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Coronavirus live news: Barack Obama attacks Trump virus response Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months; Obama attacks Trump's virus response
(32 minutes later)
Spain reports fewer than 100 deaths for first time in two months; Russia sees 9,709 new confirmed cases in past 24 hours; boy in France dies of Kawasaki-like disease Russia sees 9,709 new confirmed cases in past 24 hours; China reports five new Covid-19 cases; boy in France dies of Kawasaki-like disease
My colleague Sam Jones has filed this update from Spain:
Spain has recorded its lowest single-day death toll in two months.
According to the latest figures from the health ministry, 87 people have died from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, down from 102 the day before. The country has confirmed 231,350 cases of the virus using PCR tests, and reported 27,650 deaths.
On Saturday the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced that his Socialist-led coalition would be seeking a final, month-long extension of the state of emergency that underpins one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe.
“The path that we are taking is the only one possible,” said Sanchez. The government secured the current extension, which expires on 24 May, despite fierce opposition from the conservative People’s party and the far-right Vox party.
Both parties claim the state of emergency is excessive and no longer necessary, but the government says Spain’s hard-won gains against the virus must be safeguarded. Sánchez is likely to face another uphill struggle as he prepares to ask MPs to back the final extension in congress later this week.
Around 70% of the country will be in the second phase of de-escalation by Monday, meaning people can shop in small stores without an appointment, meet in groups of up to 10, and eat or drink in cafe and restaurant terraces, which are operating at 50% capacity.Despite some loosening of restrictions, the Madrid region and the Barcelona metropolitan area - two of the hardest-hit parts of Spain - remain in the first phase of the de-escalation.
In Thailand shopping centres have been allowed to open today for the first time since their lockdown, and have had plenty of customers.In Thailand shopping centres have been allowed to open today for the first time since their lockdown, and have had plenty of customers.
If you’re spending the day at home (again), dreaming of summer, sand and sea, this European post-lockdown holiday update might come in handy:If you’re spending the day at home (again), dreaming of summer, sand and sea, this European post-lockdown holiday update might come in handy:
A few updates from around the world:A few updates from around the world:
Spain has declared 87 new deaths from coronavirus today, down from 102 yesterday (and the first time in two months that fewer than 100 deaths have been reported), and 652 new confirmed cases. They have now had 231,350 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 27,650 deaths.Spain has declared 87 new deaths from coronavirus today, down from 102 yesterday (and the first time in two months that fewer than 100 deaths have been reported), and 652 new confirmed cases. They have now had 231,350 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 27,650 deaths.
Mainland China reported five new confirmed Covid-19 cases for May 16, down from eight the previous day, the National Health Commission has said in a statement. Two of the five confirmed cases were so-called imported infections, while three were locally transmitted in northeastern Chinese city of Jilin. The number of confirmed cases in the mainland now stands at 82,947 and the death toll at 4,634.Mainland China reported five new confirmed Covid-19 cases for May 16, down from eight the previous day, the National Health Commission has said in a statement. Two of the five confirmed cases were so-called imported infections, while three were locally transmitted in northeastern Chinese city of Jilin. The number of confirmed cases in the mainland now stands at 82,947 and the death toll at 4,634.
In Indonesia there have been 489 new confirmed cases and 59 deaths. They have had 17,514 confirmed cases and 1,148 deaths overall.In Indonesia there have been 489 new confirmed cases and 59 deaths. They have had 17,514 confirmed cases and 1,148 deaths overall.
Malaysia’s health ministry reported 22 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 6,894. The country reported no new deaths, with total fatalities remaining at 113.Malaysia’s health ministry reported 22 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 6,894. The country reported no new deaths, with total fatalities remaining at 113.
Meanwhile in France a drive-in mass has been held in Chalons-en-Champagne, near Reims:Meanwhile in France a drive-in mass has been held in Chalons-en-Champagne, near Reims:
As reported by Helena Smith earlier, in Greece church services have been permitted today for the first time since their lockdown started. Here’s a photograph from this morning:As reported by Helena Smith earlier, in Greece church services have been permitted today for the first time since their lockdown started. Here’s a photograph from this morning:
Here’s Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, on the world leaders who are too macho for masks:Here’s Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, on the world leaders who are too macho for masks:
More here:More here:
The Philippines’ department of health has reported 208 new cases of coronavirus, and seven more fatalities. They have now had 12,513 confirmed cases, and 824 deaths.The Philippines’ department of health has reported 208 new cases of coronavirus, and seven more fatalities. They have now had 12,513 confirmed cases, and 824 deaths.
Japan has confirmed five new cases today.Japan has confirmed five new cases today.
Robin McKie, the Observer’s science and environment editor, and the Observer’s political editor Toby Helm , have written this report on the potential risks involved in the reopening of schools:Robin McKie, the Observer’s science and environment editor, and the Observer’s political editor Toby Helm , have written this report on the potential risks involved in the reopening of schools:
More here:More here:
Here is the latest from Greece, from my colleague Helena Smith.Here is the latest from Greece, from my colleague Helena Smith.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”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.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!