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Coronavirus live updates: Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias' Coronavirus live updates: Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias'
(32 minutes later)
Indonesia reports biggest rise in infections; India overtakes Italy as sixth worst-hit country; galleries reopen in MadridIndonesia reports biggest rise in infections; India overtakes Italy as sixth worst-hit country; galleries reopen in Madrid
The Government is understood to be on track to meet its June 6 care home coronavirus testing target, despite a survey finding some had not received testing kits.
At the sore than a tenth of homes surveyed by the National Care Forum, which represents 120 not-for-profit care organisations, reported they had not received testing kits at the start of the week.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) believes it is on track to have offered testing to all care homes with residents over 65 in England by Saturday, it is understood.
The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to 94,335, up from 94,070 on Friday, according to the public health agency.The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to 94,335, up from 94,070 on Friday, according to the public health agency.
The country has now recorded 7,703 deaths, an increase from 7,652 the day before.The country has now recorded 7,703 deaths, an increase from 7,652 the day before.
Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro has defended his decision to withhold some official data on the country’s coronavirus pandemic - the world’s second largest outbreak.Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro has defended his decision to withhold some official data on the country’s coronavirus pandemic - the world’s second largest outbreak.
On Friday, the health ministry stopped reporting a tally of confirmed cases, and its overall death toll. It also took down a website which had mapped the spread of the virus in Brazil.On Friday, the health ministry stopped reporting a tally of confirmed cases, and its overall death toll. It also took down a website which had mapped the spread of the virus in Brazil.
“The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in,” Bolsonaro tweeted, citing a note from the ministry. “Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses.”“The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in,” Bolsonaro tweeted, citing a note from the ministry. “Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses.”
Neither Bolsonaro nor the ministry gave a reason for taking down the coronavirus mapping website, which had been a key public resource for tracking the development of the pandemic.Neither Bolsonaro nor the ministry gave a reason for taking down the coronavirus mapping website, which had been a key public resource for tracking the development of the pandemic.
The government also came under fire for pushing back the release time of its daily tally of diagnoses and deaths. These figures were previously made available around 5pm, but in recent days have been released near 10pm.The government also came under fire for pushing back the release time of its daily tally of diagnoses and deaths. These figures were previously made available around 5pm, but in recent days have been released near 10pm.
Brazil has the second highest number of confirmed cases of any country in the world, with 614,941 cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The US has the highest, with 1,901,416 confirmed cases.Brazil has the second highest number of confirmed cases of any country in the world, with 614,941 cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The US has the highest, with 1,901,416 confirmed cases.
Brazil has recorded 34,021 deaths as a result of the virus, according to the tracker.Brazil has recorded 34,021 deaths as a result of the virus, according to the tracker.
This remarkable photograph shows a socially-distanced anti-racism protest in Turin, Italy, today. This is just one of a wave of demonstrations around the world calling for justice for George Floyd and an end to racism.This remarkable photograph shows a socially-distanced anti-racism protest in Turin, Italy, today. This is just one of a wave of demonstrations around the world calling for justice for George Floyd and an end to racism.
If you’d like to follow the latest developments in the global anti-racism demonstrations, we have a dedicated live blog which you can find here.If you’d like to follow the latest developments in the global anti-racism demonstrations, we have a dedicated live blog which you can find here.
Italy reported 72 new coronavirus deaths on Saturday, against 85 a day earlier. The country saw 270 new cases, down from 518 the day before, the Civil Protection department said.Italy reported 72 new coronavirus deaths on Saturday, against 85 a day earlier. The country saw 270 new cases, down from 518 the day before, the Civil Protection department said.
These figures bring the county’s total death toll since the outbreak emerged on Feb. 21 to 33,846, the agency said, the fourth-highest in the world after the United States, Britain and Brazil.These figures bring the county’s total death toll since the outbreak emerged on Feb. 21 to 33,846, the agency said, the fourth-highest in the world after the United States, Britain and Brazil.
The number of people registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 35,877 from 36,976 the day before, and the total number of confirmed cases stands at 234,801. This takes Italy’s tally to the seventh highest in the world, after India overtook it a day earlier.The number of people registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 35,877 from 36,976 the day before, and the total number of confirmed cases stands at 234,801. This takes Italy’s tally to the seventh highest in the world, after India overtook it a day earlier.
There were 293 people in intensive care on Saturday, down from 316 on Friday, continuing a long-running drop. As of today, 165,078 have been declared recovered from coronavirus, against 163,781 a day earlier.There were 293 people in intensive care on Saturday, down from 316 on Friday, continuing a long-running drop. As of today, 165,078 have been declared recovered from coronavirus, against 163,781 a day earlier.
The northern region of Lombardy, where the country’s outbreak is thought to have began, remains by far the worst-affected region, and accounts for 142 of the 270 new cases reported on Saturday.The northern region of Lombardy, where the country’s outbreak is thought to have began, remains by far the worst-affected region, and accounts for 142 of the 270 new cases reported on Saturday.
Piedmont is the second-worst hit region, reporting 38 new cases. Of the country’s 20 regions, the only others to register more than 10 new cases were Lazio, with 28, Emilia Romagna with 17 and Liguria with 13.Piedmont is the second-worst hit region, reporting 38 new cases. Of the country’s 20 regions, the only others to register more than 10 new cases were Lazio, with 28, Emilia Romagna with 17 and Liguria with 13.
The UK government did not consult NHS leaders or give them notice before a decision to make all hospital staff wear surgical masks from 15 June, senior healthcare chiefs have said.The UK government did not consult NHS leaders or give them notice before a decision to make all hospital staff wear surgical masks from 15 June, senior healthcare chiefs have said.
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said healthcare workers believe last-minute decisions are being made on the hoof because of political rather than public health considerations and that announcements were being made to “fill the space” at the Downing Street coronavirus briefings.Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said healthcare workers believe last-minute decisions are being made on the hoof because of political rather than public health considerations and that announcements were being made to “fill the space” at the Downing Street coronavirus briefings.
His intervention comes after the health secretary, Matt Hancock, said on Friday that all hospital visitors and outpatients in England would have to wear face coverings, and that hospital staff must use surgical masks from the middle of the month, despite the government previously saying the evidence that face masks prevented the spread of Covid-19 was inconclusive.His intervention comes after the health secretary, Matt Hancock, said on Friday that all hospital visitors and outpatients in England would have to wear face coverings, and that hospital staff must use surgical masks from the middle of the month, despite the government previously saying the evidence that face masks prevented the spread of Covid-19 was inconclusive.
In case you missed it, read the full report from my colleague Mattha Busby here:In case you missed it, read the full report from my colleague Mattha Busby here:
Nearly a third of companies who have received coronavirus loans from the Bank of England are connected to tax havens, research suggests.Nearly a third of companies who have received coronavirus loans from the Bank of England are connected to tax havens, research suggests.
Analysis by TaxWatch, an investigative thinktank, claims that 14 out of the 53 businesses which have benefited from the support are either based in a tax haven, or substantially owned by a tax haven resident.Analysis by TaxWatch, an investigative thinktank, claims that 14 out of the 53 businesses which have benefited from the support are either based in a tax haven, or substantially owned by a tax haven resident.
These companies have received more than £5bn in loans as part of the coronavirus corporate financing facility (CCFF) - a Bank of England scheme designed to support some of the biggest companies with credit ratings.These companies have received more than £5bn in loans as part of the coronavirus corporate financing facility (CCFF) - a Bank of England scheme designed to support some of the biggest companies with credit ratings.
British Airways, whose parent company is based in Jersey, has accessed £300m of support from the scheme, and digger-maker JCB, whose parent company is located in the Netherlands, and fashion brand Chanel, whose parent company is based in the Cayman Islands, have received loans of £600m.British Airways, whose parent company is based in Jersey, has accessed £300m of support from the scheme, and digger-maker JCB, whose parent company is located in the Netherlands, and fashion brand Chanel, whose parent company is based in the Cayman Islands, have received loans of £600m.
TaxWatch said one company receiving a loan is under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office while another is nine months late in filing its UK accounts.TaxWatch said one company receiving a loan is under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office while another is nine months late in filing its UK accounts.
Protests in Lebanon against the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis have resumed, after subsiding for the past few months due to lockdown restrictions.Protests in Lebanon against the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis have resumed, after subsiding for the past few months due to lockdown restrictions.
Tear gas was launched by police at several hundred protesters who had reconvened on a main square in Beirut, with most of the country’s coronavirus measures now lifted. Some protesters threw rocks at police and smashed storefronts, many wearing face masks.Tear gas was launched by police at several hundred protesters who had reconvened on a main square in Beirut, with most of the country’s coronavirus measures now lifted. Some protesters threw rocks at police and smashed storefronts, many wearing face masks.
Many demanded the resignation of the government, early parliamentary elections to be held, and paramilitary group Hezbollah be disarmed.Many demanded the resignation of the government, early parliamentary elections to be held, and paramilitary group Hezbollah be disarmed.
Lebanon’s financial crisis escalated in October, with a dollar crunch causing banks to impose strict controls on capital. This led to widespread protests.Lebanon’s financial crisis escalated in October, with a dollar crunch causing banks to impose strict controls on capital. This led to widespread protests.
Since then, the currency has lost more than half of its value on the parallel market, prices in the country have soared, and many people have been made unemployed after businesses suffered the dual blows of an economic crisis and coronavirus.Since then, the currency has lost more than half of its value on the parallel market, prices in the country have soared, and many people have been made unemployed after businesses suffered the dual blows of an economic crisis and coronavirus.
Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the live blog for the next few hours. I’ll be bringing you breaking news on the coronavirus pandemic from around the world.Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the live blog for the next few hours. I’ll be bringing you breaking news on the coronavirus pandemic from around the world.
If you spot anything you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. Thanks in advance!If you spot anything you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. Thanks in advance!
The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization (WHO) over “ideological bias”, after the US president, Donald Trump, announced the severance of all US ties with the WHO at the end of May.The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization (WHO) over “ideological bias”, after the US president, Donald Trump, announced the severance of all US ties with the WHO at the end of May.
Ireland has revised its schedule for the gradual re-opening of the economy over the coming months and is set to speed up the easing of coronavirus restrictions.Ireland has revised its schedule for the gradual re-opening of the economy over the coming months and is set to speed up the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in London for an anti-racism rally in defiance of calls to avoid mass gatherings. It came after UK home secretary, Priti Patel, urged protesters not to gather for Black Lives Matter and George Floyd demonstrations during the pandemic.Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in London for an anti-racism rally in defiance of calls to avoid mass gatherings. It came after UK home secretary, Priti Patel, urged protesters not to gather for Black Lives Matter and George Floyd demonstrations during the pandemic.
Madrid residents wearing face masks queued two metres apart to be among the first visitors back in the Spanish capital’s famed galleries today as the country eases out of Covid-19 lockdown measures. The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums reopened after nearly three months of restrictions.Madrid residents wearing face masks queued two metres apart to be among the first visitors back in the Spanish capital’s famed galleries today as the country eases out of Covid-19 lockdown measures. The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums reopened after nearly three months of restrictions.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry – decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic – can reopen to foreign visitors later this summer but only under strict guidelines, officials have said.Sri Lanka’s tourism industry – decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic – can reopen to foreign visitors later this summer but only under strict guidelines, officials have said.
In the UK, a further 204 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, according to newly released figures. It means the official Covid-19 death toll in the country is 40,465 as of 5pm yesterday, according to the Department of Health and Social Care figures, but the true number is thought to have already surpassed 50,000.In the UK, a further 204 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, according to newly released figures. It means the official Covid-19 death toll in the country is 40,465 as of 5pm yesterday, according to the Department of Health and Social Care figures, but the true number is thought to have already surpassed 50,000.
In Turkey, people are enjoying their first weekend without Covid-19 lockdown in nearly two months after the country’s president, Tayyip Erdoğan, suddenly scrapped a stay-at-home order.In Turkey, people are enjoying their first weekend without Covid-19 lockdown in nearly two months after the country’s president, Tayyip Erdoğan, suddenly scrapped a stay-at-home order.
Confirmed Covid-19 infections in Afghanistan have passed 19,000, amid a warning that the actual number of cases of the disease in the country may be much higher than official figures show.Confirmed Covid-19 infections in Afghanistan have passed 19,000, amid a warning that the actual number of cases of the disease in the country may be much higher than official figures show.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry – decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic – can reopen to foreign visitors later this summer but only under strict guidelines, officials have said.Sri Lanka’s tourism industry – decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic – can reopen to foreign visitors later this summer but only under strict guidelines, officials have said.
Travellers will be able to visit the country from August, Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry said, but they must carry coronavirus-free certificates issued no earlier than 72 hours before boarding. Only those who will spend a minimum of five days in Sri Lanka will be allowed in.Travellers will be able to visit the country from August, Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry said, but they must carry coronavirus-free certificates issued no earlier than 72 hours before boarding. Only those who will spend a minimum of five days in Sri Lanka will be allowed in.
It comes after the country was only just recovering from the devastating impact of last year’s Easter Sunday bombings, in which 279 were killed, when the pandemic halted international travel. Hotels shut, leaving tens of thousands of people jobless.It comes after the country was only just recovering from the devastating impact of last year’s Easter Sunday bombings, in which 279 were killed, when the pandemic halted international travel. Hotels shut, leaving tens of thousands of people jobless.
AFP reports that even with the certificates, tourists will have to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival. A further check will be done four to five days later - and a third if staying for more than 10 days.AFP reports that even with the certificates, tourists will have to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival. A further check will be done four to five days later - and a third if staying for more than 10 days.
“While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind,” the ministry said.“While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind,” the ministry said.
Visa fees will increase in price from $40 to $100, with visitors only allowed to stay in hotels designated by the ministry. They will not be allowed to use public transport on the island.Visa fees will increase in price from $40 to $100, with visitors only allowed to stay in hotels designated by the ministry. They will not be allowed to use public transport on the island.
The country has reported 11 deaths and 1,801 confirmed infections since its first coronavirus patient was identified on 27 January. Visitor numbers to Sri Lanka dropped to 1.91 million last year, down from 2.33 million in the previous year.The country has reported 11 deaths and 1,801 confirmed infections since its first coronavirus patient was identified on 27 January. Visitor numbers to Sri Lanka dropped to 1.91 million last year, down from 2.33 million in the previous year.
In the UK, a further 204 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, according to newly released figures.In the UK, a further 204 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, according to newly released figures.
It means the official Covid-19 death toll in the country is 40,465 as of 5pm yesterday, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) figures, but the true number is thought to have already surpassed 50,000.It means the official Covid-19 death toll in the country is 40,465 as of 5pm yesterday, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) figures, but the true number is thought to have already surpassed 50,000.
According to the health department, 284,868 people have tested positive for the disease as of 9am today. But the department again failed to provide a daily figure for the number of people tested, explaining it has been “temporarily paused to ensure consistent reporting across all pillars”.According to the health department, 284,868 people have tested positive for the disease as of 9am today. But the department again failed to provide a daily figure for the number of people tested, explaining it has been “temporarily paused to ensure consistent reporting across all pillars”.
In Turkey, people are enjoying their first weekend without Covid-19 lockdown in nearly two months after the country’s president, Tayyip Erdoğan, suddenly scrapped a stay-at-home order.In Turkey, people are enjoying their first weekend without Covid-19 lockdown in nearly two months after the country’s president, Tayyip Erdoğan, suddenly scrapped a stay-at-home order.
Cafes, restaurants and other facilities reopened on Monday as infection rates slowed and restrictions on intercity travel were lifted. Erdoğan had intended to maintain the weekend lockdown, applied to big cities since 11 April, until a public backlash.Cafes, restaurants and other facilities reopened on Monday as infection rates slowed and restrictions on intercity travel were lifted. Erdoğan had intended to maintain the weekend lockdown, applied to big cities since 11 April, until a public backlash.
Today people have flooded beaches and shores in Istanbul, and hundreds queued to get into parks, Reuters reports. In the capital, Ankara, day-trippers caused traffic jams.Today people have flooded beaches and shores in Istanbul, and hundreds queued to get into parks, Reuters reports. In the capital, Ankara, day-trippers caused traffic jams.
“The last time I was here was 70 days ago,” Gulay Cevik, a housewife in Istanbul fishing in the Eminonu district told Reuters.“The last time I was here was 70 days ago,” Gulay Cevik, a housewife in Istanbul fishing in the Eminonu district told Reuters.
Cevdet Akaydan, a 23-year-old public servant, was out swimming with his friends along the shore in western Istanbul. “It’s really nice, very clean and cool right now, it relaxes you,” he said. “Everyone should come, and go in ... You can’t explain it, you have to experience it.”Cevdet Akaydan, a 23-year-old public servant, was out swimming with his friends along the shore in western Istanbul. “It’s really nice, very clean and cool right now, it relaxes you,” he said. “Everyone should come, and go in ... You can’t explain it, you have to experience it.”
But Erdoğan has expressed concern that infections could rebound. On Friday, 930 new coronavirus cases were reported, after a drop to 786 earlier in the week. So far, 4,648 people have died from the virus in Turkey, with 168,340 infections.But Erdoğan has expressed concern that infections could rebound. On Friday, 930 new coronavirus cases were reported, after a drop to 786 earlier in the week. So far, 4,648 people have died from the virus in Turkey, with 168,340 infections.
“You really get giddy like a child. It’s lockdown, lockdown, lockdown,” said Cem Pehlivan, a textile worker fishing in Istanbul. “Now I feel really good, I’m comfortable and the weather’s fine.”“You really get giddy like a child. It’s lockdown, lockdown, lockdown,” said Cem Pehlivan, a textile worker fishing in Istanbul. “Now I feel really good, I’m comfortable and the weather’s fine.”
Madrid residents wearing face masks queued two metres apart to be among the first visitors back in the Spanish city’s famed galleries today as the country eases out of Covid-19 lockdown measures.Madrid residents wearing face masks queued two metres apart to be among the first visitors back in the Spanish city’s famed galleries today as the country eases out of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums reopened after nearly three months of restrictions.The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums reopened after nearly three months of restrictions.
“I was really looking forward to coming back. To see how it has come back to life makes me very emotional,” masters student Alejandro Elizalde told Reuters, wiping away tears while viewing Diego de Velazquez’s “Las Meninas”, one of the Prado’s most famous paintings.“I was really looking forward to coming back. To see how it has come back to life makes me very emotional,” masters student Alejandro Elizalde told Reuters, wiping away tears while viewing Diego de Velazquez’s “Las Meninas”, one of the Prado’s most famous paintings.
State-run museums were shut on 12 March as part of measures imposed to curb the spread of the disease, which has now seen the death toll top 27,000 with more than 240,000 confirmed cases. Restrictions have been lifted gradually, with Madrid one of the slowest places to ease curbs as it was among the worst hit.State-run museums were shut on 12 March as part of measures imposed to curb the spread of the disease, which has now seen the death toll top 27,000 with more than 240,000 confirmed cases. Restrictions have been lifted gradually, with Madrid one of the slowest places to ease curbs as it was among the worst hit.
The Prado and Reina Sofia are not yet fully open, but many masterpieces, including works by Velazquez and Goya in the Prado and Picasso’s “Guernica” in the Reina Sofia, are on display.The Prado and Reina Sofia are not yet fully open, but many masterpieces, including works by Velazquez and Goya in the Prado and Picasso’s “Guernica” in the Reina Sofia, are on display.
Health measures are in force, including physical distancing, reduced capacity and timed tickets for visits. Staff took visitors’ temperatures as they entered the Prado.Health measures are in force, including physical distancing, reduced capacity and timed tickets for visits. Staff took visitors’ temperatures as they entered the Prado.
“It’s a really weird feeling and at the same time it’s really good because I’ve never been in the Reina Sofia with so few people,” business developer Elena Vázquez said.“It’s a really weird feeling and at the same time it’s really good because I’ve never been in the Reina Sofia with so few people,” business developer Elena Vázquez said.
Spain will further ease the lockdown in Madrid and Barcelona from Monday, when bar and restaurant patrons will be allowed to sit inside rather than just on outdoor terraces.Spain will further ease the lockdown in Madrid and Barcelona from Monday, when bar and restaurant patrons will be allowed to sit inside rather than just on outdoor terraces.
And in over half the country, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, but dancing will not be permitted. The government is instead suggesting dance floor space be used for tables.And in over half the country, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, but dancing will not be permitted. The government is instead suggesting dance floor space be used for tables.
Here’s a comprehensive video explainer from my Guardian US colleague, reporter Kenya Evelyn, detailing why the unrest sparked by the police killing of George Floyd could be a defining moment for racial politics in America, and how the Covid-19 pandemic set the backdrop for the protests.Here’s a comprehensive video explainer from my Guardian US colleague, reporter Kenya Evelyn, detailing why the unrest sparked by the police killing of George Floyd could be a defining moment for racial politics in America, and how the Covid-19 pandemic set the backdrop for the protests.
And here’s an additional piece which Evelyn has written on how Floyd’s struggles resonate with many black Americans. She writes:And here’s an additional piece which Evelyn has written on how Floyd’s struggles resonate with many black Americans. She writes:
Confirmed Covid-19 infections in Afghanistan have passed 19,000, amid a warning that the actual number of cases of the disease in the country may be much higher than official figures show.Confirmed Covid-19 infections in Afghanistan have passed 19,000, amid a warning that the actual number of cases of the disease in the country may be much higher than official figures show.
The health ministry has detected 582 new cases from 761 tests, according to the latest update, bringing the total number of infections to 19,551. Eighteen patients also died overnight, meaning the country’s Covid-19 death toll stands at 327. There have been 1,830 recoveries.The health ministry has detected 582 new cases from 761 tests, according to the latest update, bringing the total number of infections to 19,551. Eighteen patients also died overnight, meaning the country’s Covid-19 death toll stands at 327. There have been 1,830 recoveries.
It comes as the health ministry has announced new measures imposed from today to help contain the spread of the virus, including that masks must be worn in public places, two-metre physical distancing must be maintained and gatherings of more than 10 people should be avoided. Elderly people should not leave their homes and workplaces must be disinfected.It comes as the health ministry has announced new measures imposed from today to help contain the spread of the virus, including that masks must be worn in public places, two-metre physical distancing must be maintained and gatherings of more than 10 people should be avoided. Elderly people should not leave their homes and workplaces must be disinfected.
At a press conference on Saturday, deputy health minister Wahid Majrooh pledged that 14 new testing labs would be launched in Afghanistan. Last week, the International Rescue Committee warned about the low capacity of testing and said the Afghan health ministry had the capacity to test 2,000 suspected patients each day, but were receiving between 10,000 and 20,000 samples each day.At a press conference on Saturday, deputy health minister Wahid Majrooh pledged that 14 new testing labs would be launched in Afghanistan. Last week, the International Rescue Committee warned about the low capacity of testing and said the Afghan health ministry had the capacity to test 2,000 suspected patients each day, but were receiving between 10,000 and 20,000 samples each day.
Speaking at the same conference, Kabul’s governor, Mohammad Yakub Haidary, said:Speaking at the same conference, Kabul’s governor, Mohammad Yakub Haidary, said:
Most of the new cases were reported in the western province of Herat, where 193 out of 200 tests returned positive results. Herat borders Iran – which has been badly hit by the pandemic – and the first case of the virus was reported in the province after thousands of Afghan migrants returned from the neighbouring country in February and March, fanning out across the country without being tested or quarantined. The total number of infections in Herat is 3,621 with 64 deaths.Most of the new cases were reported in the western province of Herat, where 193 out of 200 tests returned positive results. Herat borders Iran – which has been badly hit by the pandemic – and the first case of the virus was reported in the province after thousands of Afghan migrants returned from the neighbouring country in February and March, fanning out across the country without being tested or quarantined. The total number of infections in Herat is 3,621 with 64 deaths.
In the capital, Kabul, 161 new cases have been recorded. In the remote province of Kunar, five patients tested all returned positive results, as seven patients died of Covid-19 overnight. In Helmand, two patients tested in the last 24 hours both were positive and the province recorded its first death.In the capital, Kabul, 161 new cases have been recorded. In the remote province of Kunar, five patients tested all returned positive results, as seven patients died of Covid-19 overnight. In Helmand, two patients tested in the last 24 hours both were positive and the province recorded its first death.
Meanwhile, amid continuing conflict, at least 20 Afghan security forces personnel were killed in two incidents in the last 24 hours. Ten Afghan security forces were killed on Friday in an attack by the Taliban on the Zabul-Kandahar highway near the city of Qalat, in Zabul province, local officials said. Eleven members of the Afghan local police, including their commander, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Badakhshan province on Friday night, the provincial police spokesman said.Meanwhile, amid continuing conflict, at least 20 Afghan security forces personnel were killed in two incidents in the last 24 hours. Ten Afghan security forces were killed on Friday in an attack by the Taliban on the Zabul-Kandahar highway near the city of Qalat, in Zabul province, local officials said. Eleven members of the Afghan local police, including their commander, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Badakhshan province on Friday night, the provincial police spokesman said.
It’s Simon Murphy here taking back the reins of the global live blog, with thanks to my colleague, Jedidajah Otte, for covering while I was on a break.It’s Simon Murphy here taking back the reins of the global live blog, with thanks to my colleague, Jedidajah Otte, for covering while I was on a break.
The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization (WHO) over “ideological bias”, after US president Donald Trump announced the severance of all US ties with the WHO at the end of May.The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization (WHO) over “ideological bias”, after US president Donald Trump announced the severance of all US ties with the WHO at the end of May.
Brazil now has the world’s third-highest number of Covid-19 deaths.Brazil now has the world’s third-highest number of Covid-19 deaths.
Fuelling the debate raging around the pandemic, its origins and the best way to respond, Bolsonaro criticised the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 - a decision it reversed this week - and threatened to follow in Trump’s footsteps by quitting.Fuelling the debate raging around the pandemic, its origins and the best way to respond, Bolsonaro criticised the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 - a decision it reversed this week - and threatened to follow in Trump’s footsteps by quitting.
“I’m telling you right now, the United States left the WHO, and we’re studying that, in the future. Either the WHO works without ideological bias, or we leave, too,” the far-right leader told journalists.“I’m telling you right now, the United States left the WHO, and we’re studying that, in the future. Either the WHO works without ideological bias, or we leave, too,” the far-right leader told journalists.
Dubbed the “Tropical Trump”, Bolsonaro has followed the US president in his handling of the pandemic, downplaying its severity, attacking stay-at-home measures and touting the purported effects of hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19.Dubbed the “Tropical Trump”, Bolsonaro has followed the US president in his handling of the pandemic, downplaying its severity, attacking stay-at-home measures and touting the purported effects of hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19.