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Coronavirus live news: cases in Africa pass 150,000; Germany lifts travel warning for Europe Coronavirus live news: cases in Africa pass 150,000; Germany lifts travel warning for Europe
(32 minutes later)
Wuhan doctor who worked with whistlebower dies; Abu Dhabi closes borders; Dr Fauci says he hasn’t spoken to Trump in two weeksWuhan doctor who worked with whistlebower dies; Abu Dhabi closes borders; Dr Fauci says he hasn’t spoken to Trump in two weeks
On Tuesday, Spain’s health ministry reported no new Covid-19 deaths for a second consecutive day, writes Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent. However, the ministry also said there had been 34 deaths across the country over the past week, leading to some confusion.
Fernando Simón, the head of Spain’s centre for health emergencies, said the death figures were “yielding some problems” but added that the numbers were provided by Spain’s regional governments.
To date, the country has registered 27,127 deaths and 239,932 cases.
The World Health Organization struggled to get needed information from China during critical early days of the coronavirus pandemic, according to recordings of internal meetings that contradict the organisation’s public praise of Beijing’s response to the outbreak, writes Lily Kuo, the Guardian’s Beijing bureau chief.
The recordings, obtained by the Associated Press (AP), show officials complaining in meetings during the week of 6 January that Beijing was not sharing data needed to evaluate the risk of the virus to the rest of the world. It was not until 20 January that China confirmed coronavirus was contagious and 30 January that the WHO declared a global emergency.
“We’re going on very minimal information,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist and the WHO technical lead for Covid-19, according to the AP. “It’s clearly not enough for you to do proper planning.”
The WHO’s top official in China, Gauden Galea, said in one of the recordings: “We’re currently at the stage where yes, they’re giving it to us 15 minutes before it appears on CCTV [Chinese state TV].”
The report comes amid growing international scrutiny of China’s handling of the outbreak and moves to establish an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, which has infected more than 6 million and killed more than 375,000 people around the world.
The UK reached another grim milestone in its battle with coronavirus today as the official death toll surpassed 50,000, writes Pamela Duncan.The UK reached another grim milestone in its battle with coronavirus today as the official death toll surpassed 50,000, writes Pamela Duncan.
This morning, the ONS released figures showing that 44,401 Covid deaths had occurred in England and Wales by 22 May (these figures differ from the daily figures put out by the government, which include only deaths that have occurred in hospitals and care homes where the person has had a positive Covid-19 test prior to their death).This morning, the ONS released figures showing that 44,401 Covid deaths had occurred in England and Wales by 22 May (these figures differ from the daily figures put out by the government, which include only deaths that have occurred in hospitals and care homes where the person has had a positive Covid-19 test prior to their death).
This follows last week’s release from National Records of Scotland, which showed that 3,779 deaths had been registered there up to 24 March.This follows last week’s release from National Records of Scotland, which showed that 3,779 deaths had been registered there up to 24 March.
A further 716 deaths had occurred in Northern Ireland by 22 May, NISRA figures show.A further 716 deaths had occurred in Northern Ireland by 22 May, NISRA figures show.
However, figures from NHS England show there were 931 deaths since then, a number that includes hospital deaths but not those occurring in care homes and other settings.However, figures from NHS England show there were 931 deaths since then, a number that includes hospital deaths but not those occurring in care homes and other settings.
Scottish government figures released today show there have been 105 deaths newly registered after 24 May.Scottish government figures released today show there have been 105 deaths newly registered after 24 May.
A further 78 deaths have occurred in Wales since 23 May, while there were 22 deaths reported in Northern Ireland in the same period.A further 78 deaths have occurred in Wales since 23 May, while there were 22 deaths reported in Northern Ireland in the same period.
The prime minister of Russia has announced a 5tn rouble (£58bn) package to shore up the economy after coronavirus containment measures triggered the deepest contraction since 2009, Reuters reports.The prime minister of Russia has announced a 5tn rouble (£58bn) package to shore up the economy after coronavirus containment measures triggered the deepest contraction since 2009, Reuters reports.
Despite the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections nearing 424,000, the world’s third highest, Russia began to reopen this week with short walks permitted in Moscow and other, less hard-hit regions, cancelling pass systems and reopening cafes.Despite the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections nearing 424,000, the world’s third highest, Russia began to reopen this week with short walks permitted in Moscow and other, less hard-hit regions, cancelling pass systems and reopening cafes.
In April, the first full month of a nationwide lockdown, joblessness jumped to 5.8%, retail sales dipped by 23.4% and gross domestic product contracted by 12% – its deepest fall since May 2009. Overall, GDP is forecast down by 5-8% this year.In April, the first full month of a nationwide lockdown, joblessness jumped to 5.8%, retail sales dipped by 23.4% and gross domestic product contracted by 12% – its deepest fall since May 2009. Overall, GDP is forecast down by 5-8% this year.
“By the end of the recovery period we should achieve stable, prolonged economic growth above pre-crisis levels,” Mikhail Mishustin, the PM, said, without giving details or figures. Before the coronavirus crisis, Russian GDP was forecast to grow by 3.1-3.2% in 2021-22.“By the end of the recovery period we should achieve stable, prolonged economic growth above pre-crisis levels,” Mikhail Mishustin, the PM, said, without giving details or figures. Before the coronavirus crisis, Russian GDP was forecast to grow by 3.1-3.2% in 2021-22.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, described the plan as a foundation for repairing the economy and for “long-term structural change”.The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, described the plan as a foundation for repairing the economy and for “long-term structural change”.
“It is a matter of crucial importance for us to solve today’s acute problems, as well as ensure confident movement forward in the long-term,” the French news agency AFP quoted him as saying.“It is a matter of crucial importance for us to solve today’s acute problems, as well as ensure confident movement forward in the long-term,” the French news agency AFP quoted him as saying.
Putin said the epidemic had “seriously impacted all spheres of life” and added that he expected to launch the recovery plan next month.Putin said the epidemic had “seriously impacted all spheres of life” and added that he expected to launch the recovery plan next month.
Shopping malls in Dubai will fully reopen for business on Wednesday, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions, the emirate’s media office has announced, AFP reports.Shopping malls in Dubai will fully reopen for business on Wednesday, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions, the emirate’s media office has announced, AFP reports.
The step makes the city-state the first in the Middle East to drop nearly all restrictions to combat the spread of the virus. Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, had already shortened a nighttime curfew to seven hours starting from 11pm.The step makes the city-state the first in the Middle East to drop nearly all restrictions to combat the spread of the virus. Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, had already shortened a nighttime curfew to seven hours starting from 11pm.
Businesses in the private sector had been allowed since last week to work at 50% capacity, but the authorities now say they can “fully operate”.Businesses in the private sector had been allowed since last week to work at 50% capacity, but the authorities now say they can “fully operate”.
Dubai’s shopping centres include the Mall of the Emirates, which has its own indoor ski slope, and Dubai Mall, adjacent to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure.Dubai’s shopping centres include the Mall of the Emirates, which has its own indoor ski slope, and Dubai Mall, adjacent to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure.
“The move aims to ensure the private sector is able to resume normal activity without compromising on preventive steps to protect people’s health and safety,” a media office statement said.“The move aims to ensure the private sector is able to resume normal activity without compromising on preventive steps to protect people’s health and safety,” a media office statement said.
Preventative measures include wearing face masks, maintaining a minimum distance of 2 metres between individuals, and the regular use of hand-sanitiser, the statement added.Preventative measures include wearing face masks, maintaining a minimum distance of 2 metres between individuals, and the regular use of hand-sanitiser, the statement added.
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Africa have passed 35,000, the health minister reported on Tuesday.Confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Africa have passed 35,000, the health minister reported on Tuesday.
In a tweet posted earlier in the afternoon, Zweli Mkhize reported that the cumulative number of cases in the country was now 35,812, an increase of 1,455 since Monday.In a tweet posted earlier in the afternoon, Zweli Mkhize reported that the cumulative number of cases in the country was now 35,812, an increase of 1,455 since Monday.
South Africa has the most confirmed virus cases of any nation in Africa. Despite that, authorities in the country took another step in easing lockdown restrictions on Monday with alcohol sales allowed again. Authorities have warned that the rate of new cases is expected to quicken.South Africa has the most confirmed virus cases of any nation in Africa. Despite that, authorities in the country took another step in easing lockdown restrictions on Monday with alcohol sales allowed again. Authorities have warned that the rate of new cases is expected to quicken.
South Africa has seen cases double roughly every 12 days while cases in the Western Cape, which by itself accounts for more than 23,000 infections, have been doubling every nine days.South Africa has seen cases double roughly every 12 days while cases in the Western Cape, which by itself accounts for more than 23,000 infections, have been doubling every nine days.
A coronavirus alert has been issued in Tokyo, as fears grow of a resurgence of infections just a week after the state of emergency in Japan’s capital was ended.A coronavirus alert has been issued in Tokyo, as fears grow of a resurgence of infections just a week after the state of emergency in Japan’s capital was ended.
The regional governor, Yuriko Koike, issued the alert Tuesday after 34 new cases were confirmed in the city, where confirmed infections had slowed to a few per day in late May.The regional governor, Yuriko Koike, issued the alert Tuesday after 34 new cases were confirmed in the city, where confirmed infections had slowed to a few per day in late May.
“The alert is to precisely inform the people of the status of infections and to advise caution,” Koike was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.“The alert is to precisely inform the people of the status of infections and to advise caution,” Koike was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Lighting on Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge will be changed from rainbow-coloured to red as a sign of alert. However, the alert does not mean restrictions will be reimposed immediately.Lighting on Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge will be changed from rainbow-coloured to red as a sign of alert. However, the alert does not mean restrictions will be reimposed immediately.
Experts say the rise in new cases reflects the increased movement of people since mid-May and could increase further.Experts say the rise in new cases reflects the increased movement of people since mid-May and could increase further.
Koike said: “I want to remind everyone once again that we are fighting against an unknown virus as we still don’t have any vaccines or treatment for it.”Koike said: “I want to remind everyone once again that we are fighting against an unknown virus as we still don’t have any vaccines or treatment for it.”
Hundreds of residents of one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, Kenya, lit fires in the streets last night as they protested over the killing by police of a homeless man during the dusk-to-dawn curfew.Hundreds of residents of one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, Kenya, lit fires in the streets last night as they protested over the killing by police of a homeless man during the dusk-to-dawn curfew.
Nineteen Kenyans have been killed by police enforcing coronavirus lockdowns, according to Boniface Mwangi, a civil rights activist. All came from low-income neighbourhoods, he said.Nineteen Kenyans have been killed by police enforcing coronavirus lockdowns, according to Boniface Mwangi, a civil rights activist. All came from low-income neighbourhoods, he said.
On Monday night, hundreds of people in Mathare, a slum in the east of the Kenyan capital, left their homes and burned tires in the streets in the latest outrage over police brutality. Dominic Njagi told the Associated Press he couldn’t understand why police shot his brother, 51-year-old James Mureithi.On Monday night, hundreds of people in Mathare, a slum in the east of the Kenyan capital, left their homes and burned tires in the streets in the latest outrage over police brutality. Dominic Njagi told the Associated Press he couldn’t understand why police shot his brother, 51-year-old James Mureithi.
He said Mureithi was a university-educated automotive engineer who suffered a mental breakdown after divorcing his wife 10 years ago.He said Mureithi was a university-educated automotive engineer who suffered a mental breakdown after divorcing his wife 10 years ago.
“The pathologist I talked to said my brother was shot twice; one on the legs and the other on the chest,” Njagi said. “The pathologist said the chest wound was at close range.”“The pathologist I talked to said my brother was shot twice; one on the legs and the other on the chest,” Njagi said. “The pathologist said the chest wound was at close range.”
A local elder, Stephen Wesonga, said Mureithi was well-known in the slum as he used to walk around collecting recyclables to sell.A local elder, Stephen Wesonga, said Mureithi was well-known in the slum as he used to walk around collecting recyclables to sell.
Several gatherings of extended families in the city of Göttingen, north-west Germany, two weekends ago have resulted in a local spike of the coronavirus, which authorities say has highlighted the need to stick to physical distancing rules, writes Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.Several gatherings of extended families in the city of Göttingen, north-west Germany, two weekends ago have resulted in a local spike of the coronavirus, which authorities say has highlighted the need to stick to physical distancing rules, writes Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.
As Germany slowly emerges from its lockdown restrictions, the outbreaks in Göttingen serve to illustrate the challenge of keeping the virus contained, despite the relatively efficient tracking and tracing system in place in the country.As Germany slowly emerges from its lockdown restrictions, the outbreaks in Göttingen serve to illustrate the challenge of keeping the virus contained, despite the relatively efficient tracking and tracing system in place in the country.
Sixty-eight people of 166 tested had been found to have the virus by Monday, following the parties that took place on 23-24 May. Fifty-nine were from the city and nine from the wider area. One of the people infected has been hospitalised. The results of further tests are outstanding.Sixty-eight people of 166 tested had been found to have the virus by Monday, following the parties that took place on 23-24 May. Fifty-nine were from the city and nine from the wider area. One of the people infected has been hospitalised. The results of further tests are outstanding.
While the number may appear relatively low, the ramifications are considerable. Three hundred contact people have so far been identified – that is, those who were in close proximity to those who have been tested positive – and have been ordered to quarantine for 14 days.While the number may appear relatively low, the ramifications are considerable. Three hundred contact people have so far been identified – that is, those who were in close proximity to those who have been tested positive – and have been ordered to quarantine for 14 days.
“They may not leave their flats, not even to go shopping,” Cordula Dankert, a spokeswoman for the city, said.“They may not leave their flats, not even to go shopping,” Cordula Dankert, a spokeswoman for the city, said.
Sixty of the contact people live in a high-rise block of flats that is home to 700 residents. Authorities have said while it might be desirable from an epidemiological viewpoint to put the whole block under quarantine, it is not realistic to do so.Sixty of the contact people live in a high-rise block of flats that is home to 700 residents. Authorities have said while it might be desirable from an epidemiological viewpoint to put the whole block under quarantine, it is not realistic to do so.
Sweden has recorded a further 775 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 65 more deaths from Covid-19, according to the latest figures from its public health authority.Sweden has recorded a further 775 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 65 more deaths from Covid-19, according to the latest figures from its public health authority.
As of Tuesday, the total number of confirmed cases of cases in the country stood at 38,589, of whom 4,468 have died.As of Tuesday, the total number of confirmed cases of cases in the country stood at 38,589, of whom 4,468 have died.
The latest figures came as the numbers of tests carried out reached a new high, but fell well short of the 100,000 a week promised by officials. Almost 36,500 coronavirus tests were analysed in Sweden last week, the public health agency said.The latest figures came as the numbers of tests carried out reached a new high, but fell well short of the 100,000 a week promised by officials. Almost 36,500 coronavirus tests were analysed in Sweden last week, the public health agency said.
State media say Zimbabwe has confirmed its first coronavirus cases in prisons, with four inmates and two guards testing positive, US news agency the Associated Press reports.
The Herald newspaper says authorities declared the prisons in Plumtree, which borders Botswana, and in Beitbridge, which borders South Africa, as “no-go areas.” Authorities also have suspended movement out of prisons countrywide, resulting in some prisoners failing to attend court hearings.
Zimbabwe’s cases more than doubled in the past week to over 200, with most new infections at centres where people crossing the border are quarantined. Most are returning from Botswana and South Africa, which host millions of Zimbabweans who fled economic turmoil in recent years.
South Africa has more than 34,000 virus cases, the most in Africa. Zimbabwe’s health ministry says the returnees pose the biggest virus threat. Those arrested for illegal border crossings are put into the prisons in Plumtree and Beitbridge.
Zimbabwe earlier released more than 4,000 prisoners to ease overcrowding in facilities where health systems are weak. About 18,000 people are still behind bars.
Damien Gayle back at the controls now, with thanks to Simon for keeping things ticking over while I had my break. Remember, you can contact me with any comments, tips or suggestions for coverage, either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
The Covid-19 pandemic is exposing “endemic inequalities” that must be addressed, according to the United Nations’ human rights chief, who highlighted the protests triggered by George Floyd’s death.
Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, referenced the situation in the United States and a series of other countries, saying data shows the coronavirus crisis has had a worse impact on racial and ethnic minorities.
“This virus is exposing endemic inequalities that have too long been ignored,” she said in a statement, according to AFP.
Similar inequalities were also fuelling the widespread protests in hundreds of US cities over the police killing in Minneapolis last week of Floyd, an unarmed black man, Bachelet said. “In the United States, protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd are highlighting not only police violence against people of colour, but also inequalities in health, education, employment and endemic racial discrimination,” she explained.
She noted the virus death rate for African Americans is reportedly more than double that of other racial groups in the United States. Her statement also highlighted the situation in the UK, where an official study has found that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are up to 50% more likely to die after being infected with Covid-19.
And she pointed to Brazil, where people of colour in Sao Paulo are 62% more likely to die from the virus than white people, and in France’s heavily minority-inhabited Seine Saint-Denis suburb of Paris, which has reported higher excess mortality than other areas.
“The appalling impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minorities is much discussed, but what is less clear is how much is being done to address it,” Bachelet said.
“People from racial and ethnic minorities are also found in higher numbers in some jobs that carry increased risk, including in the transport, health and cleaning sectors,” the statement said. She added:
“The fight against this pandemic cannot be won if governments refuse to acknowledge the blatant inequalities that the virus is bringing to the fore,” Bachelet warned.
It is a country famed for its cuisine but during lockdown diners in France have been prevented from enjoying the country’s plethora of restaurants.
But now the country has taken a step closer to returning to some sense of normality, as cafes and restaurants opened their doors today for the first time since the Covid-19 control measures were imposed.
Although restrictions remain in the Paris region, where only outdoor seating and takeout is allowed at restaurants with dining rooms remaining closed, customers still flocked to seize the chance to bask on sunny terraces after 10 weeks of closures to fight the outbreak.
“I’ve missed this so much... we’re social animals, after all,” Rachida, 70, told AFP while sipping an espresso as her grandson enjoyed a lemonade at her local cafe in Romainville, a Paris suburb.
There were similar scenes elsewhere. “I’m almost overwhelmed,” Martine Depagniat, wearing a beige face mask and sunglasses, said at the Cafe de la Comedie in Paris, just across the street from the Louvre Museum where she works. “I think people really need a return to normal, even though there’s still a bit of nervousness,” she said.
But it’s not quite business as normal in the country – which has suffered more than 28,000 Covid-19 deaths – with many servers and customers wearing face masks and tables kept at least one metre apart new under government regulations.
In the rest of the country, where cafes and restaurants are fully open, some even welcomed customers at the stroke of midnight to celebrate their newfound freedom under a further relaxation of lockdown rules. “We’re leaving our confinement, to rediscover the pleasures and good times spent together,” said Frederic de Boulois, president of a regional hotel association in Nantes, western France, speaking from the Prison du Bouffay, a restaurant that sits atop a former mediaeval dungeon.
At the Cafe de Flore, a Left Bank institution in the French capital, waiter Philippe Da Cruz wore a surgical mask over his black vest and impeccably knotted tie as he chatted with clients. “They’re incredibly happy to be back, doing everyday things,” he said. “The real deconfinement is now beginning.”
In England, an official study has found that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are up to 50% more likely to die after being infected with Covid-19.
The report, published today by Public Health England (PHE), reveals that people of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of death than people of white British ethnicity.
Meanwhile, people of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and black ethnicity had between 10% and 50% higher risk of death.
The report examines disparities in how the disease affected people, showed there was a significant disproportionate effect on ethnic minorities, while confirming death tolls among the elderly were far higher.
It comes as a United Nations human rights official highlighted the “devastating impact” of the disease on those communities in Britain and other countries.
“Death rates from COVID-19 were higher for Black and Asian ethnic groups when compared to White ethnic groups,” the PHE report said.
Here’s some more detail on the study from my colleague, Haroon Siddique.
It’s Simon Murphy here covering the global live blog while my colleague, Damien Gayle, takes a break.
Nursery schools in Belgium began reopening on Tuesday, two and a half months after they were closed down as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The reopening is the latest step in the gradual easing of lockdown measures in Belgium, which has recorded the worst per capita death rate from the coronavirus outbreak of any country in Europe.
Most nursery classes are due to reopen on Wednesday and Thursday, Chinese news agency Xinhua reports. From next week, primary schools are also due to reopen.
Belgium’s national security council will meet on Wednesday to decide on the third phase of lockdown easing, which will include the reopening of cafes and restaurants, and the resumption of domestic holidays and religious services, timetabled for 8 June.
A decision is also due to be taken on reopening the borders, which is expected on 15 June, in line with the schedules of Germany and France, Belgium’s biggest neighbours.
On Tuesday, the Sciensano public health institute reported 19 new deaths from Covid-19, bringing the total death toll in Belgium to 9,505. A further 98 people tested positive for coronavirus. So far, Belgium has recorded a total of 58,615 infections.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa has passed 150,000, after 5,343 more cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control.
The latest update from the African Union health agency showed that there had been 152,442 cases of the virus, which causes the Covid-19 respiratory disease, reported by its 54 member states. Of those, 63,661 people had recovered and 4,344 had died.
According to the Africa CDC’s coronavirus dashboard, the worst affected area, by both deaths and infections, was north Africa.
Keeping at least 1-metre apart and wearing face masks and eye protection are the best ways to cut the risk of coronavirus infection, according to the largest review to date of studies on coronavirus disease transmission, Reuters reports.
In a review that pooled evidence from 172 studies in 16 countries, researchers found frequent handwashing and good hygiene are also critical – though even all those measures combined can not give full protection.
The findings, published in the Lancet journal on Monday, will help guide governments and health agencies, some of whom have given conflicting advice on measures, largely because of limited information about Covid-19.
“Our findings are the first to synthesise all direct information on Covid-19, Sars, and Mers, and provide the currently best available evidence on the optimum use of these common and simple interventions to help ‘flatten the curve’”, said Holger Schünemann, from McMaster University in Canada, who co-led the research.
Current evidence suggests the coronavirus is most commonly spread by droplets, especially when people cough, and infects by entering through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or via contaminated surfaces.
Derek Chu, an assistant professor at McMaster University, who co-led the work, said people should understand that “wearing a mask is not an alternative to physical distancing, eye protection or basic measures such as hand hygiene.”