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/17/coronavirus-live-news-barack-obama-attacks-trump-virus-response

The article has changed 40 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 36 Version 37
Coronavirus live news: daily death tolls fall in UK, Spain and Italy Coronavirus live news: daily death tolls fall in UK, Spain and Italy
(about 1 hour 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
“The political moment is now” to address the climate risks posed by the aviation industry, analysts, insiders and campaigners say, as governments across the world weigh up bailouts for airlines grounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
Rescue packages need to come with green strings, such as reduced carbon footprints and frequent flyer levies, they warn, or the sector will return to the path that has made it the fastest rising source of climate-wrecking carbon emissions over the past decade.
Old passenger jets also need to be rapidly retired or cheap oil prices will encourage budget airlines to run services almost empty, which could push up emissions even if passenger numbers stay low, they say.
As did banks after the 2008-9 financial crisis, many aviation companies are appealing for government support to escape from a problem they partly caused. The expansion of flight networks, packed seating and a reluctance to accept quarantine measures have contributed to the rapid transmission of the Covid-19 virus across the globe.
Have a read of Jonathan Watts’s piece on the possibility of a greener future for airlines.
More on the breakdown of France’s daily death toll, which at 483, is the highest in several weeks.
The figure was made up chiefly of deaths in care homes - 429, compared to 54 in hospitals. The health directorate was unable to provide more information on the sudden rise in care home deaths, according to AFP.
The figures bring the total number of deaths in France to 28,108.
Meanwhile, health officials meanwhile have been battling to contain two outbreaks of the virus at abattoirs that are so far known to have infected around a hundred people. One abattoir is in the central Val de Loire region near the city of Orleans, and the other is in the northwestern region of Brittany.
Scores of Mexicans are dying from drinking adulterated liquor, a consequence of the shortage of mainstream alcoholic beverages during the coronavirus pandemic, authorities say.Scores of Mexicans are dying from drinking adulterated liquor, a consequence of the shortage of mainstream alcoholic beverages during the coronavirus pandemic, authorities say.
AFP reports that the first of at least 121 deaths in recent weeks occurred at the end of April in the western state of Jalisco, almost exactly a month after the government declared a health emergency over the spread of Covid-19.AFP reports that the first of at least 121 deaths in recent weeks occurred at the end of April in the western state of Jalisco, almost exactly a month after the government declared a health emergency over the spread of Covid-19.
As much of Mexico has run out of beer after factories producing liquor and beer were shut down, gangs specialising in bootleg booze are trying to take advantage of the lack of alternative alcohol sources.As much of Mexico has run out of beer after factories producing liquor and beer were shut down, gangs specialising in bootleg booze are trying to take advantage of the lack of alternative alcohol sources.
Beer stocks were almost depleted within a month, and in some areas the prices of what was left doubled, according to industry sources. Many of the 53 deaths in central Puebla province have been linked to a wake where people drank moonshine containing methanol – a wood alcohol that in non-lethal doses can cause blindness and liver damage.Beer stocks were almost depleted within a month, and in some areas the prices of what was left doubled, according to industry sources. Many of the 53 deaths in central Puebla province have been linked to a wake where people drank moonshine containing methanol – a wood alcohol that in non-lethal doses can cause blindness and liver damage.
Twenty-three people died in the hours following the gathering in the town of Chiconcuautla, according to authorities. The town’s mayor said the popular “refino” drink, made from sugarcane, had been adulterated.Twenty-three people died in the hours following the gathering in the town of Chiconcuautla, according to authorities. The town’s mayor said the popular “refino” drink, made from sugarcane, had been adulterated.
German Hernandez said his father died after being poisoned by a drink known locally as “tejon” – a blend of brandy with tejocote fruit (a type of hawthorn) in the Puebla town of Cacaloxuchitl.German Hernandez said his father died after being poisoned by a drink known locally as “tejon” – a blend of brandy with tejocote fruit (a type of hawthorn) in the Puebla town of Cacaloxuchitl.
“They sell it in the stores, and you can buy it and take it out. My father began trembling and feeling weak. He told us he felt bad, and we took him to the hospital,” Hernandez told AFP. “This has never happened before.”“They sell it in the stores, and you can buy it and take it out. My father began trembling and feeling weak. He told us he felt bad, and we took him to the hospital,” Hernandez told AFP. “This has never happened before.”
Deaths have also been recorded in the central state of Morelos and Yucatan and Veracruz in the east.Deaths have also been recorded in the central state of Morelos and Yucatan and Veracruz in the east.
South Africa on Sunday reported 1,160 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily number since the first case was recorded in March, AFP reports.South Africa on Sunday reported 1,160 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily number since the first case was recorded in March, AFP reports.
“As of today, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 15,515, with 1,160 new cases identified in the last 24 hour cycle of testing,” said the health ministry in a statement.“As of today, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 15,515, with 1,160 new cases identified in the last 24 hour cycle of testing,” said the health ministry in a statement.
The Western Cape province, popular with tourists, accounted for nearly 60% of the national numbers.The Western Cape province, popular with tourists, accounted for nearly 60% of the national numbers.
The numbers of deaths rose by three to 263 from Saturday.The numbers of deaths rose by three to 263 from Saturday.
Africa’s most industrialised economy has the highest numbers of infections in Africa, followed by Egypt, which has so far recorded 11,719 Covid-19 cases, including 612 deaths.Africa’s most industrialised economy has the highest numbers of infections in Africa, followed by Egypt, which has so far recorded 11,719 Covid-19 cases, including 612 deaths.
The country has been under lockdown since March 27 and has embarked on an aggressive mass testing strategy with 460,873 tested so far.The country has been under lockdown since March 27 and has embarked on an aggressive mass testing strategy with 460,873 tested so far.
But some health experts are beginning to see the limits of the country’s lauded mass screening strategy, with results taking up to two weeks to come through.But some health experts are beginning to see the limits of the country’s lauded mass screening strategy, with results taking up to two weeks to come through.
Now for something a little lighter: socially distant blessings delivered with a water pistol.Now for something a little lighter: socially distant blessings delivered with a water pistol.
The priest in the photo, Father Tim Pelc, told BuzzFeed News that he was a little concerned about how the Vatican might react when the photos of him squirting holy water began circulating widely on the internet, but hasn’t heard anything about it yet.The priest in the photo, Father Tim Pelc, told BuzzFeed News that he was a little concerned about how the Vatican might react when the photos of him squirting holy water began circulating widely on the internet, but hasn’t heard anything about it yet.
Egypt will bring forward the start of its curfew by four hours to 5pm and halt public transport from 24 May for six days during the Eid holiday, reports Reuters.Egypt will bring forward the start of its curfew by four hours to 5pm and halt public transport from 24 May for six days during the Eid holiday, reports Reuters.
The prime minister, Mostafa Madbouly, said on Sunday that shops, restaurants, parks and beaches will be closed for the extended holiday at the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and restrictions on citizens’ movements will remain in place for at least two weeks afterwards.The prime minister, Mostafa Madbouly, said on Sunday that shops, restaurants, parks and beaches will be closed for the extended holiday at the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and restrictions on citizens’ movements will remain in place for at least two weeks afterwards.
Egypt has so far reported 12,229 confirmed cases, including 630 deaths. The daily tally of cases has been rising after the government slightly eased a night curfew and other measures. The number of cases rose by 510 on Sunday, the health ministry said.Egypt has so far reported 12,229 confirmed cases, including 630 deaths. The daily tally of cases has been rising after the government slightly eased a night curfew and other measures. The number of cases rose by 510 on Sunday, the health ministry said.
New York mayor Bill de Blasio has criticised residents who were seen gathering without masks outside bars at the weekend despite the city’s ongoing “stay at home” guidelines, saying they were putting lives in danger.New York mayor Bill de Blasio has criticised residents who were seen gathering without masks outside bars at the weekend despite the city’s ongoing “stay at home” guidelines, saying they were putting lives in danger.
Almost 90,000 people have died in the US from Covid-19 so far during the pandemic, far more than any other country, according to Johns Hopkins. More than 15,000 of those deaths were in New York City, which is still subject to stay-at-home measures even as many other US cities begin to open up again.Almost 90,000 people have died in the US from Covid-19 so far during the pandemic, far more than any other country, according to Johns Hopkins. More than 15,000 of those deaths were in New York City, which is still subject to stay-at-home measures even as many other US cities begin to open up again.
“We’re not going to tolerate people starting to congregate. It’s as simple as that,” De Blasio said on Sunday. “If we have to shut places down, we will.”“We’re not going to tolerate people starting to congregate. It’s as simple as that,” De Blasio said on Sunday. “If we have to shut places down, we will.”
Just a reminder that you can reach me on Twitter @cleaskopeliti, or by email, if you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage. Thanks to everyone who has already been in touch!Just a reminder that you can reach me on Twitter @cleaskopeliti, or by email, if you have any tips, comments or suggestions for coverage. Thanks to everyone who has already been in touch!
Nigeria has seized a British plane for defying a travel ban imposed as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the aviation minister said Sunday.Nigeria has seized a British plane for defying a travel ban imposed as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the aviation minister said Sunday.
Flair Aviation, the airline involved, was authorised to conduct humanitarian flights but was caught operating commercial flights, Hadi Sirika said on his Twitter account.Flair Aviation, the airline involved, was authorised to conduct humanitarian flights but was caught operating commercial flights, Hadi Sirika said on his Twitter account.
“This is callous!” he wrote. “The craft is impounded, the crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve.”“This is callous!” he wrote. “The craft is impounded, the crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve.”
There was no immediate reaction on Sunday from either the company or the British embassy on the matter.There was no immediate reaction on Sunday from either the company or the British embassy on the matter.
Nigeria has shut its airports and airspace since March to contain Covid-19, which has so far infected 5,621 people and claimed 176 lives there.Nigeria has shut its airports and airspace since March to contain Covid-19, which has so far infected 5,621 people and claimed 176 lives there.
Wearing a face mask, Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro posed for photographs with kids plucked out of a crowd of supporters on Sunday, disregarding public health advice aimed at containing one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks, Reuters reports.Wearing a face mask, Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro posed for photographs with kids plucked out of a crowd of supporters on Sunday, disregarding public health advice aimed at containing one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks, Reuters reports.
Bolsonaro’s latest flouting of social distancing guidelines comes after he lost two health ministers in a month, both of whom resisted his fight against quarantines. Brazil’s confirmed cases of the virus passed Spain and Italy on Saturday, making it the world’s fourth-largest outbreak.Bolsonaro’s latest flouting of social distancing guidelines comes after he lost two health ministers in a month, both of whom resisted his fight against quarantines. Brazil’s confirmed cases of the virus passed Spain and Italy on Saturday, making it the world’s fourth-largest outbreak.
In an online video, Bolsonaro said he welcomed the demonstration at the presidential palace in what has become a nearly biweekly affair, with the president and supporters defying quarantines that have the support of most Brazilians.In an online video, Bolsonaro said he welcomed the demonstration at the presidential palace in what has become a nearly biweekly affair, with the president and supporters defying quarantines that have the support of most Brazilians.
“Above all (the people) want freedom, they want democracy, they want respect,” he said, adding that Brazilians want to get the economy back up and running as quickly as possible.“Above all (the people) want freedom, they want democracy, they want respect,” he said, adding that Brazilians want to get the economy back up and running as quickly as possible.
A poll this week showed two-thirds of Brazilians agree with the need for social distancing to contain the outbreak, which governors and health experts recommend, while Bolsonaro tries to open gyms, hair salons and other businesses.A poll this week showed two-thirds of Brazilians agree with the need for social distancing to contain the outbreak, which governors and health experts recommend, while Bolsonaro tries to open gyms, hair salons and other businesses.
On Friday, former health minister Nelson Teich resigned as he and the president showed themselves increasingly out of step, with Bolsonaro calling for a rollback of state quarantines and widespread use of unproven drugs, such as chloroquine to fight the virus.On Friday, former health minister Nelson Teich resigned as he and the president showed themselves increasingly out of step, with Bolsonaro calling for a rollback of state quarantines and widespread use of unproven drugs, such as chloroquine to fight the virus.
“Chlo-ro-quine! Chlo-ro-quine!” chanted Bolsonaro’s supporters outside the presidential palace in Sunday, as well as “We want to work!”“Chlo-ro-quine! Chlo-ro-quine!” chanted Bolsonaro’s supporters outside the presidential palace in Sunday, as well as “We want to work!”
Nationwide testing in Brazil still lags far behind European nations. Brazil had processed nearly 338,000 novel coronavirus tests in official labs by the beginning of the week, according to the Health Ministry. Another 145,000 tests were under analysis or waiting in line.Nationwide testing in Brazil still lags far behind European nations. Brazil had processed nearly 338,000 novel coronavirus tests in official labs by the beginning of the week, according to the Health Ministry. Another 145,000 tests were under analysis or waiting in line.
By contrast, Italy and Spain have each run some 1.9 million official diagnostic tests for the virus.By contrast, Italy and Spain have each run some 1.9 million official diagnostic tests for the virus.
In a possible glimmer of hope, Sunday has seen lower death tolls reported in the UK, Spain and Italy.
The UK’s daily coronavirus death toll was the lowest since lockdown began, with 170 deaths recorded. This should be taken with a pinch of salt: due to hospital reporting delays, the numbers reported on Sundays and Mondays tend to be lower than other days.
Meanwhile 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.
Italy on Sunday recorded its lowest daily toll, 145, since lockdown was declared. There were 153 deaths registered during the previous 24 hour period.
Doctors have identified a group of blood compounds that may help to reveal which children are most at risk of developing a rare but life-threatening immune reaction to coronavirus.
The new syndrome emerged last month after hospitals in London admitted a number of children to intensive care units with symptoms that resembled toxic shock mixed with an inflammatory disorder known as Kawasaki disease.
Read Ian Sample’s report here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.