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Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months as Italy prepares to open shops and salons Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months as Italy prepares to open shops and salons
(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
Qatar has begun enforcing the world’s toughest penalties of up to three years’ in prison for failing to wear masks in public, in a country with one of the highest coronavirus infection rates.
More than 32,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the tiny Gulf country - 1.2 percent of the 2.75 million population - although just 15 people have died. Only the micro-states of San Marino and the Vatican have had higher per-capita infection rates, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Violators of Qatar’s new rules will face up to three years in jail and fines of as much as $55,000.
Drivers alone in their vehicles are exempt from the requirement, but police erected checkpoints across the capital Doha on Sunday evening to check compliance by motorists.
Wearing a mask is currently mandatory in around 50 countries, although scientists are divided on their effectiveness. Authorities in Chad have made it an offence to be unmasked in public, on pain of 15 days in prison. In Morocco, similar rules can see violators jailed for three months and fined up to 1,300 dirhams ($130).
France’s total number of coronavirus deaths recorded in hospitals and nursing homes has risen to 28,108 from 27,625 on Saturday. Of the total toll, 17,466 have been in hospitals while 10,642 happened in nursing homes.
The number of people in hospitals has fallen to 19,361, compared to 19,432 the previous day. The number of people in ICU is 2,087, compared to 2,132 on Saturday.
Italy’s shops, restaurants and hair salons have been preparing to reopen on Monday, as the government further eases the lockdown. Businesses are being allowed to gradually go back to work as long they can enforce tight sanitary protocols and keep people at least one metre apart. Economic recovery is expected to be difficult, particularly without tourists.Italy’s shops, restaurants and hair salons have been preparing to reopen on Monday, as the government further eases the lockdown. Businesses are being allowed to gradually go back to work as long they can enforce tight sanitary protocols and keep people at least one metre apart. Economic recovery is expected to be difficult, particularly without tourists.
Lebanon will gradually reopen its economy beginning on Monday following a four-day shutdown imposed after a rise in coronavirus cases threatened a second wave of the outbreak. The country’s plan to ease restrictions on business was paused last week after a rise in new cases. The country of about 6 million people has recorded 911 infections and 26 deaths.Lebanon will gradually reopen its economy beginning on Monday following a four-day shutdown imposed after a rise in coronavirus cases threatened a second wave of the outbreak. The country’s plan to ease restrictions on business was paused last week after a rise in new cases. The country of about 6 million people has recorded 911 infections and 26 deaths.
UK daily coronavirus death toll is the lowest since lockdown began, with 170 deaths recorded. However, due to hospital reporting delays, the numbers reported on Sundays and Mondays tend to be lower than other days.UK daily coronavirus death toll is the lowest since lockdown began, with 170 deaths recorded. However, due to hospital reporting delays, the numbers reported on Sundays and Mondays tend to be lower than other days.
India has extended a nearly two-month-old lockdown by another two weeks with Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and other key regions still fighting to control the rising curve of coronavirus infections. 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 has extended a nearly two-month-old lockdown by another two weeks with Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and other key regions still fighting to control the rising curve of coronavirus infections. 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.
Benin is staging local elections, minus key opposition parties, with authorities pushing ahead despite the coronavirus. The West African nation of 11 million this week lifted a series of restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the virus, which has caused 339 confirmed infections and two deaths in the country.Benin is staging local elections, minus key opposition parties, with authorities pushing ahead despite the coronavirus. The West African nation of 11 million this week lifted a series of restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the virus, which has caused 339 confirmed infections and two deaths in the country.
Confirmed Covid-19 cases in Brazil have surpassed the total in Italy, with the country announcing nearly 15,000 new infections on Saturday. This takes Brazil’s total to more than 230,000, the fourth-largest confirmed caseload after the US, Russia and the UK.Confirmed Covid-19 cases in Brazil have surpassed the total in Italy, with the country announcing nearly 15,000 new infections on Saturday. This takes Brazil’s total to more than 230,000, the fourth-largest confirmed caseload after the US, Russia and the UK.
The city of Wuhan conducted 222,675 nucleic acid tests on 16 May, the local health authority said, nearly doubling from a day earlier. Wuhan kicked off a campaign on 14 May to look for asymptomatic carriers after confirming last weekend its first cluster of Covid-19 infections since its release from lockdown on 8 April.The city of Wuhan conducted 222,675 nucleic acid tests on 16 May, the local health authority said, nearly doubling from a day earlier. Wuhan kicked off a campaign on 14 May to look for asymptomatic carriers after confirming last weekend its first cluster of Covid-19 infections since its release from lockdown on 8 April.
Quebec is considering making masks mandatory, after banning the veil. The Canadian province at the centre of the country’s outbreak is is currently “strongly recommending” that citizens wear masks, but has not made the measure mandatory. Quebec’s public health director stressed “You need to have a good argument for infringing on individual rights for the sake of a collective right.”Quebec is considering making masks mandatory, after banning the veil. The Canadian province at the centre of the country’s outbreak is is currently “strongly recommending” that citizens wear masks, but has not made the measure mandatory. Quebec’s public health director stressed “You need to have a good argument for infringing on individual rights for the sake of a collective right.”
The growth of new coronavirus cases in Russia is stabilising, a top health official has said, as the daily tally fell under 10,000 for the third time this week. The country has the world’s second highest number of infections at 281,752, topped only by the United States.The growth of new coronavirus cases in Russia is stabilising, a top health official has said, as the daily tally fell under 10,000 for the third time this week. The country has the world’s second highest number of infections at 281,752, topped only by the United States.
Madagascar has reported the first death of a patient suffering from the coronavirus, nearly two months after the virus was first detected in the country. The victim was a 57-year-old man with underlying conditions. Madagascar has reported 304 cases.Madagascar has reported the first death of a patient suffering from the coronavirus, nearly two months after the virus was first detected in the country. The victim was a 57-year-old man with underlying conditions. Madagascar has reported 304 cases.
Helena Smith with the latest from Greece’s beaches:Helena Smith with the latest from Greece’s beaches:
In a move seen as vital for the reinvigoration of tourism across southern Europe, Greek authorities opened more than 500 beaches along the Athenian Riviera this weekend.In a move seen as vital for the reinvigoration of tourism across southern Europe, Greek authorities opened more than 500 beaches along the Athenian Riviera this weekend.
But in the new normal that is Greece’s gradual emergence into the post -lockdown age, there was little that was recognisable. Along the Athenian Riveriera freedom is now measured in metres - even if Greece has succeeded in keeping Covid-19 infection and mortality rates unusually low.But in the new normal that is Greece’s gradual emergence into the post -lockdown age, there was little that was recognisable. Along the Athenian Riveriera freedom is now measured in metres - even if Greece has succeeded in keeping Covid-19 infection and mortality rates unusually low.
It was a different story, however, on public transport, with pictures emerging of buses crammed with passengers headed to the beach. Greek authorities, announcing a further 15 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, say the total number of confirmed infections now stands at 2,834. The death toll rose, following an additional fatality, to 162.It was a different story, however, on public transport, with pictures emerging of buses crammed with passengers headed to the beach. Greek authorities, announcing a further 15 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, say the total number of confirmed infections now stands at 2,834. The death toll rose, following an additional fatality, to 162.
The country’s churches also opened today on condition that worshippers adapted to strict social distancing rules. The government, which will lift restrictions on inter-regional travel on Monday, has said that ancient archaeological sites, shopping malls and department stores will open tomorrow as the nation gradually eases out of lockdown.The country’s churches also opened today on condition that worshippers adapted to strict social distancing rules. The government, which will lift restrictions on inter-regional travel on Monday, has said that ancient archaeological sites, shopping malls and department stores will open tomorrow as the nation gradually eases out of lockdown.
Read Helena Smith and Angela Giuffrida’s report on the opening of southern European beaches here:Read Helena Smith and Angela Giuffrida’s report on the opening of southern European beaches here:
Egyptian security forces arrested the founder of Egypt’s last independent media outlet in a growing crackdown on freedom of expression connected to Covid-19.Egyptian security forces arrested the founder of Egypt’s last independent media outlet in a growing crackdown on freedom of expression connected to Covid-19.
Lina Attalah, the editor-in-chief of the website Mada Masr, was arrested outside Tora prison in the south of Cairo. Attalah was detained in front of the prison while interviewing Laila Soueif, the mother of jailed activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, who was attempting to bring medication and hand sanitiser to her son. Abd El Fattah has been on hunger strike since mid April in protest at deteriorating prison conditions, including the risk of the spread of COVID-19 inside Tora prison as well as the suspension of prison visits and trial hearings due to the virus.Lina Attalah, the editor-in-chief of the website Mada Masr, was arrested outside Tora prison in the south of Cairo. Attalah was detained in front of the prison while interviewing Laila Soueif, the mother of jailed activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, who was attempting to bring medication and hand sanitiser to her son. Abd El Fattah has been on hunger strike since mid April in protest at deteriorating prison conditions, including the risk of the spread of COVID-19 inside Tora prison as well as the suspension of prison visits and trial hearings due to the virus.
Atallah was taken to a police station and held on unknown charges, and will be presented to prosecutors tomorrow according to her colleagues. Mada Masr reportedthat Attalah’s mobile phone was seized and their lawyer was prevented from accessing Atallah while in detention.Atallah was taken to a police station and held on unknown charges, and will be presented to prosecutors tomorrow according to her colleagues. Mada Masr reportedthat Attalah’s mobile phone was seized and their lawyer was prevented from accessing Atallah while in detention.
The journalist was recognised by Time Magazine as a “New Generation Leader,” in 2017, when she was branded the “muckraker of the Arab World.” Mada Masr is internationally recognised as the last bastion of press freedom in Egypt, a lone award-winning independent outlet in a repressive media environment where the majority of newspapers are state-controlled. The staff at Mada Masr, including Attalah, endured a raid by plainclothes security officials on their offices last November where she was detained and later released following international pressure.The journalist was recognised by Time Magazine as a “New Generation Leader,” in 2017, when she was branded the “muckraker of the Arab World.” Mada Masr is internationally recognised as the last bastion of press freedom in Egypt, a lone award-winning independent outlet in a repressive media environment where the majority of newspapers are state-controlled. The staff at Mada Masr, including Attalah, endured a raid by plainclothes security officials on their offices last November where she was detained and later released following international pressure.
Attalah’s arrest is part of a pattern of repression connected to Covid-19. Egyptian security forces detained journalist Hassan Mahgoub from his home in early May, after he reported a series of stories about the virus. Editor Atef Hasballah was bundled into the back of a police van and accused of joining a terrorist group in April after questioning the government’s official statistics about Covid-19 on his Facebook page.Attalah’s arrest is part of a pattern of repression connected to Covid-19. Egyptian security forces detained journalist Hassan Mahgoub from his home in early May, after he reported a series of stories about the virus. Editor Atef Hasballah was bundled into the back of a police van and accused of joining a terrorist group in April after questioning the government’s official statistics about Covid-19 on his Facebook page.
Egypt is considered one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists, ranked 166 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service and the head of the journalists’ syndicate did not respond when contacted for comment. “Lina’s arrest is yet another example of Egypt’s persistent assault on journalists,” said Timothy E Kaldas of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy and a longtime friend of Attalah’s.Egypt is considered one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists, ranked 166 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service and the head of the journalists’ syndicate did not respond when contacted for comment. “Lina’s arrest is yet another example of Egypt’s persistent assault on journalists,” said Timothy E Kaldas of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy and a longtime friend of Attalah’s.
“It’s worrisome that the latest round of crackdowns coincides with the Covid pandemic,” he said. “Egyptian authorities may presume this leaves foreign capitals distracted and unprepared to emphasize concerns about political freedoms. A free press that the public can trust for information is all the more vital during a health crisis.”“It’s worrisome that the latest round of crackdowns coincides with the Covid pandemic,” he said. “Egyptian authorities may presume this leaves foreign capitals distracted and unprepared to emphasize concerns about political freedoms. A free press that the public can trust for information is all the more vital during a health crisis.”
Zoom has said problems with the video conferencing platform have now been resolved.Zoom has said problems with the video conferencing platform have now been resolved.
Users of the service reported outages on Sunday, with many unable to host or join meetings. The website DownDetector said thousands of people were having issues with the service, with regions in the US, Middle East and Europe appearing to have been particularly affected.Users of the service reported outages on Sunday, with many unable to host or join meetings. The website DownDetector said thousands of people were having issues with the service, with regions in the US, Middle East and Europe appearing to have been particularly affected.
“Zoom users impacted by this issue should now be able to host, join & participate in Zoom Meetings & Zoom Video Webinars if they restart their sessions. We continue to assess & monitor. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused,” the company tweeted.“Zoom users impacted by this issue should now be able to host, join & participate in Zoom Meetings & Zoom Video Webinars if they restart their sessions. We continue to assess & monitor. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused,” the company tweeted.
The video conferencing service’s popularity has exploded since lockdowns began worldwide and people have been using it to host business meetings but also social events, including calls with family and friends and, in the UK, pub quizzes.The video conferencing service’s popularity has exploded since lockdowns began worldwide and people have been using it to host business meetings but also social events, including calls with family and friends and, in the UK, pub quizzes.
However, issues have been raised with the platform’s lax security, highlighted by “Zoombombing” incidents where trolls enter meetings uninvited.However, issues have been raised with the platform’s lax security, highlighted by “Zoombombing” incidents where trolls enter meetings uninvited.
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.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.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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.