This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/11/coronavirus-live-news-white-house-task-force-hit-by-infection-us-usa-vp-mike-pence-donald-trump-boris-johnsons-uk-lockdown-plans-criticised

The article has changed 44 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 37 Version 38
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
(32 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
In the US, the governor of California Gavin Newsom has said both he and local health officials will speak to Tesla bosses after the company ordered workers back on the job despite ongoing local restrictions. Morocco has cleared disposable face masks for export after reaching a daily production capacity of 10m by 24 factories during its epidemic, the country’s industry minister, Hafid Elalamy, has said.
Newsom said he expected the plant to open as soon as next week and that he did not know about the order to return to work or photographs circulating on San Francisco Bay Area news sites showing that its parking lot was full. An average of 2m masks are sold daily in Morocco and the surplus will be exported now that a strategic stockpile of 50m masks has been secured, Elalamy told members of parliament.
Reusable masks will only be cleared for export once Morocco secures a stockpile of 15m, he said.
Morocco, which has been on lockdown since 20 March, has made wearing face masks mandatory since 7 April.
The north African country has been exporting medical protective gear and face shields, the minister said. He added that Morocco has secured self-sufficiency in ethanol, key to making sanitisers, with a daily production capacity of 24,000 litres.
Energy demand has plummeted during the Covid-19 crisis and global carbon dioxide emissions are anticipated to be 8% lower this year, compared with 2019. Is this affecting our weather and will it affect the global climate in years to come?
Carbon dioxide hangs around in the atmosphere for decades so it takes a long time for the impact to play out. Keith Shine, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading, estimates the Covid-19 effect might reduce warming by a measly 0.0025C in about 20 years time.
This is far below anything we can observe. If we were to sustain this 8% reduction over the coming years, Shine calculated, we would avoid about 0.15C of warming but, sadly, we would still massively overshoot our Paris agreement target of 1.5C.
Algeria has started producing rapid test kits with a claimed detection time of 15 minutes and a production capacity of 200,000 units per week, its government has said.
A laboratory in the capital, Algiers, developed the test kits in partnership with Canadian and Jordanian firms, the junior minister in charge of pharmaceutical production, Lotfi Benbahmed, said on state television, without naming the two foreign partners.
Slovenia will admit international air passengers from Tuesday, ending an eight-week suspension. The country’s government said:
In the US, the governor of California Gavin Newsom has said he and local health officials will speak to Tesla bosses after the company ordered workers back on the job despite ongoing local restrictions.
Newsom said he expected the plant to open as soon as next week and that he did not know about the order to return to work or photographs circulating on San Francisco Bay Area news sites showing its full parking lot.
Fears of foreigners bringing infectious disease into the country. Enhanced border checkpoints. And the use of disinfectant spray to sanitise human beings.Fears of foreigners bringing infectious disease into the country. Enhanced border checkpoints. And the use of disinfectant spray to sanitise human beings.
These aren’t notes from one of Donald Trump’s freewheeling press conferences. The United States’ troubled response to the coronavirus pandemic is such that the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora, has set up “sanitising tunnels” to disinfect people leaving the US through Nogales, in Arizona. These aren’t notes from one of Donald Trump’s freewheeling press conferences. The United States’s troubled response to the coronavirus pandemic is such that the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora, has set up “sanitising tunnels” to disinfect people leaving the US through Nogales, in Arizona.
Albania has seen its lowest daily number of infections in eight weeks as half of its 2.8 million population began enjoying more freedom in green zones and life went on almost as normal in the other half.Albania has seen its lowest daily number of infections in eight weeks as half of its 2.8 million population began enjoying more freedom in green zones and life went on almost as normal in the other half.
With its economy heading for a recession of up to 5%, or 6.9% if most of the economy starts working by late summer, Albania has begun to gradually restart parts of its economy over the last fortnight. With its economy heading for a recession of up to 5%, or 6.9% if most of the economy starts working by late summer, Albania has begun to gradually restart parts of its economy over the last two weeks.
Just four new infections were traced in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily number in the last eight weeks, said Eugena Tomini of the health institute in her daily update.Just four new infections were traced in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily number in the last eight weeks, said Eugena Tomini of the health institute in her daily update.
The White House has directed staff working in the West Wing, where the daily operations of Donald Trump’s administration are carried out, to wear masks.The White House has directed staff working in the West Wing, where the daily operations of Donald Trump’s administration are carried out, to wear masks.
A senior administration official said the directive would apply at all times other than when staff are at their own desks.A senior administration official said the directive would apply at all times other than when staff are at their own desks.
ABC News first reported that a new memo directed everyone who enters the wing to cover their faces. With Trump’s valet and vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary both testing positive for the virus last week, pressure is growing for the White House to take further steps in protecting the health of country’s 73-year-old president.ABC News first reported that a new memo directed everyone who enters the wing to cover their faces. With Trump’s valet and vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary both testing positive for the virus last week, pressure is growing for the White House to take further steps in protecting the health of country’s 73-year-old president.
There is no guarantee of a Covid-19 vaccine, the British prime minister Boris Johnson has said, though he said the UK was heavily involved in the work to develop one.There is no guarantee of a Covid-19 vaccine, the British prime minister Boris Johnson has said, though he said the UK was heavily involved in the work to develop one.
He said the UK government was putting “huge sums” into finding a vaccine, but added:He said the UK government was putting “huge sums” into finding a vaccine, but added:
The UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, agreed the development of a vaccine could not be guaranteed, but said:The UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, agreed the development of a vaccine could not be guaranteed, but said:
The crew of a virus-stricken cruise ship have finally been allowed to disembark after nearly two months stranded off the coast of Uruguay.The crew of a virus-stricken cruise ship have finally been allowed to disembark after nearly two months stranded off the coast of Uruguay.
Passengers on the Greg Mortimer – 60% of whom had tested positive – flew home from Montevideo on two chartered medical flights to Australia and the US in mid-April.Passengers on the Greg Mortimer – 60% of whom had tested positive – flew home from Montevideo on two chartered medical flights to Australia and the US in mid-April.
But the original 85 crew remained onboard anchored off the coast of Uruguay, with 37 continuing still carrying the virus and confined to their cabins, in many cases for more than a month. Crew members greeted the news in joyful WhatsApp videos, audios and messages to the Guardian.But the original 85 crew remained onboard anchored off the coast of Uruguay, with 37 continuing still carrying the virus and confined to their cabins, in many cases for more than a month. Crew members greeted the news in joyful WhatsApp videos, audios and messages to the Guardian.
“I thank Jesus for answering our prayers and the press for drawing attention to our plight,” said the ship’s Colombian medical officer, Mauricio Usme.“I thank Jesus for answering our prayers and the press for drawing attention to our plight,” said the ship’s Colombian medical officer, Mauricio Usme.
Marvin Paz Medina, a Honduran crew member who had been confined to his cabin since 4 April and tested positive four consecutive times, said: “As long as we remained onboard on this virus-loaded ship there’s no way we could start testing negative.”Marvin Paz Medina, a Honduran crew member who had been confined to his cabin since 4 April and tested positive four consecutive times, said: “As long as we remained onboard on this virus-loaded ship there’s no way we could start testing negative.”
Some crew members had started to entertain suicidal thoughts from the confinement, said Usme, who has tested positive five consecutive times.Some crew members had started to entertain suicidal thoughts from the confinement, said Usme, who has tested positive five consecutive times.
The reproduction rate in Germany remains above the critical threshold of 1, with an estimated value of 1.07 on Monday after 1.13 on Sunday, the Robert Koch Institute for public health and disease control (RKI) has said.The reproduction rate in Germany remains above the critical threshold of 1, with an estimated value of 1.07 on Monday after 1.13 on Sunday, the Robert Koch Institute for public health and disease control (RKI) has said.
The number indicates that 100 infected people on average infect 107 others, meaning the number of new infections is accelerating again. That could signal the beginning of a second wave of the pandemic in Europe’s largest economy. The RKI said:The number indicates that 100 infected people on average infect 107 others, meaning the number of new infections is accelerating again. That could signal the beginning of a second wave of the pandemic in Europe’s largest economy. The RKI said:
Here are the latest headlines in our global coronavirus news coverage.Here are the latest headlines in our global coronavirus news coverage.
The World Health Organization says “extreme vigilance” is needed as countries begin to exit lockdowns imposed to curb the virus’ spread. The warning comes after Germany reported an acceleration in new infections after easing its lockdown, and South Korea, another country that succeeded in limiting infections, saw a new outbreak in nightclubs.The World Health Organization says “extreme vigilance” is needed as countries begin to exit lockdowns imposed to curb the virus’ spread. The warning comes after Germany reported an acceleration in new infections after easing its lockdown, and South Korea, another country that succeeded in limiting infections, saw a new outbreak in nightclubs.
Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, denied reports his senior scientific and medical advisers were not consulted on the much-maligned new messaging attached to his plan to ease the country’s lockdown as he set out the details in parliament. Amid muddled guidance from ministers on what the new rules actually allow, Johnson insists the public understands his government’s message.Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, denied reports his senior scientific and medical advisers were not consulted on the much-maligned new messaging attached to his plan to ease the country’s lockdown as he set out the details in parliament. Amid muddled guidance from ministers on what the new rules actually allow, Johnson insists the public understands his government’s message.
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, announced an easing of the nationwide lockdown, even as the country reported a record number of new infections. Putin said people in some sectors would return to work, though restrictions on public gatherings would remain in place.Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, announced an easing of the nationwide lockdown, even as the country reported a record number of new infections. Putin said people in some sectors would return to work, though restrictions on public gatherings would remain in place.
Men’s blood has higher levels of an enzyme used by the Sars-CoV-2 virus to infect cells, the results of a study published in the European Heart Journal show. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is found in the heart, kidneys and other organs. It is thought to play a role in how the infection progresses into the lungs.Men’s blood has higher levels of an enzyme used by the Sars-CoV-2 virus to infect cells, the results of a study published in the European Heart Journal show. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is found in the heart, kidneys and other organs. It is thought to play a role in how the infection progresses into the lungs.
The Afghan capital, Kabul, recorded its worst day for infections, as 161 new cases were reported, and the health ministry warned transmission would continue to surge across the country. The total number of confirmed cases in the city, Afghanistan’s worst-affected area, reached 1,257, with about half of the 325 tests carried out coming back positive on Monday.The Afghan capital, Kabul, recorded its worst day for infections, as 161 new cases were reported, and the health ministry warned transmission would continue to surge across the country. The total number of confirmed cases in the city, Afghanistan’s worst-affected area, reached 1,257, with about half of the 325 tests carried out coming back positive on Monday.
Saudi-backed authorities in Yemen declared Aden an “infested” city as the number of cases there rose. The Aden-based national coronavirus committee announced 17 new cases, 10 of them in the southern port city. That raises the total count in areas under the Saudi-backed government’s control to 51, with eight deaths.Saudi-backed authorities in Yemen declared Aden an “infested” city as the number of cases there rose. The Aden-based national coronavirus committee announced 17 new cases, 10 of them in the southern port city. That raises the total count in areas under the Saudi-backed government’s control to 51, with eight deaths.
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 pandemic, the World Health Organization warned. According to modelling, the disruption to health services could take Aids-related deaths in the next year back to 2008 levels, when it claimed 950,000 lives.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 pandemic, the World Health Organization warned. According to modelling, the disruption to health services could take Aids-related deaths in the next year back to 2008 levels, when it claimed 950,000 lives.
The UK and WHO are to lead 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 June.The UK and WHO are to lead 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 June.
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.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.
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.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.
But his remarks were dismissed as “BS” by a senior US Department of Homeland Security official, who accused Iran of slow-walking a deal.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.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 thatAsgari “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.Zarif said on Monday thatAsgari “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.
“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 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.
As of Monday, Norway had confirmed 8,106 cases of coronavirus, and 224 people had died in the country of 5.4 million people.
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 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.
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.
“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.
Governments around the world are struggling with the question of how to reopen their economies while still containing Covid-19.
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 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.
“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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.