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Coronavirus live news: More new cases in China as parts of Europe ease restrictions Coronavirus live news: more new cases in China as parts of Europe ease restrictions
(about 1 hour 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 restrictions Boris Johnson’s plans for UK labelled vague and divisive; China records new cases in Wuhan and Shulan; New Zealand to move to level 2 restrictions
Tróndur Arge writes: The last time KI Klaksvik and B36 Torshavn met, last October, it was to decide the destiny of the Premier League title, a match that attracted a record 6,000 people – about 11.5% of the population of the Faroe Islands. On Saturday they played again, with no more than 50 people allowed into the stadium including the 22 players on the field, as European domestic football got back under way on the rocky archipelago between Scotland and Iceland.
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to raise taxes and cut public spending as it attempts to deal with both the Covid-19 pandemic and a collapse in oil prices.
Taxes on basic goods are to triple to 15%, spending on major projects cut by $26bn and a ‘cost of living allowance’ for individuals is to be scrapped.
“We are facing a crisis the world has never seen the likes of in modern history, a crisis marked by uncertainty,” said the Saudi finance minister and acting minister of economy and planning, Mohammed Al-Jadaan.
“These measures that have been undertaken today, as tough as they are, are necessary and beneficial to maintain comprehensive financial and economic stability.”
Saudi Arabia has experienced a substantial coronavirus outbreak, reporting 39,000 confirmed cases and 246 deaths. But the country has also been hit hard by the fall in oil prices, with crude now trading at around $30 a barrel, less than half the price at the end of 2019.
This is far below the range Saudi Arabia needs to balance its budget. The kingdom has also lost revenue from the suspension of Muslim pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which were closed to visitors due to the virus.
The decision to cut $26bn in expenses, or about 100 billion Saudi riyals, includes cancelling, extending, or postponing some operational and capital expenditures for government agencies, as well reducing costs for major Vision 2030 projects that are the centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans for the country.
The cost-of-living allowance, is also to be withdrawn from June, a supplement that had cost the state about $13.5bn a year.
VAT will also rise from 5% to 15% in July. The tax on most goods and services was only introduced in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
Switzerland has announced a range of measures to loosen lockdown conditions in the country.Switzerland has announced a range of measures to loosen lockdown conditions in the country.
From today , primary and ‘lower secondary’ schools will reopen, meaning children up to the age of 15 can resume their education. From today, primary and ‘lower secondary’ schools will reopen, meaning children up to the age of 15 can resume their education.
Shops, markets, museums, libraries and restaurants will also be allowed to reopen provided they comply with “precautionary measures”.Shops, markets, museums, libraries and restaurants will also be allowed to reopen provided they comply with “precautionary measures”.
The level of threat from coronavirus in the country remains ‘extraordinary’ however, according to the government’s classification.The level of threat from coronavirus in the country remains ‘extraordinary’ however, according to the government’s classification.
Switzerland has reported 30,305 cases of the disease, according to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, with 1,833 deaths.Switzerland has reported 30,305 cases of the disease, according to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, with 1,833 deaths.
Many of us have turned to the television set for solace during the coronavirus lockdown. But with much of the world behind closed doors, production of new content for the small screen has ground to a halt.Many of us have turned to the television set for solace during the coronavirus lockdown. But with much of the world behind closed doors, production of new content for the small screen has ground to a halt.
In Japan, this has led to an almost unprecedented situation: a lack of new episodes of “Sazae-san”, the world’s longest running cartoon.In Japan, this has led to an almost unprecedented situation: a lack of new episodes of “Sazae-san”, the world’s longest running cartoon.
A mainstay of the Japanese weekend, production of the cartoon has been interrupted by the coronavirus, forcing the broadcast of re-runs for the first time in decades.A mainstay of the Japanese weekend, production of the cartoon has been interrupted by the coronavirus, forcing the broadcast of re-runs for the first time in decades.
“Sazae-san”, which first aired in 1969, revolves around the life of Mrs Sazae, a cheerful but klutzy housewife who lives with her parents, husband, son, brother and sister.“Sazae-san”, which first aired in 1969, revolves around the life of Mrs Sazae, a cheerful but klutzy housewife who lives with her parents, husband, son, brother and sister.
The 30-minute episodes aired Sunday nights are very popular, and for many in Japan have come to denote the end of the weekend.The 30-minute episodes aired Sunday nights are very popular, and for many in Japan have come to denote the end of the weekend.
But the cartoon, recognised as the longest-running animated TV series by Guinness World Records, has been hampered by the outbreak of the virus, with animation dubbing halted to keep staff safe, broadcaster Fuji Television Network said.But the cartoon, recognised as the longest-running animated TV series by Guinness World Records, has been hampered by the outbreak of the virus, with animation dubbing halted to keep staff safe, broadcaster Fuji Television Network said.
“We will halt broadcast of new episodes of ‘Sazae-san’ for the time being from May 17 and instead air re-runs,” it announced on Sunday.“We will halt broadcast of new episodes of ‘Sazae-san’ for the time being from May 17 and instead air re-runs,” it announced on Sunday.
It is the first time the network has been forced to air re-runs since 1975, when the economic effects of an earlier oil crisis lingered..It is the first time the network has been forced to air re-runs since 1975, when the economic effects of an earlier oil crisis lingered..
Hi this is Paul and I’ll be taking you through for the next four hours. My Twitter is largely defunct (I just lurk really), but you can mail me hereHi this is Paul and I’ll be taking you through for the next four hours. My Twitter is largely defunct (I just lurk really), but you can mail me here
I’ll now hand over to my colleague Paul MacInnes in London. Thanks for your company.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: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.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.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.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.”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.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.”“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.”“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.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.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.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 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.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.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.“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.”“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”.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.”“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.”