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Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months; Brazil reports more total cases than Italy Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months; Brazil reports more total cases than Italy
(32 minutes later)
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 diseaseRussia 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
Shops, restaurants and hair salons prepared to reopen in Italy on Monday as the government further eased one of the world’s strictest coronavirus lockdowns, saying it was taking a “calculated risk” to put the country back on its feet.
The euro zone’s third biggest economy is slowly emerging from more than two months of hibernation, with businesses allowed to gradually go back to work as long they can enforce tight sanitary protocols and keep people at least one metre apart.
Department stores are taking measures such as counting customers using an app, quarantining clothes tried on in changing rooms for 24 hours and spilling perfume on tissues rather than having customers handle testers. Restaurants will only allow family members to sit close together.
But there are fears that economic recovery will be difficult, particularly in the absence of tourists. Business association Confcommercio expects consumer spending for clothing, which stood at 60 billion euros in 2019, to shrink by 20% this year and a quarter of the country’s 115,000 fashion retailers to go bust.
“I know that for several sectors of the economy, reopening does not mean recovery,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said late on Saturday as he announced the lifting of the restrictions.
With its economy facing severe recession and public debt expected to spiral to more than 150% of its annual economic output, the government has been desperate to get the country back to work without triggering a second wave of the epidemic.
Others prefer to wait until European borders reopen on 3 June. Tourism contributes 13% to the country’s economic output.
Downing Street’s daily briefing is about to start – head over to the UK live blog to follow along.
Lebanon will gradually reopen its economy beginning on Monday, prime minister Hassan Diab said, following a four-day shutdown imposed after a rise in coronavirus cases threatened a second wave of the outbreak, Reuters reports.Lebanon will gradually reopen its economy beginning on Monday, prime minister Hassan Diab said, following a four-day shutdown imposed after a rise in coronavirus cases threatened a second wave of the outbreak, Reuters reports.
Already in the throes of a deep economic crisis, Lebanon began easing virus-related restrictions on business late last month to try to restore some economic activity. But that plan was paused last week after a rise in new cases.Already in the throes of a deep economic crisis, Lebanon began easing virus-related restrictions on business late last month to try to restore some economic activity. But that plan was paused last week after a rise in new cases.
Lebanon has been relatively successful reining in the outbreak since a mid-March lockdown that set an overnight curfew and shut most business and air travel. The country of about 6 million people has recorded 911 infections and 26 deaths.Lebanon has been relatively successful reining in the outbreak since a mid-March lockdown that set an overnight curfew and shut most business and air travel. The country of about 6 million people has recorded 911 infections and 26 deaths.
In a televised address on Sunday, Diab said the economy would resume its gradual re-opening, but warned Lebanese to adhere strictly to health and safety guidelines that had been flouted during the initial attempt.In a televised address on Sunday, Diab said the economy would resume its gradual re-opening, but warned Lebanese to adhere strictly to health and safety guidelines that had been flouted during the initial attempt.
“We do not want this stage to turn into a nightmare, and we will not accept that all Lebanese pay the price for some irresponsible and indifferent behaviours,” said Diab.“We do not want this stage to turn into a nightmare, and we will not accept that all Lebanese pay the price for some irresponsible and indifferent behaviours,” said Diab.
A five-stage plan for resuming economic activity unveiled last month envisages most economic activity restored after a final period beginning on 8 June. Lebanon has not set a date for the re-opening of its airport for commercial flights.A five-stage plan for resuming economic activity unveiled last month envisages most economic activity restored after a final period beginning on 8 June. Lebanon has not set a date for the re-opening of its airport for commercial flights.
Hello, I’ll be taking over the live blog for the next few hours. Please feel free to get in touch with any news tips and suggestions for coverage. You can DM on Twitter @cleaskopeliti or email me at clea.skopeliti.casual@guardian.co.uk. Thanks in advance.Hello, I’ll be taking over the live blog for the next few hours. Please feel free to get in touch with any news tips and suggestions for coverage. You can DM on Twitter @cleaskopeliti or email me at clea.skopeliti.casual@guardian.co.uk. Thanks in advance.
Tobias Altschäffl was at yesterday’s game between Augburg and Wolfsburg, to see elite club football return as Germany’s top division resumed behind closed doors. Here’s his report:Tobias Altschäffl was at yesterday’s game between Augburg and Wolfsburg, to see elite club football return as Germany’s top division resumed behind closed doors. Here’s his report:
More here:More here:
Today is Norwegian Constitution Day, which normally sees, in the words of today’s AFP report, “children take to the streets in parades across the country, ice creams and hot dogs are devoured, and the day culminates in a huge parade in ‘bunad’, a traditional heavy woollen costume, outside the royal palace in Oslo.” Today the royal family waved at empty streets for the TV cameras, while parades were banned and gatherings limited to 50 people.Today is Norwegian Constitution Day, which normally sees, in the words of today’s AFP report, “children take to the streets in parades across the country, ice creams and hot dogs are devoured, and the day culminates in a huge parade in ‘bunad’, a traditional heavy woollen costume, outside the royal palace in Oslo.” Today the royal family waved at empty streets for the TV cameras, while parades were banned and gatherings limited to 50 people.
In Bærum, a residential suburb of Oslo, the Evje school marching band played for the hospital and retirement homes, in front of small crowds respecting strict social distancing rules.In Bærum, a residential suburb of Oslo, the Evje school marching band played for the hospital and retirement homes, in front of small crowds respecting strict social distancing rules.
“It was a bit strange, but fun,” said Kaja Wang Andreassen who, aged 10, was making her debut on the flute. “We had to be even more careful than usual to stay in line and stay far apart from each other, even when the road got narrower.”“It was a bit strange, but fun,” said Kaja Wang Andreassen who, aged 10, was making her debut on the flute. “We had to be even more careful than usual to stay in line and stay far apart from each other, even when the road got narrower.”
A steadfast tradition since it was introduced by novelist Bjornstjerne Bjornson in 1870, this was the first time in peacetime that the children’s parades were cancelled.A steadfast tradition since it was introduced by novelist Bjornstjerne Bjornson in 1870, this was the first time in peacetime that the children’s parades were cancelled.
In several coastal towns, the parades were replaced this year by flotillas of hundreds of boats on the water.In several coastal towns, the parades were replaced this year by flotillas of hundreds of boats on the water.
“We will remember today as a very special day,” wrote 19-year-old Christine Ronnefeldt in Sunday’s main daily Aftenposten. “We will remember this as the day we stayed so far away from one another, yet closer than ever.”“We will remember today as a very special day,” wrote 19-year-old Christine Ronnefeldt in Sunday’s main daily Aftenposten. “We will remember this as the day we stayed so far away from one another, yet closer than ever.”
On a similar theme, here’s Gaia Vince from a little earlier today:On a similar theme, here’s Gaia Vince from a little earlier today:
The Guardian’s global environment editor, Jonathan Watts, has written about the possible effect of the coronavirus crisis on the world’s airlines:The Guardian’s global environment editor, Jonathan Watts, has written about the possible effect of the coronavirus crisis on the world’s airlines:
More here:More here:
India has extended a nearly two-month-old lockdown by another two weeks with Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and some other key regions still battling to control the rising curve of coronavirus infections, reports the Associated Press.India has extended a nearly two-month-old lockdown by another two weeks with Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and some other key regions still battling to control the rising curve of coronavirus infections, reports the Associated Press.
The government-run National Disaster Management authority said in a statement on Sunday that fresh guidelines will be issued that keep in view the need to open up economic activity.The government-run National Disaster Management authority said in a statement on Sunday that fresh guidelines will be issued that keep in view the need to open up economic activity.
Indian media reports said that travel by air, rail and metro will remain shut down until the end of May. Schools, hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, cinemas and places of worship will also be closed nationally.Indian media reports said that travel by air, rail and metro will remain shut down until the end of May. Schools, hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, cinemas and places of worship will also be closed nationally.
On 4 May the government eased some restrictions, allowing reopening of neighbourhood shops and manufacturing and farming in rural areas. It also resumed running a limited number of trains, mainly to carry workers.On 4 May the government eased some restrictions, allowing reopening of neighbourhood shops and manufacturing and farming in rural areas. It also resumed running a limited number of trains, mainly to carry workers.
The Health Ministry on Sunday reported a record jump of nearly 5,000 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the number of confirmed cases to 90,927, with 2,872 deaths. India had less than 500 positive cases and nine deaths when the lockdown was first imposed on 25 March.The Health Ministry on Sunday reported a record jump of nearly 5,000 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the number of confirmed cases to 90,927, with 2,872 deaths. India had less than 500 positive cases and nine deaths when the lockdown was first imposed on 25 March.
Benin is staging local elections, minus key opposition parties, today with authorities pushing ahead despite the coronavirus, reports AFP.Benin is staging local elections, minus key opposition parties, today with authorities pushing ahead despite the coronavirus, reports AFP.
The West African nation of 11 million this week lifted a raft of restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the virus. COVID-19 has caused 339 confirmed infections and two deaths in the country. The autonomous national election commission (CENA) made face masks mandatory for voters and enforced social distancing measures at polling stations.The West African nation of 11 million this week lifted a raft of restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the virus. COVID-19 has caused 339 confirmed infections and two deaths in the country. The autonomous national election commission (CENA) made face masks mandatory for voters and enforced social distancing measures at polling stations.
“We have received a lot of hydro-alcohol gels and masks for all voters,” returning officer Mathieu Daki told AFP at N’dali in the north of the country.“We have received a lot of hydro-alcohol gels and masks for all voters,” returning officer Mathieu Daki told AFP at N’dali in the north of the country.
In the economic capital Cotonou, where most coronavirus deaths have occurred, election officials ensured voters were more than a metre apart. However, not everyone appeared to have been reassured. In the city’s 5th district election agent Dimitri Assani admitted voters were “few and far between”.In the economic capital Cotonou, where most coronavirus deaths have occurred, election officials ensured voters were more than a metre apart. However, not everyone appeared to have been reassured. In the city’s 5th district election agent Dimitri Assani admitted voters were “few and far between”.
Donatien Sagbo Hounga wore a mask to enter the polling station, but said he was waiting “till there were no other voters in front of the election agents” to move forward to cast his vote. “It may seem excessive but it’s necessary,” Hounga said.Donatien Sagbo Hounga wore a mask to enter the polling station, but said he was waiting “till there were no other voters in front of the election agents” to move forward to cast his vote. “It may seem excessive but it’s necessary,” Hounga said.
Campaigning has been limited to posters and media appearances as candidates were forced to call off rallies due to a ban on gatherings of over 50 people.Campaigning has been limited to posters and media appearances as candidates were forced to call off rallies due to a ban on gatherings of over 50 people.
Critics warned the health risks were too high for a vote that opponents of President Patrice Talon insist should not be happening in the first place. Talon sported a mask when he voted early in Cotonou’s Zongo-Ehuzu area.Critics warned the health risks were too high for a vote that opponents of President Patrice Talon insist should not be happening in the first place. Talon sported a mask when he voted early in Cotonou’s Zongo-Ehuzu area.
In the city’s first district Arnold Migan voted early in the morning. “With the threat from COVID-19 it’s best to vote quickly and go home before a lot of people arrive,” he said.In the city’s first district Arnold Migan voted early in the morning. “With the threat from COVID-19 it’s best to vote quickly and go home before a lot of people arrive,” he said.
Benin, seen as one of the region’s most stable democracies, has been in political crisis since a disputed parliamentary poll last April sparked protests. Talon, a former business magnate who came to power in 2016, has been accused of a crackdown that drove key rivals into exile.Benin, seen as one of the region’s most stable democracies, has been in political crisis since a disputed parliamentary poll last April sparked protests. Talon, a former business magnate who came to power in 2016, has been accused of a crackdown that drove key rivals into exile.
Parties allied to the president won all the seats at the polls last year after opposition groups were effectively banned from standing, but turnout was only 25%. Now leading opposition parties again find themselves barred from the vote for control of 77 councils across the country.Parties allied to the president won all the seats at the polls last year after opposition groups were effectively banned from standing, but turnout was only 25%. Now leading opposition parties again find themselves barred from the vote for control of 77 councils across the country.
The exclusion drew a legal challenge from Talon opponent Sebastien Ajavon, a businessman living in exile after he was sentenced to prison on drug charges in Benin. The regional African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights ruled the vote should be suspended as it was not inclusive. But Benin disregarded the ruling and severed some ties with the court in protest at the decision.The exclusion drew a legal challenge from Talon opponent Sebastien Ajavon, a businessman living in exile after he was sentenced to prison on drug charges in Benin. The regional African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights ruled the vote should be suspended as it was not inclusive. But Benin disregarded the ruling and severed some ties with the court in protest at the decision.
Opponents called on voters to boycott the poll over the political situation and the risks from coronavirus. Many among the electorate appeared set to heed the call to stay home given the result looks certain to go in favour of those backing Talon. In Cotonou’s Cadjehoun area only about 30 people had voted by midday out of 400 registered there.Opponents called on voters to boycott the poll over the political situation and the risks from coronavirus. Many among the electorate appeared set to heed the call to stay home given the result looks certain to go in favour of those backing Talon. In Cotonou’s Cadjehoun area only about 30 people had voted by midday out of 400 registered there.
Final results from the election are expected within a week.Final results from the election are expected within a week.
Hello, Simon Burnton here, taking back control for a couple of hours. Here’s some football news, with Uefa still absolutely convinced that completing their major club competitions by August is not just a long shot:Hello, Simon Burnton here, taking back control for a couple of hours. Here’s some football news, with Uefa still absolutely convinced that completing their major club competitions by August is not just a long shot:
BP’s new chief executive said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has deepened his commitment to shrinking the oil giant’s carbon footprint to zero.BP’s new chief executive said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has deepened his commitment to shrinking the oil giant’s carbon footprint to zero.
Bernard Looney, who took the helm of the oil giant in February, said he is “more convinced than ever” that BP must embrace the energy transition following the collapse of global oil markets.Bernard Looney, who took the helm of the oil giant in February, said he is “more convinced than ever” that BP must embrace the energy transition following the collapse of global oil markets.
He told the Guardian that his commitment to steering BP towards its net-zero carbon ambitions, set out earlier this year, is “deeper” due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.He told the Guardian that his commitment to steering BP towards its net-zero carbon ambitions, set out earlier this year, is “deeper” due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Some energy economists believe demand for oil may never recover to its levels before the pandemic if changes to business travel and commuting remain after the lockdown ends.Some energy economists believe demand for oil may never recover to its levels before the pandemic if changes to business travel and commuting remain after the lockdown ends.
This raises serious questions over the business model of major oil companies which are already under pressure due to tougher climate action and the rise of renewable energy.This raises serious questions over the business model of major oil companies which are already under pressure due to tougher climate action and the rise of renewable energy.
“We’re all living and working differently right now. Not all of that will stick, but some of it will stick for sure. The question I have is whether consumers will consume less, and I think there is a possibility that they will,” Looney said.“We’re all living and working differently right now. Not all of that will stick, but some of it will stick for sure. The question I have is whether consumers will consume less, and I think there is a possibility that they will,” Looney said.