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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
(32 minutes later)
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 restrictionsBoris 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
The UK government has given the all clear for the Premier League and other professional sports to return behind closed doors from 1 June, providing its five tests on controlling the coronavirus are met.
The news was contained in a 60-page document, Our Plan to Rebuild, which sets out in broad terms the government’s strategy for recovery from the pandemic.
Sport would be able to resume as part of the second stage of the government’s recovery plan. This would permit “cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed-doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact”.
Full report by Paul MacInnes here.
Cape Town and the surrounding Western Cape province have become South Africa’s coronavirus hotspot, accounting for more than half of the nation’s confirmed cases, which have climbed above 10,600, Associated Press reports.Cape Town and the surrounding Western Cape province have become South Africa’s coronavirus hotspot, accounting for more than half of the nation’s confirmed cases, which have climbed above 10,600, Associated Press reports.
Western Cape province has had 5,621 cases, according to figures released Monday, and of the country’s 206 deaths registered from Covid-19, 116 have occurred in the province.Western Cape province has had 5,621 cases, according to figures released Monday, and of the country’s 206 deaths registered from Covid-19, 116 have occurred in the province.
Cape Town, with its poor, densely populated townships, is the centre of the cases in the province.Cape Town, with its poor, densely populated townships, is the centre of the cases in the province.
South Africa has the continent’s highest number of confirmed cases and has eased its restrictions to allow an estimated 1.6 million people to return to work in selected mines, factories and businesses.South Africa has the continent’s highest number of confirmed cases and has eased its restrictions to allow an estimated 1.6 million people to return to work in selected mines, factories and businesses.
However, the concentration of cases in Cape Town may lead to the city returning to a stricter lockdown, according to the health minister, Zweli Mkizhe.However, the concentration of cases in Cape Town may lead to the city returning to a stricter lockdown, according to the health minister, Zweli Mkizhe.
Vladimir Putin announced an easing of Russia’s nationwide lockdown on Monday, even as Russia recorded a record number of new coronavirus infections.Vladimir Putin announced an easing of Russia’s nationwide lockdown on Monday, even as Russia recorded a record number of new coronavirus infections.
Putin said people in some sectors would now return to work, though restrictions on public gatherings would remain in place. “We have a long and difficult process ahead of us with no room for mistakes,” he said in a televised address to the nation.Putin said people in some sectors would now return to work, though restrictions on public gatherings would remain in place. “We have a long and difficult process ahead of us with no room for mistakes,” he said in a televised address to the nation.
He noted the size of Russia and said the epidemiological situation in different regions varied greatly, thus local governments would retain the right to keep lockdown measures in place. In Moscow, the centre of Russia’s coronavirus epidemic, the lockdown is due to remain in force until the end of May at least.He noted the size of Russia and said the epidemiological situation in different regions varied greatly, thus local governments would retain the right to keep lockdown measures in place. In Moscow, the centre of Russia’s coronavirus epidemic, the lockdown is due to remain in force until the end of May at least.
Russia on Monday announced 11,656 new cases over the past 24 hours, a record number. The country has had a total of 221,344 confirmed cases of the virus and 2,009 deaths. It has the second highest rate of new infections after the US.Russia on Monday announced 11,656 new cases over the past 24 hours, a record number. The country has had a total of 221,344 confirmed cases of the virus and 2,009 deaths. It has the second highest rate of new infections after the US.
“This should be remembered. Putin has ended national self-isolation measures aimed at fighting the epidemic on the very day when we have registered a record for new infections. W for Wisdom,” wrote the opposition politician Alexei Navalny on Twitter.“This should be remembered. Putin has ended national self-isolation measures aimed at fighting the epidemic on the very day when we have registered a record for new infections. W for Wisdom,” wrote the opposition politician Alexei Navalny on Twitter.
In a long address, Putin also surveyed the economic situation in the country, noting that the number of registered unemployed had doubled since early April, and he announced a new package of economic measures.In a long address, Putin also surveyed the economic situation in the country, noting that the number of registered unemployed had doubled since early April, and he announced a new package of economic measures.
Hi. This is Caroline Davies taking over the blog while Damien goes for a break. Please do drop me a line via email caroline.davies@theguardian.com with any tips or suggestions for things we should be coveringHi. This is Caroline Davies taking over the blog while Damien goes for a break. Please do drop me a line via email caroline.davies@theguardian.com with any tips or suggestions for things we should be covering
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has just given the briefest of briefings following relaxation of the lockdown rules over the weekend, writes Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has just given the briefest of briefings following relaxation of the lockdown rules over the weekend, writes Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.
Appearing in the sky lobby of her chancellery in Berlin, she said:Appearing in the sky lobby of her chancellery in Berlin, she said:
That was it. Then she disappeared. Her statement, delivered in an unusually breathless voice and lacking her usual calm, was widely interpreted as a reaction to the news at the weekend that thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities around the country protesting against the infringement of their civil liberties, and reports that many people were failing to abide by the distancing or face covering rules.That was it. Then she disappeared. Her statement, delivered in an unusually breathless voice and lacking her usual calm, was widely interpreted as a reaction to the news at the weekend that thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities around the country protesting against the infringement of their civil liberties, and reports that many people were failing to abide by the distancing or face covering rules.
The number of infections in Germany as of Monday afternoon was 172,658, and 7,681 people had died from the virus.The number of infections in Germany as of Monday afternoon was 172,658, and 7,681 people had died from the virus.
Half a million more people could die from Aids-related illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa if efforts are not made to overcome interruptions to health services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization has warned.Half a million more people could die from Aids-related illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa if efforts are not made to overcome interruptions to health services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization has warned.
According to the modelling carried out on behalf of the WHO and UNAids, the disruption to health services could take Aids-related deaths in the next year in the region back to 2008 levels, when it claimed 950,000 lives.According to the modelling carried out on behalf of the WHO and UNAids, the disruption to health services could take Aids-related deaths in the next year in the region back to 2008 levels, when it claimed 950,000 lives.
“And people would continue to die from the disruption in large numbers for at least another five years, with an annual average excess in deaths of 40% over the next half a decade,” the agencies said. “In addition, HIV service disruptions could also have some impact on HIV incidence in the next year.”“And people would continue to die from the disruption in large numbers for at least another five years, with an annual average excess in deaths of 40% over the next half a decade,” the agencies said. “In addition, HIV service disruptions could also have some impact on HIV incidence in the next year.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the WHO, was quoted as saying:Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the WHO, was quoted as saying:
In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 25.7 million people were living with HIV and 16.4 million (64%) were taking antiretroviral therapy in 2018.In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 25.7 million people were living with HIV and 16.4 million (64%) were taking antiretroviral therapy in 2018.
The Netherlands reported 16 more Covid-19 deaths on Monday, the fewest in nearly two months, bringing the total death toll from its outbreak to 5,456.The Netherlands reported 16 more Covid-19 deaths on Monday, the fewest in nearly two months, bringing the total death toll from its outbreak to 5,456.
In its daily report, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) also said 161 more people had tested positive for the virus, the lowest daily figure in almost as long.In its daily report, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) also said 161 more people had tested positive for the virus, the lowest daily figure in almost as long.
The Netherlands has registered 42,788 cases of coronavirus, although RIVM says the actual numbers of infections are higher since not all patients are tested.The Netherlands has registered 42,788 cases of coronavirus, although RIVM says the actual numbers of infections are higher since not all patients are tested.
Kenya has reported 28 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.Kenya has reported 28 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The UK government and its national broadcaster, the BBC, is joining forces with the World Health Organization to implement a global information campaign around the coronavirus pandemicThe UK government and its national broadcaster, the BBC, is joining forces with the World Health Organization to implement a global information campaign around the coronavirus pandemic
The “Stop the Spread” campaign, intended to counteract “incorrect and false information” about the virus, will appear across BBC World television channels, websites and apps from this month and throughout next month.The “Stop the Spread” campaign, intended to counteract “incorrect and false information” about the virus, will appear across BBC World television channels, websites and apps from this month and throughout next month.
According to a WHO statement:According to a WHO statement:
The UK government is funding the campaign and will track engagement, and will also provide a campaign toolkit to partner governments to translate and use in their own countries, to create a worldwide unified message around the coronavirus outbreak.The UK government is funding the campaign and will track engagement, and will also provide a campaign toolkit to partner governments to translate and use in their own countries, to create a worldwide unified message around the coronavirus outbreak.
The WHO added:The WHO added:
Men’s blood has higher levels than women’s of a key enzyme used by the new coronavirus to infect cells, the results of a European study showed on Monday, Reuters reports.Men’s blood has higher levels than women’s of a key enzyme used by the new coronavirus to infect cells, the results of a European study showed on Monday, Reuters reports.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is found in the heart, kidneys and other organs. In Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus, it is thought to play a role in how the infection progresses into the lungs.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is found in the heart, kidneys and other organs. In Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus, it is thought to play a role in how the infection progresses into the lungs.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, also found that widely prescribed drugs called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) did not lead to higher ACE2 concentrations and should therefore not increase the Covid-19 risk for people taking them.The study, published in the European Heart Journal, also found that widely prescribed drugs called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) did not lead to higher ACE2 concentrations and should therefore not increase the Covid-19 risk for people taking them.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are widely prescribed to patients with congestive heart failure, diabetes or kidney disease. The drugs account for billions of dollars in prescription sales worldwide.ACE inhibitors and ARBs are widely prescribed to patients with congestive heart failure, diabetes or kidney disease. The drugs account for billions of dollars in prescription sales worldwide.
“Our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in Covid-19 patients,” said Adriaan Voors, a professor of cardiology at the University Medical Centre (UMC) Groningen in the Netherlands, who co-led the study.“Our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in Covid-19 patients,” said Adriaan Voors, a professor of cardiology at the University Medical Centre (UMC) Groningen in the Netherlands, who co-led the study.
The Covid-19 pandemic has infected more than 4 million people worldwide and killed almost 277,000, according to a Reuters tally. Death and infection tolls point to men being more likely than women to contract the disease and to have severe or critical complications if they do.The Covid-19 pandemic has infected more than 4 million people worldwide and killed almost 277,000, according to a Reuters tally. Death and infection tolls point to men being more likely than women to contract the disease and to have severe or critical complications if they do.
Kosovo’s caretaker prime minister has said he is in self-isolation after an official in his government “had close contact” with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, according to AFP.Kosovo’s caretaker prime minister has said he is in self-isolation after an official in his government “had close contact” with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, according to AFP.
Albin Kurti made the announcement on his Facebook page, saying he would stay in his apartment until test results were available for the official from the ministry of European integration who had contact with the infected person.Albin Kurti made the announcement on his Facebook page, saying he would stay in his apartment until test results were available for the official from the ministry of European integration who had contact with the infected person.
“Today is the first day when I will not go to work at the prime minister’s office,” the 44-year-old wrote.“Today is the first day when I will not go to work at the prime minister’s office,” the 44-year-old wrote.
With tight restrictions on movement and early moves to shut down public activities, Kosovo has so far prevented a widespread outbreak of Covid-19 among its population of 1.8 million.With tight restrictions on movement and early moves to shut down public activities, Kosovo has so far prevented a widespread outbreak of Covid-19 among its population of 1.8 million.
According to government figures, 884 infections have been detected and 28 people have died from the disease.According to government figures, 884 infections have been detected and 28 people have died from the disease.
South Korea has pushed back its reopening of schools by a week as health authorities try to isolate virus carriers and trace their contacts after finding dozens of coronavirus infections linked to clubgoers, the Associated Press reports.South Korea has pushed back its reopening of schools by a week as health authorities try to isolate virus carriers and trace their contacts after finding dozens of coronavirus infections linked to clubgoers, the Associated Press reports.
Before discovering the new transmissions, the country had relaxed social distancing guidelines amid what had been a slowing caseload and scheduled the reopening of schools, starting with high-school seniors on Wednesday.Before discovering the new transmissions, the country had relaxed social distancing guidelines amid what had been a slowing caseload and scheduled the reopening of schools, starting with high-school seniors on Wednesday.
But the vice-minister for education, Park Baeg-beom, said in a briefing on Monday that the school openings for high-school seniors would be pushed back to next Wednesday.But the vice-minister for education, Park Baeg-beom, said in a briefing on Monday that the school openings for high-school seniors would be pushed back to next Wednesday.
Local education authorities including Cho Hee-yeon, the superintendent of Seoul’s education office, had earlier called for the government to postpone the reopening of schools, raising concerns that children could be exposed to larger infection risks.Local education authorities including Cho Hee-yeon, the superintendent of Seoul’s education office, had earlier called for the government to postpone the reopening of schools, raising concerns that children could be exposed to larger infection risks.
The country’s elementary, middle and high schools have been providing remote learning since April.The country’s elementary, middle and high schools have been providing remote learning since April.