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Coronavirus live news: Barack Obama attacks Trump virus response Coronavirus live news: Barack Obama attacks Trump virus response
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WHO calls for ‘preparation, not celebration’; boy in France dies of Kawasaki-like disease; China asks food producers to boost stocksWHO calls for ‘preparation, not celebration’; boy in France dies of Kawasaki-like disease; China asks food producers to boost stocks
Greece is continuing to make headway in its return to normality with the government poised to announce that restaurants and other eateries can now open on 25 May, one week ahead of schedule.
The news has seen the owners of various tavernas in Athens, and especially in the iconic district of Plaka beneath the ancient Acropolis, rush to prepare their premises for the summer. Shopping malls and department stores will also be allowed to open tomorrow, two weeks ahead of schedule. By law staff and customers will be obliged to wear face coverings.
With the nation hit by the first heatwave of the year, the committee of experts advising the centre right government also allowed over 500 organised beaches to open this weekend in what is seen as a test run for the tourism industry.
Churches were similarly open to worshippers today for the first time in two months. But social distancing rules for faithful will be strict: guidelines permit one person per 10 sq meters of every house of worship.
Greek authorities applied drastic measures to contain the spread of coronavirus before the country recorded its first fatality, first closing schools in the western Peloponnese on March 4th. At last count, Friday, there had been 2,810 confirmed infections and 160 fatalities.
Russia has reported 9,709 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus today, a rise from 9,200 new cases reported on Saturday. Russia’s coronavirus taskforce said the overall number of cases nationwide stood at 281,752. It added that 94 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,631.
Move over Captain Tom, there’s a new lap-completing centenarian in town. In Canada 101-year-old John Hillman, a second world war veteran who, like Moore, served in Burma and wears the Burma Star, yesterday completed 101 laps of the courtyard of his retirement home. “I’m going to have a little rest,” he said after ending his quest. “I’ve just had a scotch, which was quite delightful and I’m on top of the world. I have done it, and I’m very proud of having done it. I could do some more.”
He had hoped to raise $101,000 (£59,000, or $71,600 US) for Save the Children Canada’s Covid-19 relief fund, but has so far managed $154,521. His fundraising page is here.
Surely the finest opening sentence of the day/week/month/whatever. Here’s the rest:Surely the finest opening sentence of the day/week/month/whatever. Here’s the rest:
An update from Singapore, where 682 new infections of the new coronavirus have been registered, its health ministry said on Sunday, taking the city-state’s total to 28,038 cases. The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents.An update from Singapore, where 682 new infections of the new coronavirus have been registered, its health ministry said on Sunday, taking the city-state’s total to 28,038 cases. The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents.
Morning/evening/whatever-it-is-where-you-are everyone. This is Simon Burnton taking on the live blog for the next few hours. If you have seen any stories that deserve our attention, or if you have any tips, comments or suggestions for our coverage then please let me know by sending me a message either to @Simon_Burnton on Twitter or via email. Thanks!Morning/evening/whatever-it-is-where-you-are everyone. This is Simon Burnton taking on the live blog for the next few hours. If you have seen any stories that deserve our attention, or if you have any tips, comments or suggestions for our coverage then please let me know by sending me a message either to @Simon_Burnton on Twitter or via email. Thanks!
That’s all from me - I’m now handing over to my colleague Simon Burnton, who will keep you updated over the next few hours.That’s all from me - I’m now handing over to my colleague Simon Burnton, who will keep you updated over the next few hours.
Four out of five merchants at a major fruit market in Peru have tested positive for coronavirus, revealing shocking levels of infection – and prompting fears that Latin America’s traditional trading centres may have helped spread Covid-19 across the region.Four out of five merchants at a major fruit market in Peru have tested positive for coronavirus, revealing shocking levels of infection – and prompting fears that Latin America’s traditional trading centres may have helped spread Covid-19 across the region.
Seventy-nine per cent of stall-holders in Lima’s wholesale fruit market tested positive for Covid-19, while spot tests at five other large fresh food markets in the city revealed at least half were carrying the virus.Seventy-nine per cent of stall-holders in Lima’s wholesale fruit market tested positive for Covid-19, while spot tests at five other large fresh food markets in the city revealed at least half were carrying the virus.
The results came as local authorities from Mexico City to Rio de Janeiro struggle to enforce social distancing and sanitary measures at wholesale and retail markets, which are mainstays of local economies.The results came as local authorities from Mexico City to Rio de Janeiro struggle to enforce social distancing and sanitary measures at wholesale and retail markets, which are mainstays of local economies.
Read the Guardian’s full report from Dan Collyns in Lima, Joe Parkin Daniels in Bogotá, Dom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro and David Agren in Mexico City.Read the Guardian’s full report from Dan Collyns in Lima, Joe Parkin Daniels in Bogotá, Dom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro and David Agren in Mexico City.
China has asked trading firms and food processors to boost inventories of grains and oilseeds as a possible second wave of coronavirus cases and worsening infection rates elsewhere raise concerns about global supply lines, Reuters reports. Both state-run and private grain traders as well as food producers were urged to procure higher volumes of soybeans, soyoil and corn during calls with China’s Ministry of Commerce in recent days, three trade sources told Reuters.“There is a possibility of a breakdown in supply pipelines due to the coronavirus infections. For example, a port of origin or destination might shut down,” said a senior trader at one of China’s leading food processors, which was on a call last week with authorities to discuss purchases.“They have advised us to increase stocks, keep supplies higher than we usually have. Things are not looking good in Brazil,” he added, referring to China’s main supplier of soybeans and a key meat exporter where the number of coronavirus cases has surpassed those in Spain and Italy.A second source in China who was briefed by a person who attended one of the meetings said China’s Ministry of Commerce met with some state companies on Tuesday to discuss how to guarantee supplies during the pandemic. “One of the main concerns is how the epidemic in South America might impact supplies (of beans) to China,” the source said.China’s Ministry of Commerce did not respond to a fax seeking comments on plans to increase food stocks.China has asked trading firms and food processors to boost inventories of grains and oilseeds as a possible second wave of coronavirus cases and worsening infection rates elsewhere raise concerns about global supply lines, Reuters reports. Both state-run and private grain traders as well as food producers were urged to procure higher volumes of soybeans, soyoil and corn during calls with China’s Ministry of Commerce in recent days, three trade sources told Reuters.“There is a possibility of a breakdown in supply pipelines due to the coronavirus infections. For example, a port of origin or destination might shut down,” said a senior trader at one of China’s leading food processors, which was on a call last week with authorities to discuss purchases.“They have advised us to increase stocks, keep supplies higher than we usually have. Things are not looking good in Brazil,” he added, referring to China’s main supplier of soybeans and a key meat exporter where the number of coronavirus cases has surpassed those in Spain and Italy.A second source in China who was briefed by a person who attended one of the meetings said China’s Ministry of Commerce met with some state companies on Tuesday to discuss how to guarantee supplies during the pandemic. “One of the main concerns is how the epidemic in South America might impact supplies (of beans) to China,” the source said.China’s Ministry of Commerce did not respond to a fax seeking comments on plans to increase food stocks.
Around the world countries are loosening lockdown measures, while China has reported its highest level of internal travel since February. Here is our global report on the latest developments:Around the world countries are loosening lockdown measures, while China has reported its highest level of internal travel since February. Here is our global report on the latest developments:
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose past those of Spain and Italy, making the country’s outbreak the fourth largest in the world. Brazil’s health ministry announced 14,919 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom.Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose past those of Spain and Italy, making the country’s outbreak the fourth largest in the world. Brazil’s health ministry announced 14,919 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”.Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”.
Australia warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force its producers to sell to other markets. After Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19, the Chinese ambassador in Australia, Cheng Jingye, threatened a consumer boycott against Australian goods.Australia warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force its producers to sell to other markets. After Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19, the Chinese ambassador in Australia, Cheng Jingye, threatened a consumer boycott against Australian goods.
The number of coronavirus cases in Mexico has risen to 47,144, while the country’s death toll has increased to 5,045. The governments plans to reopen parts of the economy from Monday, despite concerns that the country’s outbreak has not yet peaked.The number of coronavirus cases in Mexico has risen to 47,144, while the country’s death toll has increased to 5,045. The governments plans to reopen parts of the economy from Monday, despite concerns that the country’s outbreak has not yet peaked.
Millions of casual labourers and domestic workers remain stranded across India after they abruptly lost their incomes when the country was placed under lockdown.Millions of casual labourers and domestic workers remain stranded across India after they abruptly lost their incomes when the country was placed under lockdown.
The World Health Organization has warned countries ending lockdown that now should be a “time for preparation, not celebration”.The World Health Organization has warned countries ending lockdown that now should be a “time for preparation, not celebration”.
More countries have begun easing restrictions. This includes Thailand, which has allowed shopping malls to reopen and shortened a nighttime curfew. New Orleans has also allowed malls and retail stores to operate, while New York has allowed horse racing tracks to reopen. Victoria, Australia’s second most-populous state, announced that from 1 June, cafes, restaurants, and the dining areas of pubs and clubs will reopen with up to 20 patrons indoors.More countries have begun easing restrictions. This includes Thailand, which has allowed shopping malls to reopen and shortened a nighttime curfew. New Orleans has also allowed malls and retail stores to operate, while New York has allowed horse racing tracks to reopen. Victoria, Australia’s second most-populous state, announced that from 1 June, cafes, restaurants, and the dining areas of pubs and clubs will reopen with up to 20 patrons indoors.
The British government will invest up to £93m to bring forward construction of a new vaccine manufacturing centre, PA media reports.The British government will invest up to £93m to bring forward construction of a new vaccine manufacturing centre, PA media reports.
The funding will ensure the new centre opens in summer 2021, a year ahead of schedule. The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) is a key component of the UK government’s programme to ensure that once a coronavirus vaccine is available, it can be rolled out quickly in mass quantities, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.The funding will ensure the new centre opens in summer 2021, a year ahead of schedule. The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) is a key component of the UK government’s programme to ensure that once a coronavirus vaccine is available, it can be rolled out quickly in mass quantities, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The not-for-profit facility on the Harwell science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire will have the capacity to produce enough doses for the entire UK population in as little as six months.The not-for-profit facility on the Harwell science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire will have the capacity to produce enough doses for the entire UK population in as little as six months.
In Rio de Janeiro state, which has the second highest number of deaths in Brazil, most hospitals accepting Covid-19 patients have run out of intensive care beds, Associated Press reports.In Rio de Janeiro state, which has the second highest number of deaths in Brazil, most hospitals accepting Covid-19 patients have run out of intensive care beds, Associated Press reports.
According to the states health secretary, as of Thursday, 369 people thought to have the virus were waiting to be transferred to an ICU. AP reports from the Sao Jose facility, which was just inaugurated, on May 4, and where already 90% of its 128 beds are occupied.According to the states health secretary, as of Thursday, 369 people thought to have the virus were waiting to be transferred to an ICU. AP reports from the Sao Jose facility, which was just inaugurated, on May 4, and where already 90% of its 128 beds are occupied.
More than 15,000 Brazilians have died from the disease so far, though many experts say the figure is probably significantly higher, with cases missed because of insufficient testing. In recent days, more than 800 people have been added to the death toll every 24 hours and the crisis peak has yet to hit Latin Americas largest nation, the experts say.President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the pandemic, calling the coronavirus a little flu and fiercely criticizing state governors and mayors who have closed businesses, introduced lockdowns and recommended stay-at-home measures. Bolsonaro has instead advocated for everyone who doesnt belong to at-risk groups to return to work so the economy doesnt collapse.More than 15,000 Brazilians have died from the disease so far, though many experts say the figure is probably significantly higher, with cases missed because of insufficient testing. In recent days, more than 800 people have been added to the death toll every 24 hours and the crisis peak has yet to hit Latin Americas largest nation, the experts say.President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the pandemic, calling the coronavirus a little flu and fiercely criticizing state governors and mayors who have closed businesses, introduced lockdowns and recommended stay-at-home measures. Bolsonaro has instead advocated for everyone who doesnt belong to at-risk groups to return to work so the economy doesnt collapse.
Thailand reported three new coronavirus cases on Sunday and no new deaths. All new infections are among Thai students who have recently been repatriated. A total of 3,028 cases and 56 fatalities have now been recorded in the country.Thailand reported three new coronavirus cases on Sunday and no new deaths. All new infections are among Thai students who have recently been repatriated. A total of 3,028 cases and 56 fatalities have now been recorded in the country.
Australian trade minister Simon Birmingham has warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force Australian producers to sell to other markets, my colleague Paul Karp reports:Australian trade minister Simon Birmingham has warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force Australian producers to sell to other markets, my colleague Paul Karp reports:
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 583 to 174,355, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday. The reported death toll rose by 33 to 7,914.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 583 to 174,355, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday. The reported death toll rose by 33 to 7,914.
Germany has begun easing restrictions, and on Friday began to allow restaurants to reopen for the first time in two months, so long as they obey physical distancing. People from two separate households can share a table, but have to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.Waiting staff are required to wear face coverings, while diners are encouraged to do so. Berlin’s senate has also strongly advised restaurants to record customer details, so that they can be traced if an infection is identified.Germany has begun easing restrictions, and on Friday began to allow restaurants to reopen for the first time in two months, so long as they obey physical distancing. People from two separate households can share a table, but have to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.Waiting staff are required to wear face coverings, while diners are encouraged to do so. Berlin’s senate has also strongly advised restaurants to record customer details, so that they can be traced if an infection is identified.
Germany has also dropped a two-week quarantine requirement imposed in March for passengers arriving from other EU states. Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are all included in the new arrangement. Quarantine measures will be reimposed if the infection rate rises elsewhere, officials said.Germany has also dropped a two-week quarantine requirement imposed in March for passengers arriving from other EU states. Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are all included in the new arrangement. Quarantine measures will be reimposed if the infection rate rises elsewhere, officials said.