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Coronavirus live news: Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy Coronavirus live news: Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy
(32 minutes later)
New York urges protesters to get tested; Turkey announces weekend lockdown in 15 cities; US jobless claims pass 42mNew York urges protesters to get tested; Turkey announces weekend lockdown in 15 cities; US jobless claims pass 42m
Surgical masks are washing up in growing quantities on the shores of Hong Kong, a city that has overwhelmingly embraced face coverings to fight the coronavirus.
Conservationists say the masks are adding to already alarmingly high levels of plastic waste in the waters around the finance hub.
“The single use plastic mask is just another additional burden that we are leaving behind for the future generations on the beach,” Gary Stokes, co-founder of OceansAsia, told AFP.
During a recent visit, conservationists counted and removed 70 masks from a 100 metre stretch of beach. A week later, another 30 masks had washed up.
“Ever since society started wearing masks, the cause and effects of it are now being seen on the beaches,” Stokes said.
Hong Kong’s 7.5 million inhabitants produce six million tonnes of waste each year, only around 30% of it recycled.
Even before the coronavirus emerged, residents often wore facemasks on the daily commute, especially during the winter flu season.
But the emergence of the deadly Covid-19 disease has made mask wearing near ubiquitous.
A growing number of companies are now offering reusable masks and the government has also launched an initiative to send all residents a fabric mask that can be washed.
But disposable masks remain by far the most popular choice. Stokes said:
The Covid-19 pandemic is now “under control” in France, the head of the government’s scientific advisory council has said, as the country cautiously lifts a lockdown imposed in March.
Jean-Francois Delfraissy told France Inter radio:
Delfraissy, an immunologist, and his colleagues were appointed to the coronavirus advisory panel as authorities sought to contain an outbreak that has killed over 29,000 people in France.
The number of daily deaths has fallen off, however, with just 44 reported by the health ministry on Thursday.
Delfraissy said around 1,000 new cases were currently being reported in France per day, down from around 80,000 in early March, before the nationwide stay-at-home orders and business closures were issued.
In its latest summary of findings published on Thursday, the Sante Publique France health agency estimated that the country had 151,325 confirmed Covid-19 cases as of 2 June, when restaurants across France were allowed to reopen.
But it cautioned that at the height of the outbreak, patients with suspected coronavirus infections were not systematically tested, meaning the actual number of cases exceeds the official estimate.
Russia has reported 8,726 new cases of Covid-19, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 449,834.
Officials said 144 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official nationwide death toll to 5,528.
An influential medical journal article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in Covid-19 patients was retracted on Thursday, adding further controversy to the drug championed by US president Donald Trump.
Three of the authors of the article retracted it, citing concerns about the quality and veracity of data in the study, following a Guardian investigation into the data and US company Surgisphere which provided it.
The anti-malarial drug has been controversial in part due to support from Trump, as well as implications of the study published in British journal The Lancet last month, which led several Covid-19 studies to be halted.
The three authors said Surgisphere would not transfer the dataset for an independent review and they “can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources”.
The fourth author of the study, Dr Sapan Desai, chief executive of Surgisphere, declined to comment on the retraction.
The Lancet said on Thursday it “takes issues of scientific integrity extremely seriously, and there are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study”.
It said institutional reviews of Surgisphere’s research collaborations were urgently needed.
Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine that relied on Surgisphere data and shared the same lead author, Harvard Medical School professor Mandeep Mehra, was retracted for the same reason.
The observational study published in The Lancet on 22 May said it looked at 96,000 hospitalised Covid-19 patients, some treated with the decades-old malaria drug.
It claimed that those treated with hydroxychloroquine or the related chloroquine had higher risk of death and heart rhythm problems than patients who were not given the medicines.
The World Health Organization, which paused hydroxychloroquine trials after The Lancet study was released, said on Wednesday it was ready to resume trials, and dozens of other trials have resumed or are in process.
The study’s lead author, professor Mehra, said in a statement:
Many scientists voiced concern about the study, which had already been corrected last week because some location data was wrong. Nearly 150 doctors signed an open letter to The Lancet calling the article’s conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication.
The episode highlights how studies to prevent and treat the virus are being conducted at unprecedented speed while garnering high levels of attention that could give findings unwarranted weight.
Singapore has confirmed another 261 coronavirus cases, the city-state’s smallest increase in nearly two months, taking its tally to 37,183.Singapore has confirmed another 261 coronavirus cases, the city-state’s smallest increase in nearly two months, taking its tally to 37,183.
The lower number of cases was partly due to the fact that fewer swab-tests were conducted, the health ministry said.The lower number of cases was partly due to the fact that fewer swab-tests were conducted, the health ministry said.
Afghanistan has recorded its biggest one-day rise of new coronavirus cases as around 60% of tests over the last 24 hours came back positive, with a continued surge of transmission in Kabul and record high in Helmand.According to the latest update, the health ministry has detected 915 new cases out of 1,570 tests, marking the war-torn country’s biggest one-day rise of new infections.Afghanistan has recorded its biggest one-day rise of new coronavirus cases as around 60% of tests over the last 24 hours came back positive, with a continued surge of transmission in Kabul and record high in Helmand.According to the latest update, the health ministry has detected 915 new cases out of 1,570 tests, marking the war-torn country’s biggest one-day rise of new infections.
Nine patients also died overnight, with the total number of infections now standing at 18,969 and the death toll at 309. There have been 1,763 recoveries.Most new cases have been reported in the capital city of Kabul, where the health ministry detected 423 new cases out of 811 tests. Kabul is the country’s worst affected area with 7,556 cases.Nine patients also died overnight, with the total number of infections now standing at 18,969 and the death toll at 309. There have been 1,763 recoveries.Most new cases have been reported in the capital city of Kabul, where the health ministry detected 423 new cases out of 811 tests. Kabul is the country’s worst affected area with 7,556 cases.
The western province of Herat recorded 201 new cases out of 243 tests in the last 24 hours. Testing capacity remains low in Afghanistan and experts warn that real Covid-19 figures may be much higher.Earlier this week, the International Rescue Committee warned about the low capacity of testing and said the Afghan health ministry has the capacity to test 2,000 suspected patients each day, but is receiving between 10,000 - 20,000 samples daily.The western province of Herat recorded 201 new cases out of 243 tests in the last 24 hours. Testing capacity remains low in Afghanistan and experts warn that real Covid-19 figures may be much higher.Earlier this week, the International Rescue Committee warned about the low capacity of testing and said the Afghan health ministry has the capacity to test 2,000 suspected patients each day, but is receiving between 10,000 - 20,000 samples daily.
The IRC said:The IRC said:
Helmand province recorded 20 new cases after more than a month without new reports.Helmand province recorded 20 new cases after more than a month without new reports.
On Thursday, a newly introduced acting minister of public health, Ahmad Jawad Osmani, said in a press conference that he would bring reforms to the health sector.Osmani said the coronavirus must be fought, but that reforms in hospitals and in other service areas must also be made. He said current health services do not meet the people’s standards and need to be increased.On Thursday, a newly introduced acting minister of public health, Ahmad Jawad Osmani, said in a press conference that he would bring reforms to the health sector.Osmani said the coronavirus must be fought, but that reforms in hospitals and in other service areas must also be made. He said current health services do not meet the people’s standards and need to be increased.
New orders for German manufacturing firms saw their sharpest fall on record in April during the coronavirus shutdown, official data has shown, plunging a worse-than-expected 25.8% from March.New orders for German manufacturing firms saw their sharpest fall on record in April during the coronavirus shutdown, official data has shown, plunging a worse-than-expected 25.8% from March.
The closely-watched indicator of future industrial activity saw “the biggest fall since the beginning of the data series in 1991” just after German reunification, federal statistics authority Destatis said.The closely-watched indicator of future industrial activity saw “the biggest fall since the beginning of the data series in 1991” just after German reunification, federal statistics authority Destatis said.
The reading was down 36.6% year-on-year, it added.The reading was down 36.6% year-on-year, it added.
Destatis had previously flagged March’s 15% month-on-month plunge as the worst in the history of the industrial orders measure.Destatis had previously flagged March’s 15% month-on-month plunge as the worst in the history of the industrial orders measure.
“The collapse in new industrial orders worsened again in line with expectations in April,” the economy ministry in Berlin said, as “restrictions against the corona pandemic were in place during the whole month”.“The collapse in new industrial orders worsened again in line with expectations in April,” the economy ministry in Berlin said, as “restrictions against the corona pandemic were in place during the whole month”.
Other indicators of German industrial output have also plummeted in recent months.Other indicators of German industrial output have also plummeted in recent months.
Since January, carmakers have built fewer than one million vehicles, down more than one-third compared with the first five months of 2019.Since January, carmakers have built fewer than one million vehicles, down more than one-third compared with the first five months of 2019.
Ministers in chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government this week agreed a new €130bn ($148bn) stimulus package to get the country moving again as it gradually emerges from infection control lockdowns.Ministers in chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government this week agreed a new €130bn ($148bn) stimulus package to get the country moving again as it gradually emerges from infection control lockdowns.
The country’s biggest post-war package, includes cuts to VAT, handouts to families, and subsidies for greener transport options.The country’s biggest post-war package, includes cuts to VAT, handouts to families, and subsidies for greener transport options.
However the economy ministry said that the “given gradual loosening (of lockdowns) the worst of the industrial recession should be behind us”.However the economy ministry said that the “given gradual loosening (of lockdowns) the worst of the industrial recession should be behind us”.
Dozens of protesters in Hong Kong marched through a shopping mall on Friday, chanting pro-democracy slogans a day after thousands defied a police ban to hold a vigil for the anniversary of China’s Tiananmen crackdown in 1989.Dozens of protesters in Hong Kong marched through a shopping mall on Friday, chanting pro-democracy slogans a day after thousands defied a police ban to hold a vigil for the anniversary of China’s Tiananmen crackdown in 1989.
Protesters of all ages joined the march in the heart of the city’s financial district, which ended peacefully after an hour.Protesters of all ages joined the march in the heart of the city’s financial district, which ended peacefully after an hour.
Some held banners that read “Hong Kong independence” and “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” as well as the former British colonial flag, while others chanted “Glory to Hong Kong”, the unofficial anthem of the protests.Some held banners that read “Hong Kong independence” and “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” as well as the former British colonial flag, while others chanted “Glory to Hong Kong”, the unofficial anthem of the protests.
Thursday’s anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire on student-led protests in and around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square was particularly sensitive this year as the central government drafts national security laws for the Asian financial hub.Thursday’s anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire on student-led protests in and around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square was particularly sensitive this year as the central government drafts national security laws for the Asian financial hub.
It was the first time in 31 years that scuffles briefly disrupted what is usually a solemn day in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which traditionally organises the world’s biggest memorial for the crackdown.It was the first time in 31 years that scuffles briefly disrupted what is usually a solemn day in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which traditionally organises the world’s biggest memorial for the crackdown.
Officers would not have intervened if protesters had not blocked roads in the district of Mong Kok, police said on Twitter on Thursday. They had rejected the application for the vigil over concerns about the coronavirus.Officers would not have intervened if protesters had not blocked roads in the district of Mong Kok, police said on Twitter on Thursday. They had rejected the application for the vigil over concerns about the coronavirus.
A group of current and former central bankers, including the governors of the Bank of England and Banque de France, have written about the need for the world to embrace a green global economy after the coronavirus pandemic.A group of current and former central bankers, including the governors of the Bank of England and Banque de France, have written about the need for the world to embrace a green global economy after the coronavirus pandemic.
The piece is by Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England; François Villeroy de Galhau, governor of Banque de France; Frank Elderson, chair of the Network for Greening the Financial System and executive board member of the Nederlandsche Bank; and Mark Carney, UN special envoy for climate action and finance.The piece is by Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England; François Villeroy de Galhau, governor of Banque de France; Frank Elderson, chair of the Network for Greening the Financial System and executive board member of the Nederlandsche Bank; and Mark Carney, UN special envoy for climate action and finance.
The first case of Covid-19 has been recorded among the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, adding to concerns that the virus could spread rapidly among the persecuted group.The first case of Covid-19 has been recorded among the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, adding to concerns that the virus could spread rapidly among the persecuted group.
Rohingya have faced decades of oppression in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship, face severe restrictions on their movement, and have extremely limited access to health care.Rohingya have faced decades of oppression in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship, face severe restrictions on their movement, and have extremely limited access to health care.
Rights groups are particularly concerned about the squalid conditions in camps in central Rakhine state where around 130,000 internally displaced Rohingya remain trapped.Rights groups are particularly concerned about the squalid conditions in camps in central Rakhine state where around 130,000 internally displaced Rohingya remain trapped.
Human Rights Watch recently reported that the Burmese authorities are using the Covid-19 response measures as a pretext to further harass and extort Rohingya, and are “doubling down on a system in which they are already effectively incarcerating the population”.Human Rights Watch recently reported that the Burmese authorities are using the Covid-19 response measures as a pretext to further harass and extort Rohingya, and are “doubling down on a system in which they are already effectively incarcerating the population”.
In 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled over the border to Bangladesh, following brutal campaign by the Myanmar military that has since led to a genocide case in the UN’s top court. Around 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar, where the UN warns they face a continued risk of genocide.In 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled over the border to Bangladesh, following brutal campaign by the Myanmar military that has since led to a genocide case in the UN’s top court. Around 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar, where the UN warns they face a continued risk of genocide.
The 38 year-old man in Rakhine state who is confirmed to have the virus was tested on Monday and had returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, officials told Radio Free Asia.The 38 year-old man in Rakhine state who is confirmed to have the virus was tested on Monday and had returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, officials told Radio Free Asia.
This week, authorities in Bangladesh confirmed the first death from Covid-19 in the country’s refugee camps, where there are also major concerns about overcrowding, poor sanitation and limited medical facilities.This week, authorities in Bangladesh confirmed the first death from Covid-19 in the country’s refugee camps, where there are also major concerns about overcrowding, poor sanitation and limited medical facilities.
The man, aged 71, died on 31 May while undergoing treatment at the camp’s isolation center. So far, 29 people have tested positive in the camps, which host about one million Rohingya.The man, aged 71, died on 31 May while undergoing treatment at the camp’s isolation center. So far, 29 people have tested positive in the camps, which host about one million Rohingya.
The Norwegian economy contracted 4.7% in April from March but the outlook for the rest of the year now looks less bleak than it did in late April, Statistics Norway has said.The Norwegian economy contracted 4.7% in April from March but the outlook for the rest of the year now looks less bleak than it did in late April, Statistics Norway has said.
The mainland economy, which excludes the volatile offshore oil and gas production, is now forecast to drop 3.9% for the full year compared to the 5.5% fall predicted on 24 April when Norway was in lockdown.The mainland economy, which excludes the volatile offshore oil and gas production, is now forecast to drop 3.9% for the full year compared to the 5.5% fall predicted on 24 April when Norway was in lockdown.
Hello, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be steering the live blog for the next few hours.Hello, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be steering the live blog for the next few hours.
If you have any stories or suggestions you’d like to share, feel free to get in touch:If you have any stories or suggestions you’d like to share, feel free to get in touch:
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comEmail: jessica.murray@theguardian.com
Twitter: @journojess_Twitter: @journojess_
A quick look at the Guardian UK’s front page, which is leading on a pandemic exclusive: “Revealed: NHS test and trace not fully operational until September”.A quick look at the Guardian UK’s front page, which is leading on a pandemic exclusive: “Revealed: NHS test and trace not fully operational until September”.
Britain’s test-and-trace system could take another four months before it is working properly, the Guardian has learned, raising concerns about how the country might cope with a second wave of coronavirus infections. Tony Prestedge, a banker drafted in to run the NHS scheme, told staff that the programme would be “imperfect” at launch and won’t be world class until September or October. Boris Johnson had said the “world-beating” scheme would be in place by 1 June.Britain’s test-and-trace system could take another four months before it is working properly, the Guardian has learned, raising concerns about how the country might cope with a second wave of coronavirus infections. Tony Prestedge, a banker drafted in to run the NHS scheme, told staff that the programme would be “imperfect” at launch and won’t be world class until September or October. Boris Johnson had said the “world-beating” scheme would be in place by 1 June.
You can read more about this and get up to speed with all the developments in our UK Morning Briefing with Martin Farrer below.You can read more about this and get up to speed with all the developments in our UK Morning Briefing with Martin Farrer below.