local time, but was taking precautions.US vice president Mike Pence is self-isolating, or at least distancing somewhat, from others at the White House. His office said Pence was not in quarantine and plans to be at the White House on Monday, local time, but was taking precautions.
In the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has announced plans to ease restrictions, but they’ve been labeled divisive, confusing and vague after he said some places could reopen and the government was “actively encouraging” people to return to work, without giving details of how.In the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has announced plans to ease restrictions, but they’ve been labeled divisive, confusing and vague after he said some places could reopen and the government was “actively encouraging” people to return to work, without giving details of how.
Thailand reported six new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing its total to 3,015 cases since the outbreak began in January, Reuters has reported.Thailand reported six new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing its total to 3,015 cases since the outbreak began in January, Reuters has reported.
The new cases were all in Thailand’s southern provinces, including four on the tourist island of Phuket and one each in Narathiwat and Yala provinces, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman of the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.The new cases were all in Thailand’s southern provinces, including four on the tourist island of Phuket and one each in Narathiwat and Yala provinces, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman of the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
Daily new cases in the single digits have prompted Thailand to begin cautiously reopening some businesses that had been closed to slow the spread of the virus.Daily new cases in the single digits have prompted Thailand to begin cautiously reopening some businesses that had been closed to slow the spread of the virus.
The death toll remained at 56, while 2,796 patients have recovered.The death toll remained at 56, while 2,796 patients have recovered.
Earlier I posted coverage of a protest in Australia, where a small group of demonstrators in Melbourne were angry about lockdown restrictions, Bill Gates, and 5G.Earlier I posted coverage of a protest in Australia, where a small group of demonstrators in Melbourne were angry about lockdown restrictions, Bill Gates, and 5G.
Australian health authorities are now using social media trying to combat the growing conspiracy theories about the (non-existent) link between the 5G network and Covid-19.Australian health authorities are now using social media trying to combat the growing conspiracy theories about the (non-existent) link between the 5G network and Covid-19.
Four days after many newspapers looked forward to a widespread easing of restrictions on “Magic Monday”, the story was very different following Boris Johnson’s Sunday’s night’s televised address to the nation.Four days after many newspapers looked forward to a widespread easing of restrictions on “Magic Monday”, the story was very different following Boris Johnson’s Sunday’s night’s televised address to the nation.
“Boris keeps handbrake on”, says the Mail’s front page headline alongside a large picture of the prime minister clenching his fist as he makes a point during the broadcast. It says Johnson set out the “first steps to free Britain”.“Boris keeps handbrake on”, says the Mail’s front page headline alongside a large picture of the prime minister clenching his fist as he makes a point during the broadcast. It says Johnson set out the “first steps to free Britain”.
Freedom is also the theme of other front pages with the Express proclaiming “Boris: our route to freedom… in baby steps”, and the Telegraph saying: “The long road to freedom”. However, the broadsheet also carries a front page commentary which says that the prime minister “gave us the map, but only a few vague directions”.Freedom is also the theme of other front pages with the Express proclaiming “Boris: our route to freedom… in baby steps”, and the Telegraph saying: “The long road to freedom”. However, the broadsheet also carries a front page commentary which says that the prime minister “gave us the map, but only a few vague directions”.
So that was Jacinda Ardern announcing New Zealand will move from level 3 restrictions to level 2 on Thursday.So that was Jacinda Ardern announcing New Zealand will move from level 3 restrictions to level 2 on Thursday.
Ardern praised the public’s efforts in staying home to protect the country’s most vulnerable and thanked New Zealanders for the huge sacrifices they had made in protecting the country’s most vulnerable, including the elderly and the immunosuppressed.Ardern praised the public’s efforts in staying home to protect the country’s most vulnerable and thanked New Zealanders for the huge sacrifices they had made in protecting the country’s most vulnerable, including the elderly and the immunosuppressed.
She said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10, both inside and outside, as the director-general of health had deemed these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest Covid-19 clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference.She said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10, both inside and outside, as the director-general of health had deemed these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest Covid-19 clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference.
Ardern says: “In 10 days time we will have reopened most businesses in New Zealand... Our plan was go hard, go early so we can get our economy going sooner.”Ardern says: “In 10 days time we will have reopened most businesses in New Zealand... Our plan was go hard, go early so we can get our economy going sooner.”
Malls, playgrounds and gyms will reopen.
“You can begin to move around New Zealand,” Ardern says.
On Monday 18 May, all schoolchildren will be able to return to school and nursery. On 21 May, bars will be able to reopen.
Ardern is talking about what has worked - including strong border controls and strict hand hygiene, but warns “we have not won the war.”
“There is still a chance of silent spread in the future... so today I am announcing that cabinet agrees we are ready to move to level 2, to open up the economy as safely as possible.”
We are expecting an update from New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on her plans to ease lockdown measures further. New Zealand has recorded three new cases of coronavirus today. Stay tuned...
“Emerging from weeks of strict coronavirus lockdown, itself a cause of serious mental health disruption, the lifting of restrictions brings for many a sense of trepidation and unease. While some are bucking at the gate, waiting to return to life in the new normal, others are experiencing a lingering fear of contagion of the virus about which little is still understood.”
As several nations plot a course back to an approximation of normal life, Celina Riberio takes a look at the phenomenon of return anxiety:
Here is our full report on the latest from China, where new cases in two cities are causing concern:
South Korea has reported 35 new cases on Monday, most linked to Seoul clubs and bars.
It was the single biggest daily toll since 9 April, and the country’s containment measures are being put to the test, Yonhap News reports.
29 new cases are linked to clubbers in the Itaweon district after man in his 20s tested positive. More than 1,500 people, from 85 nationalities, are believed to have visited five venues at the same time as the man.
Reuters: Japan could lift a state-of-emergency in many regions this week if new coronavirus cases are under control, the economy minister said on Monday, as it inches towards a gradual return of economic activity.
The state of emergency, in place since last month, gives governors of the 47 prefectures stronger legal authority to urge people to stay at home and businesses to close, but there are no fines or arrests for non-compliance.
The government last week extended the emergency to the end of May, saying it would reassess the situation on May 14. Some non-essential businesses, even in the 13 hardest-hit prefectures designated “special alert districts”, including Tokyo and Osaka, have already reopened despite the extension.
Japan has avoided an explosive outbreak of the novel coronavirus, with some 15,800 domestic cases and 630 deaths. The number of new infections has been on a declining trend over the past week.
“We have been able to proceed steadily towards an end,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a parliamentary session, referring to the epidemic.
Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the government could lift the emergency this week in regions that have seen a notable improvement, even among the 13 hardest-hit prefectures, while warning that any reversal of the trend could change that.
“If signs of an overshoot emerge after the lifting, we would need to consider a re-implementation,” he said in parliament.
Abe has warned of a long battle against the virus and asked the public to continue practising social distancing. People would need to adopt a “new lifestyle” for the coronavirus era, he said, even after the state of emergency is lifted.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 357 to 169,575, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Monday.
The reported death toll rose by 22 to 7,417, the tally showed.
In Ghana, one worker at a fish-processing factory in the Atlantic seafront city of Tema infected 533 other workers, according to President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Via Reuters: Ghana’s health authorities reported the outbreak at the industrial facility late on Friday, but did not provide details.
“All 533 persons were infected by one person,” President Akufo-Addo said. He did not provide details of how the disease spread in the facility or if safety measures had been in place.
He said that the 533 positive cases, which represents around 11.3% of Ghana’s total infections, were part of a backlog of about 921 cases going back as far as April 26 that are only recently being reported.
The new cases pushed Ghana’s total since the pandemic was first reported in the West African nation in mid-March to 4,700 as of Sunday night, the highest number of infections in West Africa.
Reuters: New Zealand reported three new Covid-19 cases on Monday, ahead of a decision on whether to ease restrictions further and allow more business and recreational activities to resume after weeks of disruptions.
The cases - two hospital nurses and one related to overseas travel - bring New Zealand’s total confirmed infections to 1,147, the ministry said, adding that 93% of all confirmed and probable cases have recovered.
The Pacific nation was locked down for more than month under “level 4” restrictions that were eased by a notch on April 28. It has continued to enforce strict social measures on many of its citizens and businesses, helping prevent widespread community spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to announce at 4pm local time her decision on easing restrictions further and putting the country under alert level 2, which would allow retail, domestic travel and local sport to resume.
If the country moves to alert level 2, children can return to schools while staff could return to offices, Ardern has said.
Malls, cafes, hairdressers and other services would be also be allowed to re-open, but the country’s borders would remain closed except for returning New Zealanders.T
hree new cases of CovidD-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, were confirmed on Monday, the health ministry said in a statement.