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Coronavirus live news: Egypt loosens lockdown despite surging infections as India passes 500,000 cases Coronavirus live news: Egypt loosens lockdown despite surging infections as India passes 500,000 cases
(32 minutes later)
Brazil records nearly 47,000 new cases; EU set to ban travellers from US; Covid cases with unknown source rise in Melbourne. Follow the latestBrazil records nearly 47,000 new cases; EU set to ban travellers from US; Covid cases with unknown source rise in Melbourne. Follow the latest
Iran’s economic problems will worsen if coronavirus spreads unchecked, the supreme leader has warned, as the government launched a mask-wearing campaign.
Iran shut down non-essential businesses, closed schools and cancelled public events in March, but has incrementally lifted restrictions since April in an attempt to boost the economy.
“It is correct to say that something must be done to prevent economic problems caused by the coronavirus,” said Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“But in the case of negligence and significant spread of the disease, economic problems will increase, too,” he said, according to his official website
Today’s coronavirus figures in the UK have just been released.
The Department of Health and Social Care has recorded 890 new cases since yesterday’s count, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 310,250.
There have been 100 deaths recorded amongst people who have tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday, taking the total number of deaths across all settings (i.e. in the community and care homes as well as hospitals) to 43,514.
Hi everyone, I’m taking over the blog again for a little while now Aamna has finished for the day. Thanks to all those getting in touch with tips and pointers, it’s always much appreciated. You can reach me on Twitter - I won’t always be able to reply but will do my best!
Pregnant women from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds should be fast-tracked to hospital because of their increased risk of coronavirus, NHS England has said.Pregnant women from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds should be fast-tracked to hospital because of their increased risk of coronavirus, NHS England has said.
Doctors and midwives have been told to relax their criteria for reviewing and admitting BAME women to hospital or escalating any concerns about their health. NHS England also said it wanted to see “tailored communications” specifically aimed at supporting women from BAME backgrounds.Doctors and midwives have been told to relax their criteria for reviewing and admitting BAME women to hospital or escalating any concerns about their health. NHS England also said it wanted to see “tailored communications” specifically aimed at supporting women from BAME backgrounds.
The healthcare body is also recommending that women with darker skin, or who cover their skin while outside, consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the year, after research suggested that those with lower vitamin D levels were at higher risk from coronavirus. Hospital staff will be expected to discuss vitamins with all women.The healthcare body is also recommending that women with darker skin, or who cover their skin while outside, consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the year, after research suggested that those with lower vitamin D levels were at higher risk from coronavirus. Hospital staff will be expected to discuss vitamins with all women.
Iran has launched a campaign on Saturday to motivate the public to use face masks as the country faces a sharp increase in infections and deaths from the coronavirus, Reuters reports.Iran has launched a campaign on Saturday to motivate the public to use face masks as the country faces a sharp increase in infections and deaths from the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
Iran was one of the worst hit countries early in the pandemic, and since restrictions to stem its spread were gradually lifted from mid-April, cases have increased again, with the death toll topping 100 a day in the past nine days for the first time in two months.Iran was one of the worst hit countries early in the pandemic, and since restrictions to stem its spread were gradually lifted from mid-April, cases have increased again, with the death toll topping 100 a day in the past nine days for the first time in two months.
Some 2,456 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 220,180, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state television. She said 125 people had died, bringing the total to 10,364.Some 2,456 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 220,180, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state television. She said 125 people had died, bringing the total to 10,364.
Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi told the Iran’s Young Journalists Club semi-official news website that in one province, 120 people had been infected after attending a wedding party. He did not identify the province.Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi told the Iran’s Young Journalists Club semi-official news website that in one province, 120 people had been infected after attending a wedding party. He did not identify the province.
Launching the “£I wear mask” campaign, he pleaded with citizens, especially young Iranians, to take the disease seriously.Launching the “£I wear mask” campaign, he pleaded with citizens, especially young Iranians, to take the disease seriously.
This summer will usher in some of the worst catastrophes the world has ever seen if the pandemic is allowed to spread rapidly across countries already convulsed by growing violence, deepening poverty and the spectre of famine, the BBC war reporter Lyse Doucet has warned.This summer will usher in some of the worst catastrophes the world has ever seen if the pandemic is allowed to spread rapidly across countries already convulsed by growing violence, deepening poverty and the spectre of famine, the BBC war reporter Lyse Doucet has warned.
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, she says she fears “a terrifying mix of violence and the virus” will soon overwhelm countries such as Yemen, Afghanistan and Somalia, where Covid-19 has yet to reach its peak. Already, in southern Yemen, gravediggers can’t keep up with the dead and dying, she says. “Conflict will also be magnified and multiplied by impoverishment, starvation and despair … Expect a hot summer.”Speaking exclusively to the Observer, she says she fears “a terrifying mix of violence and the virus” will soon overwhelm countries such as Yemen, Afghanistan and Somalia, where Covid-19 has yet to reach its peak. Already, in southern Yemen, gravediggers can’t keep up with the dead and dying, she says. “Conflict will also be magnified and multiplied by impoverishment, starvation and despair … Expect a hot summer.”
She will take part in Reimagining Victory, an online series of events for the Imperial War Museum Institute and the peacebuilding charity Conciliation Resources to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war this summer.She will take part in Reimagining Victory, an online series of events for the Imperial War Museum Institute and the peacebuilding charity Conciliation Resources to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war this summer.
I’m (Aamna) back on the blog until 4pm UK time. You can email tips to (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or tweet meI’m (Aamna) back on the blog until 4pm UK time. You can email tips to (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or tweet me
Pakistan’s cricket team will leave behind ten players who tested positive for coronavirus this week when they depart for their tour of England.Pakistan’s cricket team will leave behind ten players who tested positive for coronavirus this week when they depart for their tour of England.
Wasim Khan, chief executive of the country’s cricket board, said the players will be allowed to rejoin the squad after giving two negative test results.Wasim Khan, chief executive of the country’s cricket board, said the players will be allowed to rejoin the squad after giving two negative test results.
Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain and Kashif Bhatti first tested positive earlier this week. Follow-up tests found Bhatti, Rauf, Ali and Imran Khan were still positive.Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain and Kashif Bhatti first tested positive earlier this week. Follow-up tests found Bhatti, Rauf, Ali and Imran Khan were still positive.
The team will undergo a 14 day isolation after arriving in England, and the first test against in Manchester in August is expected to take place behind closed doors.The team will undergo a 14 day isolation after arriving in England, and the first test against in Manchester in August is expected to take place behind closed doors.
There have been no deaths of people who tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland for a second day running, PA Media reports.There have been no deaths of people who tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland for a second day running, PA Media reports.
Official figures released on Saturday showed no new deaths within the previous 24 hours.Official figures released on Saturday showed no new deaths within the previous 24 hours.
It means the number of Covid-19 deaths under this measure remains at 2,842. Saturday’s figures also showed 15 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of positive tests to 18,228.It means the number of Covid-19 deaths under this measure remains at 2,842. Saturday’s figures also showed 15 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of positive tests to 18,228.
A further 78 people who had tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, NHS England have announced.A further 78 people who had tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, NHS England have announced.
The patients were aged between 56 and 97 years old, and two patients, aged 73 and 96, had no known underlying health conditions.This brings the confirmed death toll in hospitals to 28,635.The patients were aged between 56 and 97 years old, and two patients, aged 73 and 96, had no known underlying health conditions.This brings the confirmed death toll in hospitals to 28,635.
US Guardian writers Dominic Rushe and Amanda Holpuch report on the impact coronavirus could have on people’s health insurance.US Guardian writers Dominic Rushe and Amanda Holpuch report on the impact coronavirus could have on people’s health insurance.
Millions of Americans who have survived Covid-19 or face future infections could lose their insurance or be barred from getting coverage should the Trump administration successfully repeal Obamacare.Millions of Americans who have survived Covid-19 or face future infections could lose their insurance or be barred from getting coverage should the Trump administration successfully repeal Obamacare.
The Trump administration asked the supreme court late Thursday to overturn the Affordable Care Act – a move that, if successful, would bring a permanent end to the health insurance reform law popularly known as Obamacare.The Trump administration asked the supreme court late Thursday to overturn the Affordable Care Act – a move that, if successful, would bring a permanent end to the health insurance reform law popularly known as Obamacare.
Under the ACA, insurance companies cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Its abolition would mean millions of Americans who have had or have cancer, multiple sclerosis or other diseases would struggle to find insurance.Under the ACA, insurance companies cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Its abolition would mean millions of Americans who have had or have cancer, multiple sclerosis or other diseases would struggle to find insurance.
Beaches in Spain have been using drones and CCTV to keep an eye on overcrowding, AFP are reporting.
At the north-eastern resort of Lloret de Mar, beaches are being partitioned off, with cameras and sensors transmitting live information to potential visitors via an app.
More municipal staff have been added to tackle non-compliance, and are using drones that can play recorded messages about physical distancing should they spot overcrowding.
Perhaps we’ll see this on Bournemouth beach next.
Egypt has today lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions, despite a rising number of cases.
Saturday saw the reopening of cafes, clubs, gyms and theatres after more than three months of closure. Mosques and churches were also reopened, while the nighttime curfew was lifted.
However, the prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, said that cafes have only been allowed to reopen at only 25% of seating capacity, and mosques and churches will not be allowed to hold their weekly main services, which usually sees large crowds gather.
The government has also banned Friday Muslim prayers at mosques and Sunday masses at churches, Madbouly said.
Egypts health ministry has reported 62,755 coronavirus infections, including 2,620 deaths, and the upward trend in new cases is continuing.
On Friday, the IMF approved a further $5.2bn loan for the country, on top of the $2.8bn already promised by the fund to support Egypt’s economy during the pandemic.
In case you’re just joining us, here is a brief summary of the key events over the past few hours:
India has passed half a million coronavirus infections, and in Delhi, hotels and ashrams are being repurposed for coronavirus care.
Greek tourism minister, Haris Theoharis, indicated it could be up to three weeks before his country is happy to open up an air bridge to the UK. It comes after the British government announced an ‘air bridges’ system to open up global travel. Confused? This explainer describes what air bridges are and what they could mean for you.
Russia reported 6,852 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, a figure that keeps the daily rise below 7,000 for a second day in a row for the first time since late April.
Afghanistan has recorded its lowest number of daily infections of Covid-19 since 1 May.
According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, there are 9,827,925 confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world.
The US has the highest number of cases, currently 2,467,837, followed by Brazil, Russia, India and the UK.
Around the world there have been 494,841 deaths, with 125,039 of these in the US, which has the highest fatalities toll.
Brazil has the second highest death toll, currently standing at 55,961, while the UK has the third, recording 43,498 deaths.
Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the live blog while my colleague Aamna has a break.
If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. I won’t always be able to reply but I will do my best to read everything! Thanks in advance.
Sir John Major has urged Boris Johnson to borrow money to stimulate the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus, rather than increase taxes.
The former prime minister said tax rises would not be effective as a short-term solution, and the government should exploit low interest rates to improve economic growth.
“I think to put up taxes before the economy has recovered, which may take a while, would in my view be a mistake,” he told BBC radio on Saturday morning. “But, over time, I think there is little doubt that taxes are going to rise.”
Asked whether borrowing was a suitable solution to the current economic crisis, Major said: ”I think there is scope in the short term - not forever, there is no magic money tree, let me make that clear - but for a period until the economy is recovered, and taxes for some people can then go up.”
Major’s intervention comes as unemployment continues to soar, with job centre claimants increasing 126% since the start of lockdown in the UK. In April, the UK’s GDP fell by a record 20.4%.
According to the Telegraph newspaper, the prime minister is preparing to announce his plan to stimulate the British economy. Johnson is set to give a speech on Tuesday outlining a range of infrastructure and investment projects, including road and rail schemes to improve transport.
Holidays might be back on the cards for Britons, but the experience is set to a very different one, PA Media reports.
The restarting of domestic tourism next month and news of a relaxation of quarantine arrangements on foreign trips has been welcomed by the travel industry, but insiders acknowledged the changes to how holidays might feel.
VisitBritain’s director of strategy and communications, Patricia Yates, said holidays will “look very different”.
She told BBC Breakfast:
Jonathan Smith, from the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said things like eateries only offering table service and new rules on flights will be different, but they should make the experience “safe and enjoyable”.
He told the same programme:
When coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread around the globe, it was described as the great leveller. But in a small neighbourhood in north London, the brutal injustice of Covid-19 was laid bare.
At least 36 residents have died in Church End, a small, deprived estate in north Brent with a large British-Somali population. Locals believe the cluster, which is the second worst in England and Wales, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, does not account for the true scale of the devastation, as it does not factor in people who work in Church End but live nearby.
Read more from my report on the impact of coronavirus in the London borough of Brent, which has the highest age-standardised coronavirus death rate in England and Wales.
The Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche is unable to meet demand for molecular tests to identify active Covid-19 infections, its chairman told the Swiss daily Tagesanzeiger.
Reuters reports:
India has passed half a million coronavirus infections as experts advise the government to prioritise reducing mortality over containing the spread of the virus. It comes as surging infections in Brazil and the United States pushed global cases toward 10 million.
India’s federal health ministry reported 17,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking the country’s total infections past 500,000, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. Infections were surging in major cities including the capital, Delhi.
Experts advising the government have said the authorities should now prioritise reducing mortality over stopping the spread of Covid-19.
“Our focus should be on preventing deaths and not really getting bogged down because of the numbers. Numbers are going to increase,” said Dr Manoj Murhekar, a member of India’s main coronavirus taskforce and director of the National Institute of Epidemiology.