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Coronavirus live news: Brazil death toll passes Italy; virus 'under control' in France, says government adviser Coronavirus live news: Brazil death toll passes Italy; virus 'under control' in France, says government adviser
(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
The number of new cases of coronavirus in Iran has slid slightly from its new peak yesterday, with 2,886 more people in the country testing positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, according to the health ministry.
On Thursday, Iran reported a new record in transmissions detected in a single day, suggesting that the country could be experiencing a second-wave of epidemic. The previous daily record in Iran, which was one of the first countries in the Middle East to be gripped by the disease, was 3,186 on 30 March.
In spite of a steadily rising infection rate, authorities have been progressively lifting controls on shops, mosques, schools, offices and travel. The border with Turkey was also being opened for haulage traffic on Thursday.
In his latest update, Kianoush Jahanpour, the health ministry spokesman, said 63 more Iranians had died from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. There are currently 2,573 cases are in critical condition.
So far, Jahanpour said, 129,741 people out of a total of 167,156 infected with the virus have recovered.
More than 168,000 people have so far tested positive for the coronavirus in Africa - an increase of about 6,000 since Thursday - according to the latest figures circulated by the World Health Organisation on Friday.More than 168,000 people have so far tested positive for the coronavirus in Africa - an increase of about 6,000 since Thursday - according to the latest figures circulated by the World Health Organisation on Friday.
After a couple of days unexplained hiatus, the UN health agency’s regional office for the continent has resumed its tweets giving the rundown of the latest figures from the 54 countries in Africa.After a couple of days unexplained hiatus, the UN health agency’s regional office for the continent has resumed its tweets giving the rundown of the latest figures from the 54 countries in Africa.
Of the official confirmed cases so far, more than 73,000 people have so far recovered and 4,700 have died.Of the official confirmed cases so far, more than 73,000 people have so far recovered and 4,700 have died.
This is Damien Gayle taking the reins now on the live blog, bringing you the latest headlines and news on the global coronavirus outbreak as it happens.This is Damien Gayle taking the reins now on the live blog, bringing you the latest headlines and news on the global coronavirus outbreak as it happens.
If you have any comments, or tips or suggestions for coverage, please drop me a line, either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.If you have any comments, or tips or suggestions for coverage, please drop me a line, either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
That’s it for me today, thanks to those who got in touch with their comments and suggestions - I’m now handing over to my colleague Damien Gayle.That’s it for me today, thanks to those who got in touch with their comments and suggestions - I’m now handing over to my colleague Damien Gayle.
Covid-19 deaths pass 390,000 worldwide. The number of confirmed deaths now stands at 391,439, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. Meanwhile, known cases passed 6.6 million across the globe, with 6,651,047 currently confirmed.Covid-19 deaths pass 390,000 worldwide. The number of confirmed deaths now stands at 391,439, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. Meanwhile, known cases passed 6.6 million across the globe, with 6,651,047 currently confirmed.
Brazil’s death toll overtakes Italy’s to become third-highest worldwide. Brazil’s total Covid-19 death toll blew past that of Italy on Thursday, as the Health Ministry reported 1,437 deaths in the last 24 hours and 30,925 additional coronavirus cases. The Latin American nation has now reported 34,021 deaths from the coronavirus, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom.Brazil’s death toll overtakes Italy’s to become third-highest worldwide. Brazil’s total Covid-19 death toll blew past that of Italy on Thursday, as the Health Ministry reported 1,437 deaths in the last 24 hours and 30,925 additional coronavirus cases. The Latin American nation has now reported 34,021 deaths from the coronavirus, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom.
First Covid-19 case recorded among persecuted Rohingya in Myanmar. The 38-year-old man in Rakhine state had returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, officials told Radio Free Asia. Rights groups are concerned about the squalid conditions in camps in Rakhine where around 130,000 internally displaced Rohingya remain trapped.First Covid-19 case recorded among persecuted Rohingya in Myanmar. The 38-year-old man in Rakhine state had returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, officials told Radio Free Asia. Rights groups are concerned about the squalid conditions in camps in Rakhine where around 130,000 internally displaced Rohingya remain trapped.
South Africa sees record rise in coronavirus cases. South Africa has recorded 3,267 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, the biggest increase since the pandemic hit the country. Africa’s biggest industrial power now has a total of 40,792 infections, the health ministry said. It saw a rise of 56 deaths, bring the total to 848. More than half of the cases are in the Western Cape region where health services are under pressure.South Africa sees record rise in coronavirus cases. South Africa has recorded 3,267 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, the biggest increase since the pandemic hit the country. Africa’s biggest industrial power now has a total of 40,792 infections, the health ministry said. It saw a rise of 56 deaths, bring the total to 848. More than half of the cases are in the Western Cape region where health services are under pressure.
Covid-19 ‘under control’ in France, says government adviser. The head of the government’s scientific advisory council, Jean-Francois Delfraissy, told France Inter radio: “We can reasonably say the virus is currently under control. The virus is still circulating, in certain regions in particular … but it is circulating slowly.”Covid-19 ‘under control’ in France, says government adviser. The head of the government’s scientific advisory council, Jean-Francois Delfraissy, told France Inter radio: “We can reasonably say the virus is currently under control. The virus is still circulating, in certain regions in particular … but it is circulating slowly.”
Turkey cancels weekend lockdown after backlash. President Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a lockdown, announced late on Thursday, after a public backlash, but warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.Turkey cancels weekend lockdown after backlash. President Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a lockdown, announced late on Thursday, after a public backlash, but warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
British pharma giant “on track” to roll out two billion vaccine doses if trials successful. AstraZeneca will begin rolling out the vaccine in September if ongoing trials prove successful, its chief executive said. The company is partnering with Oxford University, which has pioneered the vaccine, and is already manufacturing doses before seeking final regulatory approval once testing concludes in the coming months.British pharma giant “on track” to roll out two billion vaccine doses if trials successful. AstraZeneca will begin rolling out the vaccine in September if ongoing trials prove successful, its chief executive said. The company is partnering with Oxford University, which has pioneered the vaccine, and is already manufacturing doses before seeking final regulatory approval once testing concludes in the coming months.
US pandemic jobless claims passed 42m after another 1.9 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week. The pace of layoffs has slowed dramatically from its peak of 6.6m at the start of April as states begin to relax quarantines. Last week was the ninth consecutive week of declines.US pandemic jobless claims passed 42m after another 1.9 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week. The pace of layoffs has slowed dramatically from its peak of 6.6m at the start of April as states begin to relax quarantines. Last week was the ninth consecutive week of declines.
Death of man after face mask arrest shines light on Mexican police brutality. Mexicans have responded with outrage after a man was found beaten to death hours after he was arrested by police officers for not wearing a face mask in public. Video of the incident emerged on Wednesday, and shows the police officers with assault rifles forcing Giovanni López, a 30-year-old bricklayer, into a police pickup truck as bystanders plead for his release.Death of man after face mask arrest shines light on Mexican police brutality. Mexicans have responded with outrage after a man was found beaten to death hours after he was arrested by police officers for not wearing a face mask in public. Video of the incident emerged on Wednesday, and shows the police officers with assault rifles forcing Giovanni López, a 30-year-old bricklayer, into a police pickup truck as bystanders plead for his release.
The German chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese premier Li Keqiang will hold a video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, economic policy and international issues, a German government spokesman has said.The German chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese premier Li Keqiang will hold a video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, economic policy and international issues, a German government spokesman has said.
Malaysia has reported 19 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the cumulative total to 8,266 infections.Malaysia has reported 19 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the cumulative total to 8,266 infections.
The health ministry also reported its first death in two weeks, raising the number of fatalities to 116.The health ministry also reported its first death in two weeks, raising the number of fatalities to 116.
Earlier on Friday, Malaysia’s prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth around $8.2bn in a bid to revitalise industries badly hit by the pandemic.Earlier on Friday, Malaysia’s prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth around $8.2bn in a bid to revitalise industries badly hit by the pandemic.
Mining sites in Canada, the US and around the world have become hotspots for the spread of coronavirus, and approximately 4,000 mine workers in 18 countries have tested positive, according to a report by an international coalition of non-profit groups.Mining sites in Canada, the US and around the world have become hotspots for the spread of coronavirus, and approximately 4,000 mine workers in 18 countries have tested positive, according to a report by an international coalition of non-profit groups.
The report links mining sites to virus outbreaks in several Indigenous and remote communities.The report links mining sites to virus outbreaks in several Indigenous and remote communities.
In a separate statement more than 330 organisations around the world called mining “one of the most polluting, deadly, and destructive industries” and accused the industry of ignoring the threats of pandemic and using it to weaken regulations.In a separate statement more than 330 organisations around the world called mining “one of the most polluting, deadly, and destructive industries” and accused the industry of ignoring the threats of pandemic and using it to weaken regulations.
“We reject the central claim that mining represents an essential service,” it reads.“We reject the central claim that mining represents an essential service,” it reads.
The mining industry pushed governments to declare them “essential” and many continue to operate throughout the pandemic in the US and Canada, said Kirsten Francescone of MiningWatch Canada, one of the non-profit groups that authored the report.The mining industry pushed governments to declare them “essential” and many continue to operate throughout the pandemic in the US and Canada, said Kirsten Francescone of MiningWatch Canada, one of the non-profit groups that authored the report.
At least 45 infected workers from a fly-in, fly-out work camp housing thousands at Exxon’s Imperial Oil Kearl Lake oil sands mine project in northern Alberta flew home in mid-April unknowingly spreading the virus in five Canadian provinces.At least 45 infected workers from a fly-in, fly-out work camp housing thousands at Exxon’s Imperial Oil Kearl Lake oil sands mine project in northern Alberta flew home in mid-April unknowingly spreading the virus in five Canadian provinces.
This triggered an outbreak in a remote northern Saskatchewan Dene village, killing two elders, and in a long-term care home in British Columbia. The Kearl Lake outbreak has expanded to 107 cases as the mine continues to operate.This triggered an outbreak in a remote northern Saskatchewan Dene village, killing two elders, and in a long-term care home in British Columbia. The Kearl Lake outbreak has expanded to 107 cases as the mine continues to operate.
In mid-May another Alberta oilsands operation reported an outbreak but Alberta government officials insist these operations must remain open to protect the economy, said Francescone. “These outbreaks are hardly surprising with mine workers living together in camps.”In mid-May another Alberta oilsands operation reported an outbreak but Alberta government officials insist these operations must remain open to protect the economy, said Francescone. “These outbreaks are hardly surprising with mine workers living together in camps.”
British pharma giant AstraZeneca is “on track” to begin rolling out up to two billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine in September if ongoing trials prove successful, its chief executive said on Friday.British pharma giant AstraZeneca is “on track” to begin rolling out up to two billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine in September if ongoing trials prove successful, its chief executive said on Friday.
The company is partnering with Oxford University, which has pioneered the vaccine, and is already manufacturing doses before seeking final regulatory approval once testing concludes in the coming months.The company is partnering with Oxford University, which has pioneered the vaccine, and is already manufacturing doses before seeking final regulatory approval once testing concludes in the coming months.
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told the BBC:AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told the BBC:
The firm announced this week it had struck agreements with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Serum Institute of India to double production capacity of the Covid-19 vaccine to two billion doses.The firm announced this week it had struck agreements with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Serum Institute of India to double production capacity of the Covid-19 vaccine to two billion doses.
The partnership with the Indian institute - one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers - will help supply it to a large number of low- and middle-income countries.The partnership with the Indian institute - one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers - will help supply it to a large number of low- and middle-income countries.
AstraZeneca has established separate supply chains for the vaccine in Europe, the United States, India and is also looking at setting up production in China, Soriot said.AstraZeneca has established separate supply chains for the vaccine in Europe, the United States, India and is also looking at setting up production in China, Soriot said.
He added AstraZeneca, which is undertaking the work on a non-profit basis, could lose money if trials prove disappointing.He added AstraZeneca, which is undertaking the work on a non-profit basis, could lose money if trials prove disappointing.
But he said the company was sharing the financial risk with organisations such as CEPI.But he said the company was sharing the financial risk with organisations such as CEPI.
“We’re manufacturing indeed at risk - and that’s the only way to have the vaccine ready to go if it works,” he added.“We’re manufacturing indeed at risk - and that’s the only way to have the vaccine ready to go if it works,” he added.
Oxford University began initial trials of its Covid-19 vaccine with hundreds of volunteers in April, and is now expanding them to 10,000 participants.Oxford University began initial trials of its Covid-19 vaccine with hundreds of volunteers in April, and is now expanding them to 10,000 participants.
It said last month they were “progressing very well”.It said last month they were “progressing very well”.
Researchers announced this week they will also start tests in mid-June in Brazil, the first country outside Britain to take part in the study, as the South American country’s virus infection rate spirals while the UK’s falls.Researchers announced this week they will also start tests in mid-June in Brazil, the first country outside Britain to take part in the study, as the South American country’s virus infection rate spirals while the UK’s falls.
French winemakers are to turn unsold wine into hand gel and ethanol to make room for this year’s production, the country’s farming agency has said.French winemakers are to turn unsold wine into hand gel and ethanol to make room for this year’s production, the country’s farming agency has said.
The government agency FranceAgriMer said around 3m hectolitres needed distilling as a result of lower sales during the coronavirus crisis.The government agency FranceAgriMer said around 3m hectolitres needed distilling as a result of lower sales during the coronavirus crisis.
Winemakers have been hit by the closure of bars and restaurants in France and abroad. Exports to the US, which halved after the Trump administration introduced punitive 25% tariffs last October, fell further after the Covid-19 outbreak.Winemakers have been hit by the closure of bars and restaurants in France and abroad. Exports to the US, which halved after the Trump administration introduced punitive 25% tariffs last October, fell further after the Covid-19 outbreak.
FranceAgriMer said that from Friday, 33 distilleries had been authorised to collect 2m hectolitres of unsold wine to transform it into ethanol or hydro-alcoholic gel in order to free up room in vintners’ caves for this year’s production.FranceAgriMer said that from Friday, 33 distilleries had been authorised to collect 2m hectolitres of unsold wine to transform it into ethanol or hydro-alcoholic gel in order to free up room in vintners’ caves for this year’s production.
The exceptional measure has been approved by Brussels, and the EU will finance the distillation, the agency added.The exceptional measure has been approved by Brussels, and the EU will finance the distillation, the agency added.
Similar measures are being employed in Spain and Italy to deal with an excess of wine and to destroy young grapes.Similar measures are being employed in Spain and Italy to deal with an excess of wine and to destroy young grapes.
The alcohol produced through the distilling process will be used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and for the production of hand sanitising gel.The alcohol produced through the distilling process will be used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and for the production of hand sanitising gel.
Turkish president Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a weekend lockdown announced late on Thursday after a public backlash, but warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.Turkish president Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a weekend lockdown announced late on Thursday after a public backlash, but warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
On Thursday, Turkey’s interior ministry announced the stay-at-home order in 15 cities to prevent the spread of the virus, continuing the country’s policy of weekend lockdowns.On Thursday, Turkey’s interior ministry announced the stay-at-home order in 15 cities to prevent the spread of the virus, continuing the country’s policy of weekend lockdowns.
In a series of tweets, Erdoğan said the government had to impose the weekend lockdown after daily new Covid-19 cases rose from around 700 to nearly 1,000.In a series of tweets, Erdoğan said the government had to impose the weekend lockdown after daily new Covid-19 cases rose from around 700 to nearly 1,000.
“However, the reactions we received from our people pushed us to re-evaluate the decision” and the lockdown is now revoked, he said, urging citizens to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.“However, the reactions we received from our people pushed us to re-evaluate the decision” and the lockdown is now revoked, he said, urging citizens to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.