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Coronavirus live news: Putin to ease Russia lockdown despite record number of new infections Coronavirus live news: Putin to ease Russia lockdown despite record number of new infections
(30 minutes later)
UK and WHO to lead global Covid-19 information campaign; Aden declared an ‘infested’ cityUK and WHO to lead global Covid-19 information campaign; Aden declared an ‘infested’ city
Health authorities in Norway have said that opening up nurseries and primary schools has not rekindled the country’s coronavirus epidemic, AFP reports. A potential deal to release a renowned Iranian scientist from a US jail and return him to Iran appears to be in danger of breaking down after a senior US official questioned whether Tehran really wanted him returned, writes Patrick Wintour, the Guardian’s diplomatic editor.
Norway was among the first countries in Europe to open up nursery schools on 20 April, followed by schools for the youngest pupils, between ages six and 10, the following week. Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, claimed on Monday that Sirous Asgari had been freed by US authorities and would be able to return to Iran immediately if he tested negative for coronavirus.
The reopening of the schools, which closed on 12 March, was originally met with concern among parents. But fears appear to have been unfounded. But his remarks were dismissed as “BS” by a senior US Department of Homeland Security official, who accused Iran of slow-walking a deal.
A well-regarded materials scientist, Asgari was acquitted on charges of stealing US trade secrets but remains in immigration detention where he contracted the coronavirus.
Zarif said on Monday that Dr Asgari “has been acquitted of false charges and we have been very active in preparing the ground for his return. If his coronavirus is negative he could return on the first flight”. Zarif’s statement was reported on the margins of an Iranian parliament foreign and security committee meeting in Tehran.
A day of record high coronavirus infection numbers is an odd time to announce a route out of lockdown, but that’s what Vladimir Putin did on Monday as he announced the “non-working days” imposed by the Kremlin at the end of March would come to an end from Tuesday, writes Shaun Walker.
“We have a long and difficult process ahead of us with no room for mistakes,” said Putin by video link from his residence outside Moscow, on a day when the country registered more than 11,000 new infections. Russia now has the second fastest rate of infections in the world after the US. The prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, is among those in hospital with the virus.
Rather than an invitation to Russians to stream back into the streets, however, Monday’s announcement seemed to be the latest gambit in Putin’s plan to delegate responsibility for tackling the crisis to local leaders, who he said would make their own decisions on when to end lockdown.
Certainly, Russia’s vast size means there is little point in lockdown restrictions in Vladivostok being tied to the epidemic growth seven timezones away in Moscow. But the health minister Tatiana Golikova later clarified that so far only 11 of Russia’s 85 regions had an epidemiological situation that could allow for a loosening of restrictions, making Putin’s announcement look to some like passing the buck.
Health authorities in Norway have said opening up nurseries and primary schools has not rekindled the country’s coronavirus epidemic, AFP reports.
Norway was among the first countries in Europe to open up nursery schools on 20 April, followed by schools for pupils between ages six and 10 the following week.
The reopening of the schools, which had been closed on 12 March, was initially met with concern among parents. But fears appear to have been unfounded.
“We have so far not seen that opening nurseries and schools have had a negative effect on the infection situation,” Frode Forland, a senior official from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, told a daily press briefing.“We have so far not seen that opening nurseries and schools have had a negative effect on the infection situation,” Frode Forland, a senior official from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, told a daily press briefing.
“If the opening would have had a negative effect we would have begun to see that in an increased number of infections,” Forland added. “If the opening would have had a negative effect, we would have begun to see that in an increased number of infections..
The same seemed to be true for hair saloons, physiotherapists, as well as some other healthcare-related professions which have been allowed to operate since 27 April, according to Forland. The same seemed to be true for hair salons, physiotherapists, as well as some other healthcare-related professions that have been allowed to operate since 27 April, according to Forland.
The rest of the country’s primary schools, high schools and colleges are due to reopen later in the week.The rest of the country’s primary schools, high schools and colleges are due to reopen later in the week.
As of Monday Norway had confirmed 8,106 cases of the novel coronavirus, and 224 people have died in the country of 5.4 million people. As of Monday, Norway had confirmed 8,106 cases of coronavirus, and 224 people had died in the country of 5.4 million people.
Some 47 highly vulnerable migrants have arrived in the UK on an “unprecedented” family reunion flight from Greece, Harriet Grant reports. Forty-seven vulnerable migrants have arrived in the UK on an “unprecedented” family reunion flight from Greece, Harriet Grant reports.
British refugees travelled to Heathrow to greet nephews, brothers, husbands and wives after Monday’s flight brought people from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan to join close family in the UK. The reunion was the result of two months of intense lobbying by the campaign group Safe Passage and British peer Alf Dubs. British refugees travelled to Heathrow to greet nephews, brothers, husbands and wives after Monday’s flight brought people from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan to join close family in the UK. The reunion was the result of two months of intense lobbying by the campaign group Safe Passage and the British peer Alf Dubs.
Many of the individuals, some with severe health problems, had been living for several months in the dire conditions of Greek refugee camps.Many of the individuals, some with severe health problems, had been living for several months in the dire conditions of Greek refugee camps.
The World Health Organization has said that “extreme vigilance” is needed as countries begin to exit from lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, Reuters reports. The World Health Organization has said “extreme vigilance” is needed as countries begin to exit from lockdowns, Reuters reports.
Germany earlier reported an acceleration in new coronavirus infections after it took early steps to ease its lockdown. South Korea, another country that had succeeded in limiting virus infections, has seen a new outbreak in nightclubs.Germany earlier reported an acceleration in new coronavirus infections after it took early steps to ease its lockdown. South Korea, another country that had succeeded in limiting virus infections, has seen a new outbreak in nightclubs.
“Now we are seeing some hope as many countries exit these lockdowns,” Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO’s emergencies programme, told an online news briefing, but he added that “extreme vigilance is required”. “Now we are seeing some hope as many countries exit these lockdowns,” Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO’s emergencies programme, told an online news briefing.
“If the disease persists at a low level without the possibility to investigate clusters there’s always the possibility that the virus takes off again,” he said. “If the disease persists at a low level without the possibility to investigate clusters, there’s always the possibility that the virus takes off again,” he said.
Governments around the world are struggling with the question of how to reopen their economies while still containing Covid-19, the lung disease caused by the new coronavirus. Governments around the world are struggling with the question of how to reopen their economies while still containing Covid-19.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the same briefing that lifting restrictions was “complex and difficult” and that the “slow, steady lifting of lockdowns” was key. The WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told the same briefing that lifting restrictions was “complex and difficult” and that the “slow, steady lifting of lockdowns” was key.
Tedros said that Germany, South Korea and China all had systems in place to respond to any resurgence in cases. Tedros said Germany, South Korea and China all had systems in place to respond to any resurgence in cases.
Mike Pence, the US vice-president, will not enter quarantine despite a rash of coronavirus cases in the White House in recent days, including a positive test for Pence’s press secretary, writes Tom McCarthy, the Guardian US national affairs correspondent in New York.Mike Pence, the US vice-president, will not enter quarantine despite a rash of coronavirus cases in the White House in recent days, including a positive test for Pence’s press secretary, writes Tom McCarthy, the Guardian US national affairs correspondent in New York.
“Vice-president Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” Devin O’Malley, a backup spokesman for Pence, said in a statement on Sunday night.“Vice-president Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” Devin O’Malley, a backup spokesman for Pence, said in a statement on Sunday night.
As the Trump administration urges Americans to return to workplaces and Donald Trump touts a “transition to greatness” ahead, the White House faces a delicate balancing act in projecting business as usual even as coronavirus cases spread through the halls of power.As the Trump administration urges Americans to return to workplaces and Donald Trump touts a “transition to greatness” ahead, the White House faces a delicate balancing act in projecting business as usual even as coronavirus cases spread through the halls of power.
There were 179 new coronavirus fatalities in Italy on Monday, bringing the death toll to 30,739, while the number of new infections rose by 744, 58 less than on Sunday, writes Angela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s Rome correspondent.There were 179 new coronavirus fatalities in Italy on Monday, bringing the death toll to 30,739, while the number of new infections rose by 744, 58 less than on Sunday, writes Angela Giuffrida, the Guardian’s Rome correspondent.
While new infections have been declining across all the Italian regions, there has been an unusual rise in Molise, the sparsely populated southern region. After registering several days of zero infections during the first week of May, the rate suddenly went up, with 81 new cases recorded since 7 May, reportedly from among the Roma community in the regional capital of Campobasso.While new infections have been declining across all the Italian regions, there has been an unusual rise in Molise, the sparsely populated southern region. After registering several days of zero infections during the first week of May, the rate suddenly went up, with 81 new cases recorded since 7 May, reportedly from among the Roma community in the regional capital of Campobasso.
The region has had 383 confirmed cases to date, the lowest in Italy, and 22 deaths.The region has had 383 confirmed cases to date, the lowest in Italy, and 22 deaths.
The president of Madagascar has dismissed criticism over his promoting a homegrown remedy for Covid-19, accusing health experts of taking a condescending attitude towards traditional African medicine, AFP reports.The president of Madagascar has dismissed criticism over his promoting a homegrown remedy for Covid-19, accusing health experts of taking a condescending attitude towards traditional African medicine, AFP reports.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned that the infusion, derived from artemisia and other indigenous herbs, has not been clinically tested.The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned that the infusion, derived from artemisia and other indigenous herbs, has not been clinically tested.
But the Madagascan leader, Andry Rajoelina, claims the infusion cures patients within 10 days. In an interview with French media, he said:But the Madagascan leader, Andry Rajoelina, claims the infusion cures patients within 10 days. In an interview with French media, he said:
Already Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Tanzania have taken delivery of consignments of the potion, which was launched last month.Already Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Tanzania have taken delivery of consignments of the potion, which was launched last month.
“No country or organisation will keep us from going forward,” Rajoelina said in response to the WHO’s concerns.“No country or organisation will keep us from going forward,” Rajoelina said in response to the WHO’s concerns.
He said proof of the tonic’s efficacy was in “the healing of our sick”.He said proof of the tonic’s efficacy was in “the healing of our sick”.
Madagascar has officially reported 183 coronavirus infections and 105 recoveries, with no deaths.Madagascar has officially reported 183 coronavirus infections and 105 recoveries, with no deaths.
The government of Jordan decided on Monday to allow civil servants to return to work from 26 May following a break of around two months imposed as part of measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.The government of Jordan decided on Monday to allow civil servants to return to work from 26 May following a break of around two months imposed as part of measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
Amjad al-Adailah, a government spokesman, said civil servants, who comprise the bulk of Jordan’s public sector, would return after the three-day Eid holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.Amjad al-Adailah, a government spokesman, said civil servants, who comprise the bulk of Jordan’s public sector, would return after the three-day Eid holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
The government will maintain a night curfew until further notice despite the easing of a tight lockdown over the last two weeks that has allowed most businesses to resume work, he added.The government will maintain a night curfew until further notice despite the easing of a tight lockdown over the last two weeks that has allowed most businesses to resume work, he added.
The European commission will tell airlines and travel companies to offer vouchers valid at least 12 months for travel cancelled as a result of the coronavirus crisis when it presents this week its recommendations to help the ailing tourism industry, officials told Reuters.
Vouchers should offer the same services, same route in case of a flight and same travel conditions as the original booking. Customers who end up not using the vouchers would still be able to ask for a full refund no later than 12 months after the vouchers were issued, the officials said on Monday.
The EU executive is also due to tell member states to guarantee vouchers to convince customers to accept them instead of a cash refund, according to a document seen by Reuters before official publication due on Wednesday.
The proposal will come as guidance to the 27 EU member states and European companies, rather than a law they would be obliged to follow.
Germany and other countries have urged a suspension of EU rules that force cash-drained airlines and the hospitality industry to offer full refunds for cancelled flights and trips.
Tunisia on Monday urged continued vigilance against the coronavirus, a day after recording no new cases for the first time since 2 March as it eases strict lockdown measures, AFP reports.
The country’s overall toll stood at 1,032 cases on Sunday, the same as the previous day, with 45 deaths – unchanged for several days – and 700 recoveries.
But the health minister, Abdellatif Mekki, urged caution despite the encouraging figures.
“It’s true that it boosts morale, but there could be a return of cases tomorrow,” he told the parliamentary health committee.
He called on Tunisians to continue respecting hygiene and social distancing measures.
Tunisia closed its schools, places of worship and non-essential shops in mid-March, despite having recorded fewer than 20 cases of the Covid-19 illness.
It began a partial easing of the lockdown in late April, although schools will largely remain closed until September.
Richard Branson is to sell $500m (£405m) in Virgin Galactic shares in order to prop up his airline and leisure interests, which have been ravaged by the coronavirus crisis.
In a statement to the New York stock exchange, Branson’s Virgin Group said it intended to sell 25m shares via a series of transactions, prompting a 5% fall in the share price of Virgin Galactic during pre-market trading.
The shares, which account for just over a fifth of the billionaire’s stake in the space tourism business, were worth $500m at their pre-announcement price of $20. The company said:
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, is now giving one of his thrice-weekly press conferences on coronavirus.
You can also view it in the player embedded at the top of the blog.
Particular focus in Germany in the struggle against coronavirus is being paid to the meat industry, where there has been a disturbingly high number of infections, writes Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.
Critics of the industry have said they believe that working conditions, including the accommodation where workers – mainly from eastern European countries – are often housed collectively in very close quarters, are at least in part to blame.
In one abattoir in particular, in the municipality of Coesfeld in North Rhein-Westphalia, there have been 249 confirmed cases of coronavirus among workers.
The meat industry has hit back at the claims, insisting the working conditions are not to blame. Instead, it says the reason is that the meat industry had to keep going even as the virus took hold in Germany, while other industries, such as the automobile industry, were forced to stop.
“The industry had to keep going in order to ensure that the food supply was not interrupted”, Heike Harstick, the CEO of the association of the German meat industry, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung in an interview. She said if workers had to be kept in separate rooms, that would lead to higher rent and many abattoirs would go out of business or be forced abroad.
As a result of the scandal in Coesfeld, and other incidents elsewhere, all workers at abattoirs across NRW will now have a coronavirus test by the end of this week, said Karl-Josef Laumann, the state’s health minister.
The opposition Green party has called for a debate in the Bundestag for the coming week on working conditions in the meat industry across the country and is calling for tighter controls and better worker protection to be introduced.
This is Damien Gayle back again after my break, so please do send on any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage. You can reach me via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
This is Caroline Davies now handing the blog back to my colleague Damien Gayle.
On an unseasonably chill grey May morning, in coats and scarves, Paris came out of lockdown in much the same mood as it went into it two months ago: a bit hesitantly, dragging its feet, not entirely sure what the rules were of another new non-normality, writes Jon Henley, the Guardian’s European affairs correspondent.
“I’m a little bit frightened,” admitted Marianna Mota, reopening her florist’s on Rue Condorcet in the 9th arrondissement for the first time since 17 March. “I only hope the customers will come and I only hope they’ll be careful. We need them to be.”
It nearly did not happen at all. According to local media, the government hesitated until the last minute before finally confirming last week it would lift the lockdown in the French capital and its surrounding area, the country’s most densely populated region and the hardest hit by Covid-19.
Unlike most of the rest of France, classified green, and to a much greater extent than the three other regions coloured red for high-risk – broadly the country’s north-east quarter – the coronavirus is still circulating in and around Paris, where Covid-19 patients currently account for more than 10% of admissions to emergency care wards.
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.
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.
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.