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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
An Ethiopian Orthodox monk whose family says he is 114 years old has survived the coronavirus, the Associated Press reports.
Tilahun Woldemichael was discharged from a hospital on Thursday after almost three weeks.
He received oxygen and dexamethasone, a cheap and widely available steroid that researchers in England have said reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalised patients.
Ethiopia’s health minister has said the ministry recommends the emergency use of the drug for Covid-19 patients who require ventilation or oxygen.
Woldemichael’s grandson Biniam Leulseged said he has no birth certificate to prove the monk’s age, but he showed a photo of him celebrating his 100th birthday.
“He was looking young back then, too,” Leulseged said, adding that he was emotional when his grandfather was taken to hospital but happy to be reunited with him.
Ethiopia has more than 5,200 confirmed cases of the virus.
Spain is to uphold a ban on cruise liners from docking at its ports to stop the spread of Covid-19, according to a ministerial order published on Saturday.
Cruise liners carrying thousands of passengers regularly stop off at ports in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Barcelona and Malaga, but were prohibited when Spain went into lockdown on 14 March.
With their crowds of often elderly passengers, cruise ships have been especially vulnerable to outbreaks of the virus and have been barred from disembarking in several countries.
Spain’s ban on the vessels will continue until the coronavirus epidemic is brought under control, according to the Official State Gazette, even as the country otherwise reopens to tourists in an effort to revive an industry hammered by the coronavirus lockdown.
The retention of the ban was described as a “proportionate, objective and non-discriminatory measure that is in line with the objective set by the WHO Emergency Committee to stop the spread of the virus”, the order said, according to Reuters, referring to the World Health Organization.
A growing number of Covid-19 infections among people under 35 years of age is a “worrying trend,” Ireland’s chief medical officer Tony Holohan said on Saturday as the country reported the highest number of new infections for two weeks.
Ireland has reported sharp drops in the number of infections in the past month to low and stable levels, allowing the government to accelerate the reopening of the economy, with almost all businesses allowed to open next week.
On Saturday, Ireland reported 23 new infections, the highest number of new cases for two weeks, with six deaths.
That brought the total death toll in the country of 4.9 million since the start of the pandemic to 1,734.
Holohan, who has cited anecdotal evidence in recent days of young people socialising in large numbers, said 10 of the 23 cases were in adults under the age of 35 and eight were between 35 and 54.
“This is now a real concern and a worrying trend at a time when many people are reconnecting with friends and loved ones and may be gathering in larger groups,” Holohan said, according to Reuters.
The governor of Bethlehem announced Saturday the temporary closure of the Palestinian city to contain the spread of coronavirus after a sharp rise in infections in the occupied West Bank.The governor of Bethlehem announced Saturday the temporary closure of the Palestinian city to contain the spread of coronavirus after a sharp rise in infections in the occupied West Bank.
The 48-hour closure will begin Monday from 6.00am (0300 GMT), governor Kamil Hmeid said in a statement.The 48-hour closure will begin Monday from 6.00am (0300 GMT), governor Kamil Hmeid said in a statement.
The closure comes after the West Bank cities of Hebron and Nablus were closed last week for five days and 48 hours respectively.The closure comes after the West Bank cities of Hebron and Nablus were closed last week for five days and 48 hours respectively.
The two cities, alongside Bethlehem, have recorded a major spike in new coronavirus cases.The two cities, alongside Bethlehem, have recorded a major spike in new coronavirus cases.
The Palestinian health ministry announced 67 new cases on Saturday, of which 33 were in the Bethlehem district, AFP reports.The Palestinian health ministry announced 67 new cases on Saturday, of which 33 were in the Bethlehem district, AFP reports.
The Czech Republic has registered the biggest spike in Covid-19 cases in more than two months, with several centres where the disease is spreading fast, the health ministry said Saturday.The Czech Republic has registered the biggest spike in Covid-19 cases in more than two months, with several centres where the disease is spreading fast, the health ministry said Saturday.
The ministry reported 168 new cases on Friday, the fastest daily increase since 11 April, and another 120 by Saturday evening, according to Agence France-Presse.The ministry reported 168 new cases on Friday, the fastest daily increase since 11 April, and another 120 by Saturday evening, according to Agence France-Presse.
This brought the total tally for the EU member state of 10.7 million people to 11,164 cases late on Saturday, including 349 deaths.This brought the total tally for the EU member state of 10.7 million people to 11,164 cases late on Saturday, including 349 deaths.
Chief public health officer Jarmila Razova said in a radio interview that the increase was due to more intensive testing in several centres where the disease is spreading fast.Chief public health officer Jarmila Razova said in a radio interview that the increase was due to more intensive testing in several centres where the disease is spreading fast.
These include a mine in the east of the country and a company in the north.These include a mine in the east of the country and a company in the north.
“I would also say that after a certain easing enabled by a good epidemiological situation, we are not behaving as responsibly as we should,” Razova said.“I would also say that after a certain easing enabled by a good epidemiological situation, we are not behaving as responsibly as we should,” Razova said.
“But I think the spread is still under control. These are local centres,” she added.“But I think the spread is still under control. These are local centres,” she added.
The Czech Republic has gradually eased most measures taken against the spread of the virus in March.The Czech Republic has gradually eased most measures taken against the spread of the virus in March.
It has recently reopened borders as well as schools, shops and restaurants.It has recently reopened borders as well as schools, shops and restaurants.
Hello, I’m taking over for the next few hours. As always, please feel free to drop me an email or flag any relevant updates on Twitter to @JedySays.Hello, I’m taking over for the next few hours. As always, please feel free to drop me an email or flag any relevant updates on Twitter to @JedySays.
I’m going to be heading off soon, but before I go, here’s a summary of key developments in the global pandemic over the past few hours.I’m going to be heading off soon, but before I go, here’s a summary of key developments in the global pandemic over the past few hours.
Thank you all for reading along with me - a special thanks to those who got in touch with tips and pointers, it’s always much appreciated. I hope you’re all staying well, wherever you’re reading from.Thank you all for reading along with me - a special thanks to those who got in touch with tips and pointers, it’s always much appreciated. I hope you’re all staying well, wherever you’re reading from.
The official coronavirus death toll in the UK has reached 43,514. There have now been 310,250 confirmed cases.The official coronavirus death toll in the UK has reached 43,514. There have now been 310,250 confirmed cases.
NHS England have issued new advice to doctors and nurses to fast-track pregnant BME women due to them being at a higher risk from coronavirus.NHS England have issued new advice to doctors and nurses to fast-track pregnant BME women due to them being at a higher risk from coronavirus.
Iran has launched a new campaign to encourage the public to wear face masks. Meanwhile, the country’s supreme leader said that although the economic impact of coronavirus measures is significant, economic problems will worsen if coronavirus spreads unchecked.Iran has launched a new campaign to encourage the public to wear face masks. Meanwhile, the country’s supreme leader said that although the economic impact of coronavirus measures is significant, economic problems will worsen if coronavirus spreads unchecked.
Pakistan’s cricket team will leave behind 10 players who tested positive for coronavirus this week when they depart for their tour of England.Pakistan’s cricket team will leave behind 10 players who tested positive for coronavirus this week when they depart for their tour of England.
There have been no new deaths from coronavirus in Scotland for the second day running.There have been no new deaths from coronavirus in Scotland for the second day running.
Egypt has today lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions, despite a rising number of cases.Egypt has today lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions, despite a rising number of cases.
A city on the outskirts of Houston, Texas, has implemented a curfew starting Saturday night, in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.A city on the outskirts of Houston, Texas, has implemented a curfew starting Saturday night, in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The curfew, in Galena Park, will run from 10pm to 5am daily, and marks a reversal in reopening plans. On Friday, the mayor of Galena Park raised the public threat level to its most severe.The curfew, in Galena Park, will run from 10pm to 5am daily, and marks a reversal in reopening plans. On Friday, the mayor of Galena Park raised the public threat level to its most severe.
Backtracking on his early moves to relax restrictions in the hope of getting businesses back on their feet, Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday ordered bars across the state to close and required restaurants to limit indoor seating capacity to 50%.Backtracking on his early moves to relax restrictions in the hope of getting businesses back on their feet, Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday ordered bars across the state to close and required restaurants to limit indoor seating capacity to 50%.
Florida has also been struggling with mounting numbers of coronavirus cases, and has backtracked on reopening plans. On Saturday morning, Florida reported 9,585 new infections in the last 24 hours - a record high for a second day - and a further 24 deaths from coronavirus.Florida has also been struggling with mounting numbers of coronavirus cases, and has backtracked on reopening plans. On Saturday morning, Florida reported 9,585 new infections in the last 24 hours - a record high for a second day - and a further 24 deaths from coronavirus.
Authorities there told bar owners in the state to immediately stop serving alcohol on their premises.Authorities there told bar owners in the state to immediately stop serving alcohol on their premises.
The US recorded more than 45,000 new cases of coronavirus on Friday. It has the highest death toll in the world, currently standing at 125,081, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. It also has the highest number of confirmed cases, with 2,469,441.The US recorded more than 45,000 new cases of coronavirus on Friday. It has the highest death toll in the world, currently standing at 125,081, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. It also has the highest number of confirmed cases, with 2,469,441.
Most of the advice given to the UK government by its emergency scientific advisory group (SAGE) is ignored or politicised, a member has alleged.Most of the advice given to the UK government by its emergency scientific advisory group (SAGE) is ignored or politicised, a member has alleged.
Speaking to the New York Times, Dr Susan Michie, a professor of health psychology at University College London, said that a SAGE committee on which she serves produced a study detailing the risks of reducing the social distancing rule from two metres to one.Speaking to the New York Times, Dr Susan Michie, a professor of health psychology at University College London, said that a SAGE committee on which she serves produced a study detailing the risks of reducing the social distancing rule from two metres to one.
However, little information about the risks of cutting the distance was given by prime minister Boris Johnson when he announced the upcoming reduction, the article says.However, little information about the risks of cutting the distance was given by prime minister Boris Johnson when he announced the upcoming reduction, the article says.
“The overwhelming majority of our advice is ignored,” Michie said, “but the pieces are picked up and used for political purposes.”“The overwhelming majority of our advice is ignored,” Michie said, “but the pieces are picked up and used for political purposes.”
Iran’s economic problems will worsen if coronavirus spreads unchecked, the supreme leader has warned, as the government launched a mask-wearing campaign.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.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.“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“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’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 10 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.