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Coronavirus pandemic - World News
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The United Nations has warned the economic downturn because of the pandemic could wipe out the gains of the last four years, at a cost of $8.5 trillion (£7tn) in economic activity. The UN’s assessment of global prospects says more than 30 million people are likely to fall into extreme poverty this year, mainly in Africa.
The UN expects the rich economies to shrink more at 5%, but for the developing world even the more moderate decline predicted means a marked increase in poverty.
For many of those countries, the report says, the costs of fighting the pandemic and economic stimulus measures will be prohibitive. It also says developing country governments are spending an ever-increasing share of their revenue on debt interest.
Elliott Harris, UN chief economist and assistant secretary-general for economic development, said: "The pace and strength of the recovery from the crisis not only hinges on the efficacy of public health measures in slowing the spread of the virus, but also on the ability of countries to protect jobs and incomes, particularly of the most vulnerable members of our societies.”
Separately, a group of leading politicians, including the former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, have called for the cancellation of some of the debts owed by the poorest countries.
The UN expects the rich economies to shrink more at 5%, but for the developing world even the more moderate decline predicted means a marked increase in poverty.
For many of those countries, the report says, the costs of fighting the pandemic and economic stimulus measures will be prohibitive. It also says developing country governments are spending an ever-increasing share of their revenue on debt interest.
Elliott Harris, UN chief economist and assistant secretary-general for economic development, said: "The pace and strength of the recovery from the crisis not only hinges on the efficacy of public health measures in slowing the spread of the virus, but also on the ability of countries to protect jobs and incomes, particularly of the most vulnerable members of our societies.”
Separately, a group of leading politicians, including the former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, have called for the cancellation of some of the debts owed by the poorest countries.
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Coronavirus: Morgues and storage rooms are full of bodies. The true death toll in Mexico City is staggering
https://news.sky.com/story/mexico-c...id-19-deaths-sky-news-analysis-finds-11987235
The number of people dying from the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico is five times higher than official government figures, according to health department insiders.
A Sky News investigations team working in the country's capital Mexico City has documented cremations and funerals and gained access to morgues and storage rooms full of bodies - all indicate the official data is wrong.
In much of Mexico City, the second largest city in Latin America, there is virtually no social distancing, with open air markets and some businesses operating normally, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The government claims that the virus curve has been flattened and that there will be a dramatic drop off in virus related deaths in the coming days.
In a recent briefing, the country's president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told the nation: "What the world knows about Mexico is that we are taming the pandemic, and we are basically doing this because Mexican people are making a conscious effort."
But that has been dismissed by many dealing with the crisis as incorrect.
An official within the government, but speaking anonymously, confirms the official figures are undercounting the actual mortality rate by a factor of at least five.
Senior private sector medical specialists have told Sky News that they warned the government of the impending epidemic in January but were told that there was "nothing the government can do".
It has fuelled speculation among people familiar with the true figures that the government is going to try to tough out the virus spread and deal with the fallout later.
Failing to publish accurate death rates appears to be part of a strategy of containing panic in the worst hit poorer parts of Mexico City, which has an unofficial population of more than 30 million people and endemic poverty.
As part of its investigation, Sky News has collated mortality figures and contacted or visited dozens of hospitals, crematoria and funeral parlours.
With the help of staff, Sky News has accessed multiple hospital morgues and filmed rooms filled with bodies in bodybags, lying on gurneys or even stacked on wooden pallets because the morgue fridges are already full.
There is currently a three-day backlog for cremation at every public crematorium in the city and crematorium workers in recent days have indicated that more burials will have to take place because burning capacity is overwhelmed.
Black smoke billows out over cemeteries as the ovens are cremating on an industrial level in the city but the bodies don't stop coming.
In fact, the ovens simply cannot cope and there are regular reports of breakdowns only adding to the backlog.
In full hazmat suits, crematorium staff are working around the clock bringing bodies to huge ovens for disposal.
Outside, the coffins that delivered COVID-19 victims are piled up waiting to be destroyed.
It was early morning when we visited the site but there were already a lot of coffins waiting to be removed.
Staff said the coffins are removed every day ostensibly for destruction. But there is no independent verification of that, raising the spectre of COVID-19 coffins being reused.
In one hospital the autopsy lab is being used to store bodies in bags. The examination tables are redundant, surrounded by bodies. There is no room left in the hospital's official morgue facilities.
At another hospital, we were taken into one of three storerooms workers said were used to keep the bodies. We watched as a funeral parlour worker had to pick through corpses piled onto a wooden pallet to find the tag for the right body he had been ordered to remove for cremation.
None of the temporary morgues in the hospitals were refrigerated and the workers confirmed all the bodies were considered to be COVID-19 cases.
Outside one hospital on a main road, we filmed a funeral director as he stopped his car and opened the rear door of the vehicle.
He was joined by a family member of the deceased person being transported, and together they removed the coffin lid and tore aside what appeared to be a plastic sheet to expose the face of the corpse.
He told us later the family member wanted to confirm the deceased as his father.
Such is the distrust in the whole system and the government's response, families want to visually confirm that it is their relative they are cremating.
Throughout the whole identification process neither the director nor the family member wore masks, gloves or goggles, apparently oblivious to the danger of exposure to an infected corpse.
Sky News analysis of the data from 30 crematoria across Mexico City shows that each one is disposing of between 18 and 22 bodies each day, with a three-day backlog.
Taking an average number of 20 cremations, Sky has calculated the total number of cremations every day is 600. This figure does not include other crematoria or burials.
The urban area of Mexico City spans over two federal entities - Mexico City and the state of Mexico. Because of this, in order to work out the official figure for how many people have died, the figures for the two entities need to be added together.
Government figures show that the average number of people who die every day in Mexico City in May is 189 and (averaged out over the last five years for which figures are available, 2014-18) and the number for the state of Mexico is 185. That makes a total average daily deaths of 374.
That means there are at least 226 excess deaths occurring every day in early May, with most probably down to coronavirus.
In fact, crematorium sources told Sky News that 80-90% of the deaths they are having to deal with are due to COVID-19.
Official government data shows that Mexico City and the state of Mexico has had 1,326 COVID-19 deaths in total, throughout the entire duration of the pandemic.
In fact, the average number of daily COVID-1- linked deaths in Mexico City and the state of Mexico in May so far (up to 12 May), according to the government, is just 34.
Assuming 80% of the excess deaths dealt with by crematoria are due to coronavirus, Sky's analysis suggests the government's official figure is just 19% of the true number of COVID-19 deaths in the Mexican capital and the actual figure is around five times higher than the health department's website would indicate - the same amount we were told by our source.
Sky News has asked the government to explain the disparity in the numbers. They are yet to respond to our request.
The point is, people are continuing to die.
For family members, entry to the crematorium in Iztapalapa, one of the hardest-hit boroughs in Mexico City, is strictly limited to five people. The rest of the family gather in groups at the gate waiting for the urn carrying the remains to be brought out.
This is the desperate human face of this tragedy.
Old and young in tears, unable to properly say goodbye, unable to attend the final service.
We spoke to one man, who asked to be called Carlos, waiting for his sister outside the cemetery. They were there to collect the remains of her husband who died after experiencing "flu-like symptoms" followed by trouble breathing.
He didn't believe a word the government says.
"They're obviously lying," he said. "Here everything is a mess, they are not going to give you exact numbers, and I am not just talking about Mexico City, but the entire country. They won't give you exact numbers here."
The number of people being cremated is staggering, as is the volume of hearses and traffic around the crematoria. The queues are endless.
Families say they are taken aback by the number of people dying and believe that ignorance, stigma and the government's failure to publish the real numbers has left Mexico in denial of the pandemic.
Javier Maranon, who was waiting with his family for the remains of the family's matriarch Maria who died of COVID-19 this week, told us: "People don't understand because there are many people who still keep going out without a face mask on, they keep playing in the parks.
"But the government has the responsibility to give real numbers, real figures, so that people are informed of what is going on, that there are many cases.
"But if there are people who don't want to understand, then that would be on that person, because the government cannot be scolding each person. But it is extremely important."
The Mexico outbreak is following the same trends seen across the globe.
The upward curve of death looks set to rocket, the health service can't cope and social distancing, let alone lockdown, is largely being ignored in Mexico City.
Short of a vaccine or a miracle, the effect on this society and this city could be utterly catastrophic.
A Sky News investigations team working in the country's capital Mexico City has documented cremations and funerals and gained access to morgues and storage rooms full of bodies - all indicate the official data is wrong.
In much of Mexico City, the second largest city in Latin America, there is virtually no social distancing, with open air markets and some businesses operating normally, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The government claims that the virus curve has been flattened and that there will be a dramatic drop off in virus related deaths in the coming days.
In a recent briefing, the country's president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told the nation: "What the world knows about Mexico is that we are taming the pandemic, and we are basically doing this because Mexican people are making a conscious effort."
But that has been dismissed by many dealing with the crisis as incorrect.
An official within the government, but speaking anonymously, confirms the official figures are undercounting the actual mortality rate by a factor of at least five.
Senior private sector medical specialists have told Sky News that they warned the government of the impending epidemic in January but were told that there was "nothing the government can do".
It has fuelled speculation among people familiar with the true figures that the government is going to try to tough out the virus spread and deal with the fallout later.
Failing to publish accurate death rates appears to be part of a strategy of containing panic in the worst hit poorer parts of Mexico City, which has an unofficial population of more than 30 million people and endemic poverty.
As part of its investigation, Sky News has collated mortality figures and contacted or visited dozens of hospitals, crematoria and funeral parlours.
With the help of staff, Sky News has accessed multiple hospital morgues and filmed rooms filled with bodies in bodybags, lying on gurneys or even stacked on wooden pallets because the morgue fridges are already full.
There is currently a three-day backlog for cremation at every public crematorium in the city and crematorium workers in recent days have indicated that more burials will have to take place because burning capacity is overwhelmed.
Black smoke billows out over cemeteries as the ovens are cremating on an industrial level in the city but the bodies don't stop coming.
In fact, the ovens simply cannot cope and there are regular reports of breakdowns only adding to the backlog.
In full hazmat suits, crematorium staff are working around the clock bringing bodies to huge ovens for disposal.
Outside, the coffins that delivered COVID-19 victims are piled up waiting to be destroyed.
It was early morning when we visited the site but there were already a lot of coffins waiting to be removed.
Staff said the coffins are removed every day ostensibly for destruction. But there is no independent verification of that, raising the spectre of COVID-19 coffins being reused.
In one hospital the autopsy lab is being used to store bodies in bags. The examination tables are redundant, surrounded by bodies. There is no room left in the hospital's official morgue facilities.
At another hospital, we were taken into one of three storerooms workers said were used to keep the bodies. We watched as a funeral parlour worker had to pick through corpses piled onto a wooden pallet to find the tag for the right body he had been ordered to remove for cremation.
None of the temporary morgues in the hospitals were refrigerated and the workers confirmed all the bodies were considered to be COVID-19 cases.
Outside one hospital on a main road, we filmed a funeral director as he stopped his car and opened the rear door of the vehicle.
He was joined by a family member of the deceased person being transported, and together they removed the coffin lid and tore aside what appeared to be a plastic sheet to expose the face of the corpse.
He told us later the family member wanted to confirm the deceased as his father.
Such is the distrust in the whole system and the government's response, families want to visually confirm that it is their relative they are cremating.
Throughout the whole identification process neither the director nor the family member wore masks, gloves or goggles, apparently oblivious to the danger of exposure to an infected corpse.
Sky News analysis of the data from 30 crematoria across Mexico City shows that each one is disposing of between 18 and 22 bodies each day, with a three-day backlog.
Taking an average number of 20 cremations, Sky has calculated the total number of cremations every day is 600. This figure does not include other crematoria or burials.
The urban area of Mexico City spans over two federal entities - Mexico City and the state of Mexico. Because of this, in order to work out the official figure for how many people have died, the figures for the two entities need to be added together.
Government figures show that the average number of people who die every day in Mexico City in May is 189 and (averaged out over the last five years for which figures are available, 2014-18) and the number for the state of Mexico is 185. That makes a total average daily deaths of 374.
That means there are at least 226 excess deaths occurring every day in early May, with most probably down to coronavirus.
In fact, crematorium sources told Sky News that 80-90% of the deaths they are having to deal with are due to COVID-19.
Official government data shows that Mexico City and the state of Mexico has had 1,326 COVID-19 deaths in total, throughout the entire duration of the pandemic.
In fact, the average number of daily COVID-1- linked deaths in Mexico City and the state of Mexico in May so far (up to 12 May), according to the government, is just 34.
Assuming 80% of the excess deaths dealt with by crematoria are due to coronavirus, Sky's analysis suggests the government's official figure is just 19% of the true number of COVID-19 deaths in the Mexican capital and the actual figure is around five times higher than the health department's website would indicate - the same amount we were told by our source.
Sky News has asked the government to explain the disparity in the numbers. They are yet to respond to our request.
The point is, people are continuing to die.
For family members, entry to the crematorium in Iztapalapa, one of the hardest-hit boroughs in Mexico City, is strictly limited to five people. The rest of the family gather in groups at the gate waiting for the urn carrying the remains to be brought out.
This is the desperate human face of this tragedy.
Old and young in tears, unable to properly say goodbye, unable to attend the final service.
We spoke to one man, who asked to be called Carlos, waiting for his sister outside the cemetery. They were there to collect the remains of her husband who died after experiencing "flu-like symptoms" followed by trouble breathing.
He didn't believe a word the government says.
"They're obviously lying," he said. "Here everything is a mess, they are not going to give you exact numbers, and I am not just talking about Mexico City, but the entire country. They won't give you exact numbers here."
The number of people being cremated is staggering, as is the volume of hearses and traffic around the crematoria. The queues are endless.
Families say they are taken aback by the number of people dying and believe that ignorance, stigma and the government's failure to publish the real numbers has left Mexico in denial of the pandemic.
Javier Maranon, who was waiting with his family for the remains of the family's matriarch Maria who died of COVID-19 this week, told us: "People don't understand because there are many people who still keep going out without a face mask on, they keep playing in the parks.
"But the government has the responsibility to give real numbers, real figures, so that people are informed of what is going on, that there are many cases.
"But if there are people who don't want to understand, then that would be on that person, because the government cannot be scolding each person. But it is extremely important."
The Mexico outbreak is following the same trends seen across the globe.
The upward curve of death looks set to rocket, the health service can't cope and social distancing, let alone lockdown, is largely being ignored in Mexico City.
Short of a vaccine or a miracle, the effect on this society and this city could be utterly catastrophic.
The Chilean government is to impose a total lockdown across the capital, Santiago, following a spike in the number of coronavirus infections.
A total of 2,260 new infections and 12 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The current death toll is about 350.
The new restrictions will affect eight million people and come into effect on Friday evening.
Chile had limited lockdown measures to areas with higher rates of infection. The authorities were considering partially reopening the economy, but the country has now reported a 60% rise in the number of daily cases.
A total of 2,260 new infections and 12 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The current death toll is about 350.
The new restrictions will affect eight million people and come into effect on Friday evening.
Chile had limited lockdown measures to areas with higher rates of infection. The authorities were considering partially reopening the economy, but the country has now reported a 60% rise in the number of daily cases.
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The UN says the pandemic has caused widespread psychological distress worldwide
It calls on all countries to make mental health support a key part of their virus response
Japan's government is expected to announce restrictions are being eased earlier than planned in most regions
Tokyo and other badly affected prefectures would remain under a state of emergency
The virus "may never go away", even with a vaccine, the WHO has warned
Brazil reports another new record number of cases - 11,385 in 24 hours
President Trump says he "totally" disagrees with top US medical advisor Dr Fauci over opening schools
Dr Fauci warned rushing to reopen schools and the economy could set back the US recovery
The UK chancellor says it is "very likely" the UK is in a "significant recession"
Globally, the number of people confirmed to have died with Covid-19 is nearing 300,000
Australia records a 6.2% unemployment rate - PM Morrison says this is "shocking but not surprising"
It calls on all countries to make mental health support a key part of their virus response
Japan's government is expected to announce restrictions are being eased earlier than planned in most regions
Tokyo and other badly affected prefectures would remain under a state of emergency
The virus "may never go away", even with a vaccine, the WHO has warned
Brazil reports another new record number of cases - 11,385 in 24 hours
President Trump says he "totally" disagrees with top US medical advisor Dr Fauci over opening schools
Dr Fauci warned rushing to reopen schools and the economy could set back the US recovery
The UK chancellor says it is "very likely" the UK is in a "significant recession"
Globally, the number of people confirmed to have died with Covid-19 is nearing 300,000
Australia records a 6.2% unemployment rate - PM Morrison says this is "shocking but not surprising"
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Malaysia’s health ministry has today reported 40 new coronavirus cases with one additional death. The country has so far recorded a total of 6,819 infections, with 112 fatalities.
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The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has surpassed 250,000, but daily new infections fell below 10,000 for the first time in nearly two weeks.
US authorities have accused China-linked hackers of breaking into organisations in the US carrying out research into the coronavirus infection.
The United Nations is forecasting that the pandemic will push an estimated 34.3 million people into extreme poverty mostly in Africa.>
Brazil has become the sixth-hardest hit country in the world with the coronavirus after a daily record of 11,385 new cases and 749 new deaths.
To date, more than 4.34 million people have been infected and at least 296,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
US authorities have accused China-linked hackers of breaking into organisations in the US carrying out research into the coronavirus infection.
The United Nations is forecasting that the pandemic will push an estimated 34.3 million people into extreme poverty mostly in Africa.>
Brazil has become the sixth-hardest hit country in the world with the coronavirus after a daily record of 11,385 new cases and 749 new deaths.
To date, more than 4.34 million people have been infected and at least 296,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
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Spain’s daily coronavirus death toll report rose above 200 on Thursday for the first time since 8 May 8, the health ministry reported.
The overall death toll from the disease rose to 27,321 on Thursday from 27,104 as 217 people reportedly died overnight, the ministry said, according to Reuters.
The overall number of diagnosed cases rose to 229,540 on Thursday.
The overall death toll from the disease rose to 27,321 on Thursday from 27,104 as 217 people reportedly died overnight, the ministry said, according to Reuters.
The overall number of diagnosed cases rose to 229,540 on Thursday.
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Questions are mounting over Russia's extraordinarily low reported mortality rate - only 2,305 deaths with 252,000 infected.
Moscow's department of health says it does not include most deaths of Covid-19 patients in official statistics because they had other potentially lethal illnesses. St Petersburg has reported an unexplained spike in deaths from pneumonia - five-and-a-half times the usual number and 10 times the official number of Covid-19 deaths in the city.Meduza, an independent Russian website, says official statistics are doctored and Russians are effectively “not allowed to die from coronavirus”. Many of those who find official numbers hard to believe keep their own tally.
Medical workers have their own list of colleagues they say have been killed by coronavirus. Even Orthodox priests have launched their own list "because official statistics are incomplete". Earlier, the Financial Times said Russia’s Covid-19 death toll could be 70% higher than official figure, but officials in Moscow dismissed such reports as "fake".
Moscow's department of health says it does not include most deaths of Covid-19 patients in official statistics because they had other potentially lethal illnesses. St Petersburg has reported an unexplained spike in deaths from pneumonia - five-and-a-half times the usual number and 10 times the official number of Covid-19 deaths in the city.Meduza, an independent Russian website, says official statistics are doctored and Russians are effectively “not allowed to die from coronavirus”. Many of those who find official numbers hard to believe keep their own tally.
Medical workers have their own list of colleagues they say have been killed by coronavirus. Even Orthodox priests have launched their own list "because official statistics are incomplete". Earlier, the Financial Times said Russia’s Covid-19 death toll could be 70% higher than official figure, but officials in Moscow dismissed such reports as "fake".
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State of emergency lifted in most of Japan
Japan has lifted a state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus in 39 out of 47 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections.
The order still applies in Tokyo, Osaka and on the northern island of Hokkaido, where new cases are emerging daily.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan's rate of infection had reduced to one seventh of the country's peak.
He urged the public to be vigilant, wear masks, and keep following distancing guidance.
"If possible, before 31 May, we would like to lift the state of emergency for the other regions as well," Mr Abe said.
Japan faced early criticism for its handling of a mass outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, docked off the city of Yokohama, but appears to have avoided an epidemic on the scale of those seen in the US or Russia.
There have been 16,049 confirmed infections in the country and 678 people have died with the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Doctors' warnings in mid-April that Japan's medical system could collapse under a wave of new Covid-19 cases have not come to pass.
The country's low level of testing has raised questions, but Mr Abe said its strategy of tracking virus clusters had worked in many areas.
"We were able to contain (the spread of infections) to the level at which it can be prevented with a thorough cluster-focused approach," he told reporters.
Unlike governments elsewhere, Japan's leaders have no legal power to enforce a lockdown. While local governors can call on businesses to stay closed and suggest people stay at home, there are no punishments if they choose not to do so. Despite this, mobility data has shown a striking drop in public movement.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52658551
Japan has lifted a state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus in 39 out of 47 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections.
The order still applies in Tokyo, Osaka and on the northern island of Hokkaido, where new cases are emerging daily.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan's rate of infection had reduced to one seventh of the country's peak.
He urged the public to be vigilant, wear masks, and keep following distancing guidance.
"If possible, before 31 May, we would like to lift the state of emergency for the other regions as well," Mr Abe said.
Japan faced early criticism for its handling of a mass outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, docked off the city of Yokohama, but appears to have avoided an epidemic on the scale of those seen in the US or Russia.
There have been 16,049 confirmed infections in the country and 678 people have died with the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Doctors' warnings in mid-April that Japan's medical system could collapse under a wave of new Covid-19 cases have not come to pass.
The country's low level of testing has raised questions, but Mr Abe said its strategy of tracking virus clusters had worked in many areas.
"We were able to contain (the spread of infections) to the level at which it can be prevented with a thorough cluster-focused approach," he told reporters.
Unlike governments elsewhere, Japan's leaders have no legal power to enforce a lockdown. While local governors can call on businesses to stay closed and suggest people stay at home, there are no punishments if they choose not to do so. Despite this, mobility data has shown a striking drop in public movement.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52658551
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Elsewhere in Asia:
In Pakistan some markets have been shut in Sindh province for flouting social distancing rules. The move comes after more than 2,300 new cases were reported within 24 hours. Two days ago markets were allowed to open, prompting traffic jams
The number of South Koreans being tested for coronavirus following a cluster outbreak at nightclubs in Seoul has surged. More than 35,000 people have now been traced and tested nationwide in connection with the outbreak. The tests are now anonymous, so people, many from the LGBT community, can come forward without fear of discrimination
Taiwan has gone a whole month without recording any domestically transmitted cases. Overall it has registered just 440 cases and seven deaths
In Pakistan some markets have been shut in Sindh province for flouting social distancing rules. The move comes after more than 2,300 new cases were reported within 24 hours. Two days ago markets were allowed to open, prompting traffic jams
The number of South Koreans being tested for coronavirus following a cluster outbreak at nightclubs in Seoul has surged. More than 35,000 people have now been traced and tested nationwide in connection with the outbreak. The tests are now anonymous, so people, many from the LGBT community, can come forward without fear of discrimination
Taiwan has gone a whole month without recording any domestically transmitted cases. Overall it has registered just 440 cases and seven deaths
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New Zealand reopens with midnight barbers queues
Thousands of businesses in New Zealand have reopened on Thursday as the country relaxes its coronavirus curbs, with some hairdressers seeing overnight queues round the block.
Shops, cafes, and public parks are all open as the country moves into Level 2 of its restrictions, described as a "safer new normal".
New Zealand has reported no new cases of the virus in the past three days.
Authorities say the chance of community transmission is now very low.
People are allowed to start seeing their friends and families again, with a limit of 10 people.
Professional sport is back on the menu - albeit with safety measures in place. And for those keen to let off steam after a long lockdown, gyms have reopened too.
There have been reports of crowds at shopping centres in some parts of the country, but for some a quiet catch-up on the waterfront was the first thing on their minds.
New Zealand has seen 1,497 confirmed cases of Covid-19 out of a population of around five million people, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. Twenty-one people have died, and fewer than 90 are still sick.
The country had already eased some restrictions in late April, allowing takeaway food shops and some non-essential business to re-open.
Though offices reopened on Thursday, people have been urged to continue working from home where possible, to help avoid a second wave of infections.
To the relief of many parents, school pupils will be able to return from Monday.
Bars are closed for now, but will be back in business from 21 May.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been widely praised for taking swift action early on in the global pandemic.
"We're going hard and we're going early," Ms Ardern told the public in mid-March. "We only have 102 cases, but so did Italy once."
Beaches, waterfronts and playgrounds were shut on 26 March, as were offices and schools. Bars and restaurants were also closed, including for takeaway and delivery.
Imposing some of the world's toughest restrictions on travel and activity helped stop cases arriving in New Zealand from overseas. But it also struck a heavy blow to the country's tourism-dependent economy.
Ms Ardern has described economic conditions as the worst since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
As part of a budget on Thursday, the government announced a NZ$50 billion (£24bn; US$30) Covid-19 recovery fund to help cushion the country's losses in the months to come.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52658550
Thousands of businesses in New Zealand have reopened on Thursday as the country relaxes its coronavirus curbs, with some hairdressers seeing overnight queues round the block.
Shops, cafes, and public parks are all open as the country moves into Level 2 of its restrictions, described as a "safer new normal".
New Zealand has reported no new cases of the virus in the past three days.
Authorities say the chance of community transmission is now very low.
People are allowed to start seeing their friends and families again, with a limit of 10 people.
Professional sport is back on the menu - albeit with safety measures in place. And for those keen to let off steam after a long lockdown, gyms have reopened too.
There have been reports of crowds at shopping centres in some parts of the country, but for some a quiet catch-up on the waterfront was the first thing on their minds.
New Zealand has seen 1,497 confirmed cases of Covid-19 out of a population of around five million people, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. Twenty-one people have died, and fewer than 90 are still sick.
The country had already eased some restrictions in late April, allowing takeaway food shops and some non-essential business to re-open.
Though offices reopened on Thursday, people have been urged to continue working from home where possible, to help avoid a second wave of infections.
To the relief of many parents, school pupils will be able to return from Monday.
Bars are closed for now, but will be back in business from 21 May.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been widely praised for taking swift action early on in the global pandemic.
"We're going hard and we're going early," Ms Ardern told the public in mid-March. "We only have 102 cases, but so did Italy once."
Beaches, waterfronts and playgrounds were shut on 26 March, as were offices and schools. Bars and restaurants were also closed, including for takeaway and delivery.
Imposing some of the world's toughest restrictions on travel and activity helped stop cases arriving in New Zealand from overseas. But it also struck a heavy blow to the country's tourism-dependent economy.
Ms Ardern has described economic conditions as the worst since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
As part of a budget on Thursday, the government announced a NZ$50 billion (£24bn; US$30) Covid-19 recovery fund to help cushion the country's losses in the months to come.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52658550
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First steps to ease NI lockdown next week
Garden centres and recycling centres in Northern Ireland can reopen from next Monday as part of the first steps to ease lockdown, First Minister Arlene Foster has said.
On Tuesday, the executive published a five-phase blueprint for lifting restrictions but it did not include a timeframe.
The first minister said updated medical advice meant the executive could now approve the "tentative first steps".
Read more on this story here.
Garden centres and recycling centres in Northern Ireland can reopen from next Monday as part of the first steps to ease lockdown, First Minister Arlene Foster has said.
On Tuesday, the executive published a five-phase blueprint for lifting restrictions but it did not include a timeframe.
The first minister said updated medical advice meant the executive could now approve the "tentative first steps".
Read more on this story here.
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Portugal reported 187 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, with numbers remaining low almost two weeks after the country ended its state of emergency.
The country has had only a limited outbreak of Covid-19, compared to the carnage in its neighbour, Spain, recorded a total of just 28,319 confirmed cases. Nine deaths reported on Thursday brought its total death toll to 1,184.
Portugal lifted its state of emergency on 2 May.
The country has had only a limited outbreak of Covid-19, compared to the carnage in its neighbour, Spain, recorded a total of just 28,319 confirmed cases. Nine deaths reported on Thursday brought its total death toll to 1,184.
Portugal lifted its state of emergency on 2 May.
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Global death toll passes 300,000
The global toll from Covid-19 has just passed 300,000, with nearly 4.5 million people infected.
According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, at least 300,074 people have now died as a result of the outbreak.
The institution says it has counted 4,405,688 confirmed cases worldwide.
It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures.
The global toll from Covid-19 has just passed 300,000, with nearly 4.5 million people infected.
According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, at least 300,074 people have now died as a result of the outbreak.
The institution says it has counted 4,405,688 confirmed cases worldwide.
It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures.
More than 300,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded around the world, according to Johns Hopkins (JH) University.
The US university - which started compiling its data soon after the outbreak began in China late last year - says there have been more than 4.4 million confirmed cases, with 1.5 million people who have recovered.
The five nations with highest death tolls currently are:
the US - more than 85,000 (JH)
the UK - 33,614 (Department for Heath and Social Care)
Italy - 31,368 (Civil Protection Agency)
France - 27,425 (Health authorities)
Spain - more than 27,300 (JH)
The US university - which started compiling its data soon after the outbreak began in China late last year - says there have been more than 4.4 million confirmed cases, with 1.5 million people who have recovered.
The five nations with highest death tolls currently are:
the US - more than 85,000 (JH)
the UK - 33,614 (Department for Heath and Social Care)
Italy - 31,368 (Civil Protection Agency)
France - 27,425 (Health authorities)
Spain - more than 27,300 (JH)
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Restaurants, cafes and shops can now open in Australia's most populous state, but with strict distancing rules
The WHO has warned nearly a quarter of a billion people in Africa could catch the virus in a year
Covid-19 has made its way into the world's biggest refugee camp, in Bangladesh
A US whistleblower and virus expert has said "lives were lost" because of early government inaction
A survey suggests one in every 400 people in England is infected with the virus
Japan has lifted the state of emergency in 39 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections
More than 1.5m people have recovered from the virus worldwide, but 300,000 people have died
The WHO has warned nearly a quarter of a billion people in Africa could catch the virus in a year
Covid-19 has made its way into the world's biggest refugee camp, in Bangladesh
A US whistleblower and virus expert has said "lives were lost" because of early government inaction
A survey suggests one in every 400 people in England is infected with the virus
Japan has lifted the state of emergency in 39 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections
More than 1.5m people have recovered from the virus worldwide, but 300,000 people have died
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Brazil virus cases hit daily record
Brazil recorded a daily record of 13,944 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday.
Brazil, the most populous country in Latin America, now has 202,918 confirmed cases and 13,933 deaths, the health ministry data shows.
But despite experts saying Brazil is at the peak of its pandemic curve, President Jair Bolsonaro has urged business leaders to push for lifting lockdown orders, which are imposed at state level.
Brazil recorded a daily record of 13,944 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday.
Brazil, the most populous country in Latin America, now has 202,918 confirmed cases and 13,933 deaths, the health ministry data shows.
But despite experts saying Brazil is at the peak of its pandemic curve, President Jair Bolsonaro has urged business leaders to push for lifting lockdown orders, which are imposed at state level.
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Russia reports 10,598 new coronavirus infections
Russia reported 10,598 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide case tally to 262,843.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said 113 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,418.
Russia reported 10,598 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide case tally to 262,843.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said 113 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,418.
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Afghanistan has recorded its worst day of the crisis so far, as the country’s health ministry confirmed a 414 new transmissions of Covid-19 and 17 more deaths.
Afghanistan has so far confirmed 6,053 cases, 153 deaths and 745 recoveries. In a WhatsApp message to reporters, Wahid Majroh, the country’s deputy health minister, said 1,122 suspected patients were tested in last 24 hours after the ministry pledged to increase the number of tests.
Afghanistan has so far confirmed 6,053 cases, 153 deaths and 745 recoveries. In a WhatsApp message to reporters, Wahid Majroh, the country’s deputy health minister, said 1,122 suspected patients were tested in last 24 hours after the ministry pledged to increase the number of tests.
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Researchers say Belgium has seen its highest April mortality rate since World War Two. The team at Vrije Universiteit Brussel say the southern city of Mons and Brussels itself were hit particularly hard
The three Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - have resumed free movement in their own "Baltic bubble", by land, sea and air.
Russia has declared another 10,598 new infections and 113 more deaths in the past 24 hours - it has now seen 262,843 cases
Restaurants and cafes are reopening in Austria. Tables should be at least a metre apart, there should be a maximum of four adults plus children. No salt-shakers are allowed on tables
Germany is gearing up for a return to Bundesliga football on Saturday - but an ARD opinion poll suggests 56% of Germans believe it's too early
The three Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - have resumed free movement in their own "Baltic bubble", by land, sea and air.
Russia has declared another 10,598 new infections and 113 more deaths in the past 24 hours - it has now seen 262,843 cases
Restaurants and cafes are reopening in Austria. Tables should be at least a metre apart, there should be a maximum of four adults plus children. No salt-shakers are allowed on tables
Germany is gearing up for a return to Bundesliga football on Saturday - but an ARD opinion poll suggests 56% of Germans believe it's too early
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Here’s a roundup of the key developments so far on Friday:
China marks one month with no new coronavirus deaths announced
China has gone a month without announcing any new deaths from the coronavirus. The National Health Commission reported four new cases of the virus on Friday, all local cross-infections in the northeastern province of Jilin where a cluster of uncertain origin has been detected in recent days. The last time the commission reported a death was on 14 April.
Virus pushes Germany into recession
German output shrank by 2.2% in the first quarter of 2020, according to new official data. The quarter-on-quarter contraction is “the worst since the financial crisis” in 2009, the federal statistics office Destatis said. The agency also revised its gross domestic product (GDP) figure for the final quarter of 2019 from zero growth to a contraction of 0.1%, meaning Germany has now experienced two consecutive quarters of contraction – the technical definition of a recession.
Slovenia proclaims end to the outbreak
Slovenia has become the first European country to proclaim an end to the coronavirus epidemic at home. It said on Friday that the spread of Covid-19 was under control and there was no longer a need for extraordinary health measures.
Spain announces lowest daily death toll since Monday
Spain’s death toll from coronavirus registered its lowest increase since Monday with 138 new fatalities announced by the health ministry. The overall coronavirus death toll, in Europe’s fourth worst hit country, rose to 27,459 on Friday, while the number of diagnosed cases rose to 230,183 cases from 229,540.
Italy and Germany to ease more restrictions
Italy is set to allow free travel across the country from 3 June, according to a draft decree seen by Reuters. The draft decree, which could still be modified before it is approved, also said all travel within separate Italian regions would be allowed from 18 May. Germany will loosen quarantine rules for travellers arriving from the European Union and the UK, according to the interior ministry.
China responds diplomatically to Trump threat of cutting off ties
China’s foreign ministry has responded diplomatically to Donald Trump’s threat of cutting ties with Beijing over the virus. The US president said the pandemic had cast a pall over his January trade deal with Beijing and that he had no interest in speaking to President Xi Jinping at the moment. Cina’s foreign ministry said on Friday that steady Sino-US bilateral relations served the interests of both countries.
Baltic states restore free movement
The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have opened their borders to each other to create a mini Schengen area. Free movement of people will be restored to all 6 million permanent residents of the Baltic states, but arrivals from outside the three countries will have to undergo a two-week quarantine period.
Mexico sees record one-day increase in cases
Mexico’s health ministry on Thursday confirmed 257 additional coronavirus deaths and 2,409 new infections, the biggest one-day rise in cases since the pandemic began.The new infections brought confirmed coronavirus cases to 42,595 and 4,477 deaths in total, according to the official tally.
Brazil confirmed cases pass 200,000
The number of cases in Brazil passed 200,000 on Thursday.The country now has 202,918 confirmed cases, with 13,944 added in last 24 hours, according to health ministry.The tally means it is the sixth-worst-affected country worldwide in terms of cases, according to Johns Hopkins data. 844 new deaths were reported in last 24 hours, bringing the total to 13,993.
South Korea, China and Japan health ministers to hold video conference
The health ministers of South Korea, China and Japan will get together by video conference on Friday to discuss ways to work together in the global campaign against the novel coronavirus, South Korean officials said. The meeting is the first between top health officials of the East Asian neighbours since the outbreak emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
Covid-19 reaches refugee camps in Bangladesh
Aid groups have warned of a looming humanitarian disaster after coronavirus was detected for the first time in the sprawling camps that host about one million Rohingya refugees. The UN confirmed that an ethnic Rohingya refugee and another person had tested positive for Covid-19. “Both patients are in isolation and contact tracing is underway,” the UN’s refugee agency said in a statement.
China marks one month with no new coronavirus deaths announced
China has gone a month without announcing any new deaths from the coronavirus. The National Health Commission reported four new cases of the virus on Friday, all local cross-infections in the northeastern province of Jilin where a cluster of uncertain origin has been detected in recent days. The last time the commission reported a death was on 14 April.
Virus pushes Germany into recession
German output shrank by 2.2% in the first quarter of 2020, according to new official data. The quarter-on-quarter contraction is “the worst since the financial crisis” in 2009, the federal statistics office Destatis said. The agency also revised its gross domestic product (GDP) figure for the final quarter of 2019 from zero growth to a contraction of 0.1%, meaning Germany has now experienced two consecutive quarters of contraction – the technical definition of a recession.
Slovenia proclaims end to the outbreak
Slovenia has become the first European country to proclaim an end to the coronavirus epidemic at home. It said on Friday that the spread of Covid-19 was under control and there was no longer a need for extraordinary health measures.
Spain announces lowest daily death toll since Monday
Spain’s death toll from coronavirus registered its lowest increase since Monday with 138 new fatalities announced by the health ministry. The overall coronavirus death toll, in Europe’s fourth worst hit country, rose to 27,459 on Friday, while the number of diagnosed cases rose to 230,183 cases from 229,540.
Italy and Germany to ease more restrictions
Italy is set to allow free travel across the country from 3 June, according to a draft decree seen by Reuters. The draft decree, which could still be modified before it is approved, also said all travel within separate Italian regions would be allowed from 18 May. Germany will loosen quarantine rules for travellers arriving from the European Union and the UK, according to the interior ministry.
China responds diplomatically to Trump threat of cutting off ties
China’s foreign ministry has responded diplomatically to Donald Trump’s threat of cutting ties with Beijing over the virus. The US president said the pandemic had cast a pall over his January trade deal with Beijing and that he had no interest in speaking to President Xi Jinping at the moment. Cina’s foreign ministry said on Friday that steady Sino-US bilateral relations served the interests of both countries.
Baltic states restore free movement
The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have opened their borders to each other to create a mini Schengen area. Free movement of people will be restored to all 6 million permanent residents of the Baltic states, but arrivals from outside the three countries will have to undergo a two-week quarantine period.
Mexico sees record one-day increase in cases
Mexico’s health ministry on Thursday confirmed 257 additional coronavirus deaths and 2,409 new infections, the biggest one-day rise in cases since the pandemic began.The new infections brought confirmed coronavirus cases to 42,595 and 4,477 deaths in total, according to the official tally.
Brazil confirmed cases pass 200,000
The number of cases in Brazil passed 200,000 on Thursday.The country now has 202,918 confirmed cases, with 13,944 added in last 24 hours, according to health ministry.The tally means it is the sixth-worst-affected country worldwide in terms of cases, according to Johns Hopkins data. 844 new deaths were reported in last 24 hours, bringing the total to 13,993.
South Korea, China and Japan health ministers to hold video conference
The health ministers of South Korea, China and Japan will get together by video conference on Friday to discuss ways to work together in the global campaign against the novel coronavirus, South Korean officials said. The meeting is the first between top health officials of the East Asian neighbours since the outbreak emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
Covid-19 reaches refugee camps in Bangladesh
Aid groups have warned of a looming humanitarian disaster after coronavirus was detected for the first time in the sprawling camps that host about one million Rohingya refugees. The UN confirmed that an ethnic Rohingya refugee and another person had tested positive for Covid-19. “Both patients are in isolation and contact tracing is underway,” the UN’s refugee agency said in a statement.
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Russia's latest coronavirus figures show 10,598 new confirmed cases on Friday, pushing its nationwide tally to 262,843.
The country has struggled to get daily increases below 10,000 for days.
But it looks as though President Vladimir Putin has run out of patience with the virus, reports our Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford.
He is keen to end the lockdown and has sent millions of workers back to factories.
"For the first time in his active political life, Putin is faced by a problem which is absolutely not under his control and which broke all of his plans," says Chatham House political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
The country has struggled to get daily increases below 10,000 for days.
But it looks as though President Vladimir Putin has run out of patience with the virus, reports our Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford.
He is keen to end the lockdown and has sent millions of workers back to factories.
"For the first time in his active political life, Putin is faced by a problem which is absolutely not under his control and which broke all of his plans," says Chatham House political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
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Mexico at 'peak moment' of coronavirus crisis after biggest daily rise in cases
Mexico has reached "the peak moment" of its coronavirus outbreak, officials said, as the country recorded its largest one-day rise in cases so far.
More than 2,409 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Thursday - the first time this figure has exceeded 2,000.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now more than 40,000.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-52672060
Mexico has reached "the peak moment" of its coronavirus outbreak, officials said, as the country recorded its largest one-day rise in cases so far.
More than 2,409 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Thursday - the first time this figure has exceeded 2,000.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now more than 40,000.
The grim milestone comes amid preparations to ease lockdown measures and reopen the economy, particularly factories near the border with the US.
Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell - an epidemiologist and Mexico's coronavirus tsar - described this as "the most difficult moment of the first wave of the epidemic".
He said that the country "could not relax measures" in place to stem the spread of the virus, and instead needs to embrace a "new normal" to avoid another wave of infections.
On Monday, some key industries - including mining, construction and automobile assembly - are scheduled to partially reopen.
Mr López-Gatell stressed that the re-opening of these industries will be largely preparatory, with a broader restart of businesses not scheduled until 1 June.
Government data released on Thursday also showed more than half of hospitals in the capital, Mexico City, were at capacity with coronavirus patients.
At the end of April, hospitals in the city admitted they were having to turn patients away because of a lack of equipment.
Earlier this month, Mexico received a shipment of more than 200 ventilators purchased from a US firm.
This followed an informal agreement between the neighbouring nations' leaders in mid-April.
Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell - an epidemiologist and Mexico's coronavirus tsar - described this as "the most difficult moment of the first wave of the epidemic".
He said that the country "could not relax measures" in place to stem the spread of the virus, and instead needs to embrace a "new normal" to avoid another wave of infections.
On Monday, some key industries - including mining, construction and automobile assembly - are scheduled to partially reopen.
Mr López-Gatell stressed that the re-opening of these industries will be largely preparatory, with a broader restart of businesses not scheduled until 1 June.
Government data released on Thursday also showed more than half of hospitals in the capital, Mexico City, were at capacity with coronavirus patients.
At the end of April, hospitals in the city admitted they were having to turn patients away because of a lack of equipment.
Earlier this month, Mexico received a shipment of more than 200 ventilators purchased from a US firm.
This followed an informal agreement between the neighbouring nations' leaders in mid-April.
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'May Allah remove the virus': Pandemic a grim addition to Afghanistan's woes
KABUL/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Delkhah Sultani scrubs laundry outside her home in Kabul as her young daughter watches on. She says she once got paid around $3 a day to wash clothes for other households but since the coronavirus outbreak hit, work has dropped and she now earns $1 every few days to support her and her four children.
Like millions of Afghans, Sultani is facing economic distress and hunger from two disasters - the pandemic and the damage from decades of civil war.
“Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan (in late April), I have not been able to find jobs for myself because people don’t invite me to their homes to wash their clothes anymore due to the fear of the coronavirus,” said Sultani. She said her husband was killed six years ago in a suicide bomb attack.
“I don’t have money to take my son to the barbershop or buy food. Most of the time, we don’t even have anything to eat to break our fast.”
At least 6,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus in Afghanistan and 153 have died, straining the country’s weak health infrastucture. Officials warn that the actual number of infections is likely to be much higher because few people have been tested.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...m-addition-to-afghanistans-woes-idUSKBN22R1PV
KABUL/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Delkhah Sultani scrubs laundry outside her home in Kabul as her young daughter watches on. She says she once got paid around $3 a day to wash clothes for other households but since the coronavirus outbreak hit, work has dropped and she now earns $1 every few days to support her and her four children.
Like millions of Afghans, Sultani is facing economic distress and hunger from two disasters - the pandemic and the damage from decades of civil war.
“Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan (in late April), I have not been able to find jobs for myself because people don’t invite me to their homes to wash their clothes anymore due to the fear of the coronavirus,” said Sultani. She said her husband was killed six years ago in a suicide bomb attack.
“I don’t have money to take my son to the barbershop or buy food. Most of the time, we don’t even have anything to eat to break our fast.”
At least 6,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus in Afghanistan and 153 have died, straining the country’s weak health infrastucture. Officials warn that the actual number of infections is likely to be much higher because few people have been tested.
“We are facing increasing needs across the country and this pandemic is expected to severely impact the livelihoods of communities across the country for years to come,” said Parvathy Ramaswami, deputy country director at the World Food Programme Afghanistan.
The coronavirus pandemic that has derailed even the world’s top economies is hitting Afghanistan as the government faces the prospect of a fiscal crunch and reinvigorated Taliban insurgents. Despite an ongoing peace process being brokered by the United States, attacks are taking place daily.
“There is a conflict...and with everything happening at once an already weak state is going to have less time and energy to do even basic policing,” said Andrew Watkins, senior Afghanistan analyst at the International Crisis Group.
The stepped-up violence and a harrowing attack on a Kabul maternity ward, suspected to have been conducted by Islamic State this week, prompted the government to switch the military to an ‘offensive’ stance.
HEADED FOR DISASTER
The United States is drawing down troops in Afghanistan under its deal with the Taliban and foreign donors consumed with their own pandemic bail-out packages are expected to have less to spend on aid.
Aid pledges made in 2016 run out this year and one diplomat said Afghanistan was headed for disaster if replenishments fell short.
“That’s exactly where Afghanistan is heading. Add their internal conflict on formation of government, derailed peace process, Taliban insurgency, ISIS attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now imagine where Afghanistan stands in 2021,” said the senior diplomat in Kabul.
Grants make up roughly 75% of the Afghan government’s expenditure and any government revenue that comes from taxes is at serious threat as the pandemic hits the economy.
Government revenues have already fallen by almost a quarter in the first four months of the fiscal year compared to the same period last year, according to economic think tank the Biruni Institute.
Omar Joya, head of research at the institute, said the think tank was projecting an additional 8 million people could fall into poverty this year, pushing the poverty rate from 55% to 80%.
The government has been ramping up distribution of food aid, and in Kabul more than 250,000 families have started receiving free food, including Sultani. She says making it last is a stretch.
“Most of the time, we don’t have even a loaf of bread at home for my kids to eat,” she said. “May Allah remove the virus, so the needy people can live a normal life.”
The coronavirus pandemic that has derailed even the world’s top economies is hitting Afghanistan as the government faces the prospect of a fiscal crunch and reinvigorated Taliban insurgents. Despite an ongoing peace process being brokered by the United States, attacks are taking place daily.
“There is a conflict...and with everything happening at once an already weak state is going to have less time and energy to do even basic policing,” said Andrew Watkins, senior Afghanistan analyst at the International Crisis Group.
The stepped-up violence and a harrowing attack on a Kabul maternity ward, suspected to have been conducted by Islamic State this week, prompted the government to switch the military to an ‘offensive’ stance.
HEADED FOR DISASTER
The United States is drawing down troops in Afghanistan under its deal with the Taliban and foreign donors consumed with their own pandemic bail-out packages are expected to have less to spend on aid.
Aid pledges made in 2016 run out this year and one diplomat said Afghanistan was headed for disaster if replenishments fell short.
“That’s exactly where Afghanistan is heading. Add their internal conflict on formation of government, derailed peace process, Taliban insurgency, ISIS attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now imagine where Afghanistan stands in 2021,” said the senior diplomat in Kabul.
Grants make up roughly 75% of the Afghan government’s expenditure and any government revenue that comes from taxes is at serious threat as the pandemic hits the economy.
Government revenues have already fallen by almost a quarter in the first four months of the fiscal year compared to the same period last year, according to economic think tank the Biruni Institute.
Omar Joya, head of research at the institute, said the think tank was projecting an additional 8 million people could fall into poverty this year, pushing the poverty rate from 55% to 80%.
The government has been ramping up distribution of food aid, and in Kabul more than 250,000 families have started receiving free food, including Sultani. She says making it last is a stretch.
“Most of the time, we don’t have even a loaf of bread at home for my kids to eat,” she said. “May Allah remove the virus, so the needy people can live a normal life.”
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Austria allows restaurants and cafes to reopen
Bethany Bell
BBC News, Vienna
I am writing this from a Vienna cafe - something which in normal times I do frequently, but which hasn’t been possible for two months.
The coffee and the apple strudel are as good as ever, but there are far fewer guests because strict social distancing rules apply.
Cafes and restaurants have to ensure that there is at least a metre between each table.
A maximum of four adults are permitted at each table, along with their children. All the serving staff are wearing face masks.
Normally I wouldn’t make a reservation to come to a cafe, but now customers are being encouraged to do so to help with social distancing and tracing in the event of an outbreak.
Many restaurant owners say it will be a struggle to pay the same overheads with fewer customers and tourists.
In an attempt to stimulate business, Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig has announced that all Viennese households will receive a voucher of up to €50 (£54; £44) to use in one of the city’s restaurants or cafes in the coming months.
Bethany Bell
BBC News, Vienna
I am writing this from a Vienna cafe - something which in normal times I do frequently, but which hasn’t been possible for two months.
The coffee and the apple strudel are as good as ever, but there are far fewer guests because strict social distancing rules apply.
Cafes and restaurants have to ensure that there is at least a metre between each table.
A maximum of four adults are permitted at each table, along with their children. All the serving staff are wearing face masks.
Normally I wouldn’t make a reservation to come to a cafe, but now customers are being encouraged to do so to help with social distancing and tracing in the event of an outbreak.
Many restaurant owners say it will be a struggle to pay the same overheads with fewer customers and tourists.
In an attempt to stimulate business, Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig has announced that all Viennese households will receive a voucher of up to €50 (£54; £44) to use in one of the city’s restaurants or cafes in the coming months.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,988
There were 242 new coronavirus fatalities in Italy on Friday, down by 20 from Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 31,610.
New infections rose by 789, down by over 200 within the last 24 hours, according to the civil protection authority.
Restaurants, bars, hairdressers and beauty salons are due to reopen on Monday as Italy gradually eases restrictions, while the ban on inter-regional travel might be lifted from 3 June.
Italy has had 223,885 confirmed cases of Covid-19 to date, including 120,205 survivors.
New infections rose by 789, down by over 200 within the last 24 hours, according to the civil protection authority.
Restaurants, bars, hairdressers and beauty salons are due to reopen on Monday as Italy gradually eases restrictions, while the ban on inter-regional travel might be lifted from 3 June.
Italy has had 223,885 confirmed cases of Covid-19 to date, including 120,205 survivors.
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The US government plans to stockpile hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines that are currently under development, in hopes of having a successful vaccine ready for mass distribution as soon as possible, a health official has said.
Germany's coronavirus-hit economy has contracted by 2.2 percent in the first quarter of the year in its steepest three-month slump since the 2009 financial crisis.
Wuhan, the Chinese city planning to test all of its 11 million residents, has assessed more than three million people since April and will focus its testing efforts on the remaining residents.
Officials confirmed the first coronavirus infection of a Rohingya refugee in the sprawling camps in southern Bangladesh.
Globally, more than 4.4 million people have been infected and more than 301,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
Germany's coronavirus-hit economy has contracted by 2.2 percent in the first quarter of the year in its steepest three-month slump since the 2009 financial crisis.
Wuhan, the Chinese city planning to test all of its 11 million residents, has assessed more than three million people since April and will focus its testing efforts on the remaining residents.
Officials confirmed the first coronavirus infection of a Rohingya refugee in the sprawling camps in southern Bangladesh.
Globally, more than 4.4 million people have been infected and more than 301,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
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- Oct 2, 2004
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French health authorities have reported 104 more deaths, or a decelerating increase of 0.4%. That brings the total to 27,529 – the fourth worst in the world.
The ministry added that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 141,919 – up from 141,356 on Thursday, which also represents a rise of 0.4% in 24 hours.
The ministry added that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 141,919 – up from 141,356 on Thursday, which also represents a rise of 0.4% in 24 hours.
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US president Donald Trump said on Friday the US government was working with other countries to develop a coronavirus vaccine at an accelerated pace. Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year at an event in the White House Rose Garden and said his administration would mobilise its forces to get a vaccine distributed once one was in place.
UK’s reproduction rate still close to 1, bringing lockdown-easing steps into question. The latest official estimate places the national R value - the rate at which people are passing on infections to others – at between 0.7 and 1. An R value above 1 means the epidemic will start to grow exponentially again, which would result in a new surge of cases.
Europe could face deadly second wave of winter infections, WHO warns. Dr Hans Kluge, director for the WHO European region, warned countries beginning to ease their lockdown restrictions that now is “time for preparation, not celebration”.
Second health minister resigns in Brazil after less than a month on the job. Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, handed in his resignation on Friday, his office said, after less than a month on the job as the country becomes a world hotspot for coronavirus. Teich is believed to have disagreed with the rightwing president, Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil has now surpassed Germany and France and had more than 200,000 confirmed cases of the virus as of Thursday.
Spain hails large-scale antibody study as a key tool in the fight against the coronavirus. The Spanish government has hailed a large-scale antibody study as a key tool in the fight against the coronavirus, but warned that any premature or irresponsible relaxation of restrictions could have “enormous consequences” given that only 5% of Spaniards have had the disease.
Denmark reports zero coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since March. The country reported zero coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours for the first time since 13 March
UK’s reproduction rate still close to 1, bringing lockdown-easing steps into question. The latest official estimate places the national R value - the rate at which people are passing on infections to others – at between 0.7 and 1. An R value above 1 means the epidemic will start to grow exponentially again, which would result in a new surge of cases.
Europe could face deadly second wave of winter infections, WHO warns. Dr Hans Kluge, director for the WHO European region, warned countries beginning to ease their lockdown restrictions that now is “time for preparation, not celebration”.
Second health minister resigns in Brazil after less than a month on the job. Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, handed in his resignation on Friday, his office said, after less than a month on the job as the country becomes a world hotspot for coronavirus. Teich is believed to have disagreed with the rightwing president, Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil has now surpassed Germany and France and had more than 200,000 confirmed cases of the virus as of Thursday.
Spain hails large-scale antibody study as a key tool in the fight against the coronavirus. The Spanish government has hailed a large-scale antibody study as a key tool in the fight against the coronavirus, but warned that any premature or irresponsible relaxation of restrictions could have “enormous consequences” given that only 5% of Spaniards have had the disease.
Denmark reports zero coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since March. The country reported zero coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours for the first time since 13 March
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Moscow has launched a mass screening programme for coronavirus antibodies, inviting people chosen at random from various age groups to clinics across the city.
The hope is that the test results can allow the authorities to map their way out of lockdown, despite uncertainty over how much immunity to Covid-19 the antibodies actually provide.
Three dozen Moscow clinics are collecting intravenous blood samples, which are sent to laboratories for analysis overnight.
Russian doctors believe the method, known as IFA, is more accurate than express-testing used elsewhere.
It identifies the Immunoglobulin M antibody (IgM), which appears when the body is fighting a new infection, and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) which shows that someone has previously been infected.
Swabs for Covid-19 itself are taken at the same time.
Free tests will be given to 70,000 people every three days, allowing Moscow to build a much clearer picture of the spread of the virus since the start of the epidemic – as well as isolating anyone who is sick, but didn’t realise it.
This is in addition to widespread coronavirus testing of those with symptoms that’s already taking place.
"If that’s what’s needed, then it’s needed," one man who had received a text-message inviting him for testing told the BBC. "The main thing is that it’s free!"
Vladimir Putin this week announced that the full nationwide lockdown was over, instructing regional leaders to decide when to lift specific restrictions.
Moscow’s mayor has described that as the "most difficult decision" of his life, and schools and playgrounds, bars and many businesses remain closed until at least 31 May.
Russia currently has one of the world’s highest rates of coronavirus infection, with 10,598 new cases detected on Friday.
The hope is that the test results can allow the authorities to map their way out of lockdown, despite uncertainty over how much immunity to Covid-19 the antibodies actually provide.
Three dozen Moscow clinics are collecting intravenous blood samples, which are sent to laboratories for analysis overnight.
Russian doctors believe the method, known as IFA, is more accurate than express-testing used elsewhere.
It identifies the Immunoglobulin M antibody (IgM), which appears when the body is fighting a new infection, and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) which shows that someone has previously been infected.
Swabs for Covid-19 itself are taken at the same time.
Free tests will be given to 70,000 people every three days, allowing Moscow to build a much clearer picture of the spread of the virus since the start of the epidemic – as well as isolating anyone who is sick, but didn’t realise it.
This is in addition to widespread coronavirus testing of those with symptoms that’s already taking place.
"If that’s what’s needed, then it’s needed," one man who had received a text-message inviting him for testing told the BBC. "The main thing is that it’s free!"
Vladimir Putin this week announced that the full nationwide lockdown was over, instructing regional leaders to decide when to lift specific restrictions.
Moscow’s mayor has described that as the "most difficult decision" of his life, and schools and playgrounds, bars and many businesses remain closed until at least 31 May.
Russia currently has one of the world’s highest rates of coronavirus infection, with 10,598 new cases detected on Friday.
Portugal is set to further ease lockdown restrictions from Monday with the opening of some shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, monuments, galleries, crèches and selected school classes.
Meanwhile, prime minister Antonio Costa said the country's beaches would reopen on 6 June.
He encouraged the public to download an app that will tell them if their beach of choice is full or still has space, while other rules needed to be adhered to.
According to government figures, Portugal has had 1,190 deaths associated with Covid-19 which was up six from Thursday, and a cumulative total of 28,583 confirmed cases, an increase of 264.
Meanwhile, prime minister Antonio Costa said the country's beaches would reopen on 6 June.
He encouraged the public to download an app that will tell them if their beach of choice is full or still has space, while other rules needed to be adhered to.
According to government figures, Portugal has had 1,190 deaths associated with Covid-19 which was up six from Thursday, and a cumulative total of 28,583 confirmed cases, an increase of 264.
Five soldiers stationed in Canadian nursing homes have been infected with coronavirus, the government confirms.
Four soldiers were based in Quebec, one was in Ontario.
"There are always risks in what they do and they go into that knowingly and willingly, and that is why we offer them our deepest gratitude every day," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.
The Canadian Armed Forces have sent about 1,700 personnel to 30 long-term care facilities.
The military was called to help in Quebec and Ontario in mid-April, after several outbreaks at residences exacerbated long-standing staffing issues.
The military intends to release figures every two weeks on the number of personnel in long-term care homes who are infected.
Approximately 82% of all Covid-19 deaths in Canada occur in these facilities, according to the National Institute on Ageing.
Four soldiers were based in Quebec, one was in Ontario.
"There are always risks in what they do and they go into that knowingly and willingly, and that is why we offer them our deepest gratitude every day," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.
The Canadian Armed Forces have sent about 1,700 personnel to 30 long-term care facilities.
The military was called to help in Quebec and Ontario in mid-April, after several outbreaks at residences exacerbated long-standing staffing issues.
The military intends to release figures every two weeks on the number of personnel in long-term care homes who are infected.
Approximately 82% of all Covid-19 deaths in Canada occur in these facilities, according to the National Institute on Ageing.
The Viper
T20I Debutant
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Slovenia anti-government protests continue as country calls an end to epidemic
Thousands of cyclists took over the centre of Ljubljana once again on Friday to protest against Slovenia’s centre-right government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa, less than a day after the government called an end to the coronavirus epidemic, while loosening restrictions.
Protesters blew whistles and honked bicycle horns as they waved Slovenian flags in the capital city. Many wore face masks. They claimed the government is clamping down on civil rights by attacking the media and limiting the rights of environmental groups. Some called for the government to resign.
Among other changes, the government is pushing for legal amendments that will limit the rights environmental nonprofits in participating in the administrative review of infrastructure projects.
The government claims the change is necessary to speed up Slovenia’s economic development, saying present legislation enables even small environmental organisations to significantly slow down important construction, like the building of factories or power plants.
“I am here because the government disgustingly abused the coronavirus crisis to reduce people’s rights and freedoms,” environmentalist Rok Rozman, who was among protesters, told Reuters.
Protests have taken place every week since last month when the national TV Slovenia reported government officials unlawfully favored some companies while purchasing face masks and ventilators. The government denies any wrongdoing.
Police said packed protests should not be held due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Slovenia has so far reported 1,465 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths. It is the first European country to call an official end to its coronavirus epidemic. [nL8N2CW97N]
Although many restrictions that have been imposed in the middle of March have been lifted, people are still obliged to wear masks in indoor public spaces, disinfect their hands upon entering such spaces, stand at least 1.5 meters apart and are prohibited from gathering in groups of more than 50 people. [nL8N2CW97N]
All shops, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open starting Monday, while some students will also return to school next week. Most shops, apart from food and drug stores, and all schools have been closed since the middle of March.
Many of Friday’s protesters also fear that the government will reduce media freedom as Jansa has over the past weeks called several journalists “liars” on his Twitter account. He is known for calling two female TV journalists “prostitutes” back in 2016 when he was the leader of the opposition. The government’s communication office has recently linked Slovenian media to the previous communist regime, causing public uproar.
In a Monday statement, Jansa said he supports more media competition, which is a “precondition to democratic social order,” suggesting most media is biased against his government. He also said that the protests violate legislation on infectious diseases, which obliges people to keep a distance from one another.
The police, which fenced off the government and the parliament buildings in the centre of the capital, was unable to immediately give an estimate of the number of protesters. Smaller protests were held in other cities. No violence has been reported so far.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...ountry-calls-an-end-to-epidemic-idUSKBN22R38R
Thousands of cyclists took over the centre of Ljubljana once again on Friday to protest against Slovenia’s centre-right government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa, less than a day after the government called an end to the coronavirus epidemic, while loosening restrictions.
Protesters blew whistles and honked bicycle horns as they waved Slovenian flags in the capital city. Many wore face masks. They claimed the government is clamping down on civil rights by attacking the media and limiting the rights of environmental groups. Some called for the government to resign.
Among other changes, the government is pushing for legal amendments that will limit the rights environmental nonprofits in participating in the administrative review of infrastructure projects.
The government claims the change is necessary to speed up Slovenia’s economic development, saying present legislation enables even small environmental organisations to significantly slow down important construction, like the building of factories or power plants.
“I am here because the government disgustingly abused the coronavirus crisis to reduce people’s rights and freedoms,” environmentalist Rok Rozman, who was among protesters, told Reuters.
Protests have taken place every week since last month when the national TV Slovenia reported government officials unlawfully favored some companies while purchasing face masks and ventilators. The government denies any wrongdoing.
Police said packed protests should not be held due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Slovenia has so far reported 1,465 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths. It is the first European country to call an official end to its coronavirus epidemic. [nL8N2CW97N]
Although many restrictions that have been imposed in the middle of March have been lifted, people are still obliged to wear masks in indoor public spaces, disinfect their hands upon entering such spaces, stand at least 1.5 meters apart and are prohibited from gathering in groups of more than 50 people. [nL8N2CW97N]
All shops, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open starting Monday, while some students will also return to school next week. Most shops, apart from food and drug stores, and all schools have been closed since the middle of March.
Many of Friday’s protesters also fear that the government will reduce media freedom as Jansa has over the past weeks called several journalists “liars” on his Twitter account. He is known for calling two female TV journalists “prostitutes” back in 2016 when he was the leader of the opposition. The government’s communication office has recently linked Slovenian media to the previous communist regime, causing public uproar.
In a Monday statement, Jansa said he supports more media competition, which is a “precondition to democratic social order,” suggesting most media is biased against his government. He also said that the protests violate legislation on infectious diseases, which obliges people to keep a distance from one another.
The police, which fenced off the government and the parliament buildings in the centre of the capital, was unable to immediately give an estimate of the number of protesters. Smaller protests were held in other cities. No violence has been reported so far.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...ountry-calls-an-end-to-epidemic-idUSKBN22R38R
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Italy's government has signed a decree that will allow travel to and from the country from 3 June, as it moves to ease its coronavirus lockdown measures.
It will also allow travel between the regions - which has so far been tightly restricted - from the same day.
The move marks a major step in the country's efforts to reopen its economy after more than two months of lockdown.
Italy has one of the highest death tolls in the world, but its infection rate has fallen sharply in recent days.
More than 31,600 people have died with the virus in the country, the third highest figure behind the US and UK.
It was the first country in Europe to impose nationwide restrictions when coronavirus cases began to surface in northern regions in February.
But it began to relax those measures earlier this month, when it allowed factories and parks to reopen on 4 May.
The latest decree was signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and published early on Saturday.
Some Italian regions had called for a swifter easing of restrictions, but Prime Minister Conte said they would be relaxed gradually to avoid a second wave of cases.
Shops and restaurants are also due to reopen from 18 May providing social distancing is enforced.
Catholic churches are preparing for the resumption of Mass on the same day, but there will be strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths will also be allowed to hold religious services.
All travel restrictions will then be lifted from 3 June.
Mr Conte's announcement came shortly after the country, which was once the global epicentre of the pandemic, reported a further decline in its daily death toll.
It reported more than 900 deaths on 27 March, but the authorities said there were 262 on Friday.
Earlier this week, the government approved a €55bn (£48bn; $59bn) stimulus package designed to offset the economic impact of the pandemic on businesses and families.
In other global developments:
Countries across Europe have continued to report decreasing daily death tolls, as lockdowns begin to ease. Portugal, Spain and Greece are among the countries to have relaxed their measures
Germany's economy - the largest in Europe - has fallen into a recession after reporting a 2.2% decline during the first three months of this year, spurred by the pandemic
Nelson Teich has become the second Brazilian health minister to quit in a month, following disagreements with President Jair Bolsonaro over the government's response to the outbreak
President Donald Trump has promised the US will reopen "vaccine or no vaccine". He announced an objective to deliver a coronavirus jab by year end
The UK's infection rate has crept up and is now closer to the point where the virus starts spreading rapidly, the government says
More than 4.5 million cases of coronavirus have now been reported globally, according to Johns Hopkins University - around a third of these have recovered
Source BBC
It will also allow travel between the regions - which has so far been tightly restricted - from the same day.
The move marks a major step in the country's efforts to reopen its economy after more than two months of lockdown.
Italy has one of the highest death tolls in the world, but its infection rate has fallen sharply in recent days.
More than 31,600 people have died with the virus in the country, the third highest figure behind the US and UK.
It was the first country in Europe to impose nationwide restrictions when coronavirus cases began to surface in northern regions in February.
But it began to relax those measures earlier this month, when it allowed factories and parks to reopen on 4 May.
The latest decree was signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and published early on Saturday.
Some Italian regions had called for a swifter easing of restrictions, but Prime Minister Conte said they would be relaxed gradually to avoid a second wave of cases.
Shops and restaurants are also due to reopen from 18 May providing social distancing is enforced.
Catholic churches are preparing for the resumption of Mass on the same day, but there will be strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths will also be allowed to hold religious services.
All travel restrictions will then be lifted from 3 June.
Mr Conte's announcement came shortly after the country, which was once the global epicentre of the pandemic, reported a further decline in its daily death toll.
It reported more than 900 deaths on 27 March, but the authorities said there were 262 on Friday.
Earlier this week, the government approved a €55bn (£48bn; $59bn) stimulus package designed to offset the economic impact of the pandemic on businesses and families.
In other global developments:
Countries across Europe have continued to report decreasing daily death tolls, as lockdowns begin to ease. Portugal, Spain and Greece are among the countries to have relaxed their measures
Germany's economy - the largest in Europe - has fallen into a recession after reporting a 2.2% decline during the first three months of this year, spurred by the pandemic
Nelson Teich has become the second Brazilian health minister to quit in a month, following disagreements with President Jair Bolsonaro over the government's response to the outbreak
President Donald Trump has promised the US will reopen "vaccine or no vaccine". He announced an objective to deliver a coronavirus jab by year end
The UK's infection rate has crept up and is now closer to the point where the virus starts spreading rapidly, the government says
More than 4.5 million cases of coronavirus have now been reported globally, according to Johns Hopkins University - around a third of these have recovered
Source BBC
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Summary
Global number of confirmed cases passes 4.5m. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University at least 4,542,910 people are known to have been infected and 307,696 people have died worldwide since the pandemic began. The figures are likely to represent a significant underestimate of the true scale of the pandemic.
Democrats push $3tn response bill forwards. The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved a $3tn bill crafted by Democrats to provide more aid for battling the coronavirus and stimulating a faltering economy. But Republican leaders, who control the Senate, and Donald Trump have vowed to block it, despite some Republican support for provisions aimed at helping state and local governments.
Trump unveils ‘warp-speed’ drive for vaccine by year’s end. Donald Trump has announced details of a “warp-speed” effort to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, even as experts warn that such a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months. During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday that had to compete with honking from protesting truck drivers, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
Mexico sees highest daily confirmed infections. As Mexico moves toward a gradual reactivation of its economy from Monday, the number of new coronavirus infections grows higher every day, raising fears of a new wave of infections that other countries have seen after loosening restrictions, AP reports. There were 2,437 new coronavirus test confirmations Friday, the highest daily total yet and the second straight day with over 2,000 new cases.
Trump to restore partial funding to WHO - report. Donald Trump’s administration is set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organization, Fox News reported late on Friday, citing a draft letter. The Trump administration will “agree to pay up to what China pays in assessed contributions” to the WHO, Fox News reported, quoting from the letter. Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO on 14 April, accusing it of promoting China’s “disinformation” about the coronavirus outbreak.
Italy to allow travel to and from abroad from 3 June. Italy’s government has approved a decree allowing travel to and from abroad from 3 June, moving to unwind one of the world’s most rigid coronavirus lockdowns. The government will allow free travel across the country from that same day. Some regions had pushed for a swifter rollback but the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has insisted on a gradual return to normal to prevent a second wave of infections.
Global number of confirmed cases passes 4.5m. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University at least 4,542,910 people are known to have been infected and 307,696 people have died worldwide since the pandemic began. The figures are likely to represent a significant underestimate of the true scale of the pandemic.
Democrats push $3tn response bill forwards. The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved a $3tn bill crafted by Democrats to provide more aid for battling the coronavirus and stimulating a faltering economy. But Republican leaders, who control the Senate, and Donald Trump have vowed to block it, despite some Republican support for provisions aimed at helping state and local governments.
Trump unveils ‘warp-speed’ drive for vaccine by year’s end. Donald Trump has announced details of a “warp-speed” effort to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, even as experts warn that such a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months. During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday that had to compete with honking from protesting truck drivers, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
Mexico sees highest daily confirmed infections. As Mexico moves toward a gradual reactivation of its economy from Monday, the number of new coronavirus infections grows higher every day, raising fears of a new wave of infections that other countries have seen after loosening restrictions, AP reports. There were 2,437 new coronavirus test confirmations Friday, the highest daily total yet and the second straight day with over 2,000 new cases.
Trump to restore partial funding to WHO - report. Donald Trump’s administration is set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organization, Fox News reported late on Friday, citing a draft letter. The Trump administration will “agree to pay up to what China pays in assessed contributions” to the WHO, Fox News reported, quoting from the letter. Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO on 14 April, accusing it of promoting China’s “disinformation” about the coronavirus outbreak.
Italy to allow travel to and from abroad from 3 June. Italy’s government has approved a decree allowing travel to and from abroad from 3 June, moving to unwind one of the world’s most rigid coronavirus lockdowns. The government will allow free travel across the country from that same day. Some regions had pushed for a swifter rollback but the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has insisted on a gradual return to normal to prevent a second wave of infections.
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Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 620 to 173,772: RKI
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 620 to 173,772, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 620 to 173,772, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.
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Brazil reports 15,305 new infections
Brazil's health ministry confirmed 15,305 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday in a record for a 24-hour period.
It also reported 824 related deaths. Brazil has registered 218,223 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic and 14,817 deaths.
Brazil's health ministry confirmed 15,305 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday in a record for a 24-hour period.
It also reported 824 related deaths. Brazil has registered 218,223 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic and 14,817 deaths.
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Russia reports 9,200 new Covid-19 cases and 119 deaths
Russia has reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, with 119 deaths over the last 24 hours.
The rise is down on the 10,598 new cases reported on Friday. Overall, the number of confirmed cases nationwide stands at 272,043 and the official death toll is 2,537.
On Thursday, Russia defended its methods of recording data on Covid-19 deaths:
==
Singapore has registered 465 new coronavirus infections, according to its health ministry. That figure takes the city-state’s total to 27,356 cases.
The vast majority of the newly-infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents. To date, Singapore has recorded 21 deaths from Covid-19.
Russia has reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, with 119 deaths over the last 24 hours.
The rise is down on the 10,598 new cases reported on Friday. Overall, the number of confirmed cases nationwide stands at 272,043 and the official death toll is 2,537.
On Thursday, Russia defended its methods of recording data on Covid-19 deaths:
==
Singapore has registered 465 new coronavirus infections, according to its health ministry. That figure takes the city-state’s total to 27,356 cases.
The vast majority of the newly-infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents. To date, Singapore has recorded 21 deaths from Covid-19.
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Countries report new total figures:
Philippines: 12,305 cases (+214), 817 deaths (+11)
Malaysia: 6,872 cases (+17), 113 death (+1)
Indonesia: 1,7025 cases (+529), 1,089 deaths (+13)
Philippines: 12,305 cases (+214), 817 deaths (+11)
Malaysia: 6,872 cases (+17), 113 death (+1)
Indonesia: 1,7025 cases (+529), 1,089 deaths (+13)
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Spain reports 102 coronavirus deaths overnight, lowest in eight weeks
Spain's overnight death toll from the coronavirus was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry said, marking the lowest 24-hour rise since mid March.
Spain's overnight death toll from the coronavirus was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry said, marking the lowest 24-hour rise since mid March.
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A nine-year-old child from Marseille, France, is reported to have died of Kawasaki disease, the rare inflammatory disorder which has been linked to Covid-19. The boy is the first victim of the disorder in France and the second in Europe after a teenager died in London last week. Although Kawasaki disease is said to mainly affect children under five, those diagnosed in France are aged from one to 14. About 230 suspected cases have been reported across Europe.
Afghanistan’s health ministry has warned of a surge in deaths if the country’s lockdown is not adhered to. Confirmed cases of Covid-19 reached 6,402 amid war raging on across the country. “If people continue to not heed, we will witness a big catastrophe among families,” said Wahid Majroh, the deputy health minister.
Russia has recorded its highest daily Covid-19 death toll. The country reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, with 119 deaths over the last 24 hours. The latter figure is the highest daily figure of deaths the country has recorded so far.
Burundi is pushing on with plans to hold a controversial election on Wednesday despite concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic. It could be the first truly peaceful transfer of authority in the east African nation since independence in 1962.
The Trump administration has fired the state department’s inspector general, Steve Linick. He is reported to have been investigating the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, for a potential abuse of office.
Spain has reported lowest rise in Covid-19 deaths since mid-March. Spain’s overnight death toll from Covid-19 was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry has said, marking the country’s lowest 24-hour rise in eight weeks.
Afghanistan’s health ministry has warned of a surge in deaths if the country’s lockdown is not adhered to. Confirmed cases of Covid-19 reached 6,402 amid war raging on across the country. “If people continue to not heed, we will witness a big catastrophe among families,” said Wahid Majroh, the deputy health minister.
Russia has recorded its highest daily Covid-19 death toll. The country reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, with 119 deaths over the last 24 hours. The latter figure is the highest daily figure of deaths the country has recorded so far.
Burundi is pushing on with plans to hold a controversial election on Wednesday despite concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic. It could be the first truly peaceful transfer of authority in the east African nation since independence in 1962.
The Trump administration has fired the state department’s inspector general, Steve Linick. He is reported to have been investigating the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, for a potential abuse of office.
Spain has reported lowest rise in Covid-19 deaths since mid-March. Spain’s overnight death toll from Covid-19 was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry has said, marking the country’s lowest 24-hour rise in eight weeks.
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Spanish PM to seek another lockdown extension
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he'll ask parliament for a further - and final - extension to the state of emergency declared over coronavirus.
Sánchez wants it to be extended for a month, instead of the customary two weeks.
The current extension is due to expire in a week's time.
The prime minister has been facing growing political opposition to renewing emergency powers.
About 100 people held an anti- government protest in Seville, despite coronavirus restrictions.
Earlier Spain recorded its lowest daily total of coronavirus-related deaths for more than two months - 102.
As of Saturday, the total national death toll stands at 27,563, while number of cases has risen to 230,183.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he'll ask parliament for a further - and final - extension to the state of emergency declared over coronavirus.
Sánchez wants it to be extended for a month, instead of the customary two weeks.
The current extension is due to expire in a week's time.
The prime minister has been facing growing political opposition to renewing emergency powers.
About 100 people held an anti- government protest in Seville, despite coronavirus restrictions.
Earlier Spain recorded its lowest daily total of coronavirus-related deaths for more than two months - 102.
As of Saturday, the total national death toll stands at 27,563, while number of cases has risen to 230,183.
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Greeks flock to coast as beaches reopen
As countries across Europe begin to ease lockdown restrictions, authorities in Greece are reopening more than 500 of the country's beaches.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says he wants Greece's tourism season to begin in July.
For now, sun-seekers are required to respect social distancing rules on the beach. No more than 40 people are allowed per 1,000 sq miles (10,750 sq ft).
Government rules also require beach-goers to keep their umbrella poles four metres (13ft) apart, with canopies no closer than a meter.
At Vouliagmeni Beach in Athens, swimming coach Vassilis Demetis said he was confident people were following restrictions.
"We're all very happy that we came back to something like a normal day for a summer in Greece," he said. "It’s quite crowded but I believe they [beachgoers] are aware of the situation and they are being careful."
As countries across Europe begin to ease lockdown restrictions, authorities in Greece are reopening more than 500 of the country's beaches.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says he wants Greece's tourism season to begin in July.
For now, sun-seekers are required to respect social distancing rules on the beach. No more than 40 people are allowed per 1,000 sq miles (10,750 sq ft).
Government rules also require beach-goers to keep their umbrella poles four metres (13ft) apart, with canopies no closer than a meter.
At Vouliagmeni Beach in Athens, swimming coach Vassilis Demetis said he was confident people were following restrictions.
"We're all very happy that we came back to something like a normal day for a summer in Greece," he said. "It’s quite crowded but I believe they [beachgoers] are aware of the situation and they are being careful."
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Italy to lift travel restrictions as lockdown eases
Italy has announced the next step out of its lockdown, which was one of the strictest in the world. It was the first country in Europe to impose a nationwide lockdown, nearly 10 weeks ago.
But the economic impact has been crippling; the planned changes potentially offer a lifeline to the tourist trade.
From 3 June, visits to Italy from countries in Europe's Schengen zone - which allows passport-free travel - will be permitted, and the mandatory two-week quarantine for visitors will end.
From Monday, Italians will also be able to travel freely within their own region, and more businesses will be allowed to reopen, including restaurants, bars and hairdressers - subject to rules on physical distancing and the use of face masks.
But, as was seen in France earlier this week, removing restrictions is one thing. Life will remain very different to pre-pandemic days - with people's behaviour altered, and the authorities still nervous about the possibilities of a resurgence.
More than 31,000 people have died of Covid-19 in Italy.
Italy has announced the next step out of its lockdown, which was one of the strictest in the world. It was the first country in Europe to impose a nationwide lockdown, nearly 10 weeks ago.
But the economic impact has been crippling; the planned changes potentially offer a lifeline to the tourist trade.
From 3 June, visits to Italy from countries in Europe's Schengen zone - which allows passport-free travel - will be permitted, and the mandatory two-week quarantine for visitors will end.
From Monday, Italians will also be able to travel freely within their own region, and more businesses will be allowed to reopen, including restaurants, bars and hairdressers - subject to rules on physical distancing and the use of face masks.
But, as was seen in France earlier this week, removing restrictions is one thing. Life will remain very different to pre-pandemic days - with people's behaviour altered, and the authorities still nervous about the possibilities of a resurgence.
More than 31,000 people have died of Covid-19 in Italy.
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Italy records lowest daily death toll in 10 weeks
Italy’s coronavirus death toll has risen to 31,763, as a further 153 deaths were reported, its lowest 24-hour increase in deaths since 9 March.
The day before, 242 deaths had been reported, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases increased to 875 from 789 on Friday.
The country’s total official death toll now stands at 31,763 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The number of confirmed cases amounts to 224,760, the fifth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Spain, Britain and Russia.
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 70,187 from 72,070 the day before, Reuters reports.
There were 775 people in intensive care on Saturday, down from 808 on Friday, maintaining a long-running decline.
Italy’s coronavirus death toll has risen to 31,763, as a further 153 deaths were reported, its lowest 24-hour increase in deaths since 9 March.
The day before, 242 deaths had been reported, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases increased to 875 from 789 on Friday.
The country’s total official death toll now stands at 31,763 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The number of confirmed cases amounts to 224,760, the fifth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Spain, Britain and Russia.
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 70,187 from 72,070 the day before, Reuters reports.
There were 775 people in intensive care on Saturday, down from 808 on Friday, maintaining a long-running decline.
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The Italian government passed a new decree to allow travel across the country, as well as to and from other European countries starting on June 3.The daily death toll dipped to its lowest since March 9.
India's confirmed number of infections overtook that of China's tally despite a strict nationwide lockdown.
Mexico and Brazil posted new daily records for coronavirus cases as Brazil's Minister of Health Nelson Teich resigned after less than a month on the job.
Globally, more than 4.5 million people have been infected and more than 308,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
India's confirmed number of infections overtook that of China's tally despite a strict nationwide lockdown.
Mexico and Brazil posted new daily records for coronavirus cases as Brazil's Minister of Health Nelson Teich resigned after less than a month on the job.
Globally, more than 4.5 million people have been infected and more than 308,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 1.6 million people have recovered.
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France says total coronavirus death toll rises to 27,625
French health authorities reported 96 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total to 27,625, the fourth highest in the world.
The ministry said the number of people in hospitals fell to 19,432 from 19,861 on Friday and the number of people in intensive care units dropped to 2,132 from 2,203 on Friday.
==
Italy's daily coronavirus death toll dips to lowest since March 9
The daily toll from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy fell to 153, its lowest since March 9, against 242 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases increased to 875 from 789 on Friday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 31,763 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
==
Singapore registered 465 new coronavirus infections, its health ministry said, taking the city-state's total to 27,356 cases.
The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the health ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents.
Singapore also reported one more death, bringing the virus-related death toll in the island nation to 22.
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Mexico's health ministry confirmed 290 additional coronavirus deaths and 2,437 new infections in a fresh one-day record rise in cases since the start of the pandemic.
The new infections brought confirmed coronavirus cases to 45,032 and 4,767 deaths in total, according to the official tally.
Mexico's previous highest daily confirmed cases total was a day earlier on Thursday, when authorities reported 2,409 new infections.
French health authorities reported 96 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total to 27,625, the fourth highest in the world.
The ministry said the number of people in hospitals fell to 19,432 from 19,861 on Friday and the number of people in intensive care units dropped to 2,132 from 2,203 on Friday.
==
Italy's daily coronavirus death toll dips to lowest since March 9
The daily toll from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy fell to 153, its lowest since March 9, against 242 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases increased to 875 from 789 on Friday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 31,763 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
==
Singapore registered 465 new coronavirus infections, its health ministry said, taking the city-state's total to 27,356 cases.
The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the health ministry said in a statement. Four are permanent residents.
Singapore also reported one more death, bringing the virus-related death toll in the island nation to 22.
==
Mexico's health ministry confirmed 290 additional coronavirus deaths and 2,437 new infections in a fresh one-day record rise in cases since the start of the pandemic.
The new infections brought confirmed coronavirus cases to 45,032 and 4,767 deaths in total, according to the official tally.
Mexico's previous highest daily confirmed cases total was a day earlier on Thursday, when authorities reported 2,409 new infections.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Italy was taking a calculated risk in rolling back lockdown measures from next week as the daily death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic fell to its lowest since March 9.
"We're facing a calculated risk, knowing that the epidemiological curve could rise again," Conte said in press conference to detail measures taken by the Rome to restart most economic activities and lift restrictions on people's movements.
With shops allowed to open from Monday, Conte said movement between European Union countries would be allowed from June 3, without a quarantine period for those entering Italy.
Gyms, swimming pools, sports centres will reopen on May 25, while theatres and cinemas will be allowed to reopen from June 15.
"We're facing a calculated risk, knowing that the epidemiological curve could rise again," Conte said in press conference to detail measures taken by the Rome to restart most economic activities and lift restrictions on people's movements.
With shops allowed to open from Monday, Conte said movement between European Union countries would be allowed from June 3, without a quarantine period for those entering Italy.
Gyms, swimming pools, sports centres will reopen on May 25, while theatres and cinemas will be allowed to reopen from June 15.
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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 583 to 174,355, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday. The reported death toll rose by 33 to 7,914.
Germany has begun easing restrictions, and on Friday began to allow restaurants to reopen for the first time in two months, so long as they obey physical distancing. People from two separate households can share a table, but have to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.
Waiting staff are required to wear face coverings, while diners are encouraged to do so. Berlin’s senate has also strongly advised restaurants to record customer details, so that they can be traced if an infection is identified.
Germany has also dropped a two-week quarantine requirement imposed in March for passengers arriving from other EU states. Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are all included in the new arrangement. Quarantine measures will be reimposed if the infection rate rises elsewhere, officials said.
Germany has begun easing restrictions, and on Friday began to allow restaurants to reopen for the first time in two months, so long as they obey physical distancing. People from two separate households can share a table, but have to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.
Waiting staff are required to wear face coverings, while diners are encouraged to do so. Berlin’s senate has also strongly advised restaurants to record customer details, so that they can be traced if an infection is identified.
Germany has also dropped a two-week quarantine requirement imposed in March for passengers arriving from other EU states. Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are all included in the new arrangement. Quarantine measures will be reimposed if the infection rate rises elsewhere, officials said.
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Brazil's outbreak now fourth largest in the world
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose on Saturday past those of Spain and Italy, outbreak the fourth largest in the world, Reuters reports.
Brazil’s health ministry registered 14,919 new confirmed cases in the prior 24 hours, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom. Brazil has done just a fraction of the testing seen in those three countries.
The global distinction is likely to pile pressure on President Jair Bolsonaro, who lost his second health minister in a month on Friday as he defies public health experts and calls for widespread use of unproven drugs.
Bolsonaro has been fiercely critical of the orders by many of Brazil’s state governors for strict social isolation and quarantine to combat the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, shops and restaurants. Bolsonaro argues that the toll on the economy is becoming unbearable and businesses must be allowed to reopen as soon as possible. The government now expects Brazil will post its biggest annual economic contraction this year since records began over a century ago.
Nationwide testing in Brazil still lags far behind European nations. Brazil had processed nearly 338,000 novel coronavirus tests in official labs by the beginning of the week, according to the health ministry. Another 145,000 tests were under analysis or waiting in line. By contrast, Italy and Spain have each run some 1.9 million official diagnostic tests for the virus.
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose on Saturday past those of Spain and Italy, outbreak the fourth largest in the world, Reuters reports.
Brazil’s health ministry registered 14,919 new confirmed cases in the prior 24 hours, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom. Brazil has done just a fraction of the testing seen in those three countries.
The global distinction is likely to pile pressure on President Jair Bolsonaro, who lost his second health minister in a month on Friday as he defies public health experts and calls for widespread use of unproven drugs.
Bolsonaro has been fiercely critical of the orders by many of Brazil’s state governors for strict social isolation and quarantine to combat the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, shops and restaurants. Bolsonaro argues that the toll on the economy is becoming unbearable and businesses must be allowed to reopen as soon as possible. The government now expects Brazil will post its biggest annual economic contraction this year since records began over a century ago.
Nationwide testing in Brazil still lags far behind European nations. Brazil had processed nearly 338,000 novel coronavirus tests in official labs by the beginning of the week, according to the health ministry. Another 145,000 tests were under analysis or waiting in line. By contrast, Italy and Spain have each run some 1.9 million official diagnostic tests for the virus.
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Summary
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose past those of Spain and Italy, making the country’s outbreak the fourth largest in the world. Brazil’s health ministry announced 14,919 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”.
Australia warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force its producers to sell to other markets. After Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19, the Chinese ambassador in Australia, Cheng Jingye, threatened a consumer boycott against Australian goods.
The number of coronavirus cases in Mexico has risen to 47,144, while the country’s death toll has increased to 5,045. The governments plans to reopen parts of the economy from Monday, despite concerns that the country’s outbreak has not yet peaked.
Millions of casual labourers and domestic workers remain stranded across India after they abruptly lost their incomes when the country was placed under lockdown.
The World Health Organization has warned countries ending lockdown that now should be a “time for preparation, not celebration”.
More countries have begun easing restrictions. This includes Thailand, which has allowed shopping malls to reopen and shortened a nighttime curfew.
New Orleans has also allowed malls and retail stores to operate, while New York has allowed horse racing tracks to reopen.
Victoria, Australia’s second most-populous state, announced that from 1 June, cafes, restaurants, and the dining areas of pubs and clubs will reopen with up to 20 patrons indoors.
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose past those of Spain and Italy, making the country’s outbreak the fourth largest in the world. Brazil’s health ministry announced 14,919 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”.
Australia warned China’s “unpredictable” trade interventions may force its producers to sell to other markets. After Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19, the Chinese ambassador in Australia, Cheng Jingye, threatened a consumer boycott against Australian goods.
The number of coronavirus cases in Mexico has risen to 47,144, while the country’s death toll has increased to 5,045. The governments plans to reopen parts of the economy from Monday, despite concerns that the country’s outbreak has not yet peaked.
Millions of casual labourers and domestic workers remain stranded across India after they abruptly lost their incomes when the country was placed under lockdown.
The World Health Organization has warned countries ending lockdown that now should be a “time for preparation, not celebration”.
More countries have begun easing restrictions. This includes Thailand, which has allowed shopping malls to reopen and shortened a nighttime curfew.
New Orleans has also allowed malls and retail stores to operate, while New York has allowed horse racing tracks to reopen.
Victoria, Australia’s second most-populous state, announced that from 1 June, cafes, restaurants, and the dining areas of pubs and clubs will reopen with up to 20 patrons indoors.
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The Philippines’ department of health has reported 208 new cases of coronavirus, and seven more fatalities. They have now had 12,513 confirmed cases, and 824 deaths.
Japan has confirmed five new cases today.
Japan has confirmed five new cases today.
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Russia reports 9,709 new infections
Russia reported 9,709 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, a rise from 9,200 new cases reported the previous day.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said the overall number of cases nationwide stood at 281,752. It added that 94 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,631.
Russia reported 9,709 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, a rise from 9,200 new cases reported the previous day.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said the overall number of cases nationwide stood at 281,752. It added that 94 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,631.
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Thailand reopens shopping malls as restrictions ease
People in Thailand have been rushing to shopping malls today as the government begins to ease lockdown restrictions.
With new virus cases dwindling, malls are opening for the first time in more than eight weeks.
But strict measures are in place. All visitors must walk through a disinfectant mist at every entrance, and thermal scanners are in place to check people's temperatures.
Staff and visitors are also required to wear masks and keep a two-step distance from those around them.
In a controversial move, shoppers must adhere to a contract-tracing system through their phones. They have to register when they enter and leave the mall, as well as checking in and out of individuals stores within it.
More than 3,000 cases have been reported in the south-east Asian country, along with 56 virus-related deaths.
A ban on international visits has been extended until the end of June, and the government said it will be monitoring infection rates before deciding when to ease other restrictions.
People in Thailand have been rushing to shopping malls today as the government begins to ease lockdown restrictions.
With new virus cases dwindling, malls are opening for the first time in more than eight weeks.
But strict measures are in place. All visitors must walk through a disinfectant mist at every entrance, and thermal scanners are in place to check people's temperatures.
Staff and visitors are also required to wear masks and keep a two-step distance from those around them.
In a controversial move, shoppers must adhere to a contract-tracing system through their phones. They have to register when they enter and leave the mall, as well as checking in and out of individuals stores within it.
More than 3,000 cases have been reported in the south-east Asian country, along with 56 virus-related deaths.
A ban on international visits has been extended until the end of June, and the government said it will be monitoring infection rates before deciding when to ease other restrictions.
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Russia's virus spread stabilising: top health official
The growth of coronavirus cases in Russia is stabilising, a top health official said, as the daily tally fell under 10,000 for the third time this week.
The country has the world's second highest number of infections at 281,752, topped only by the United States.
"We've moved towards the level of stability that we've all been waiting for," said the head of Russia's public health watchdog, Anna Popova, in a televised interview. "I would say that of today, we have halted the growth. Stabilisation can be seen over the whole country."
The growth of coronavirus cases in Russia is stabilising, a top health official said, as the daily tally fell under 10,000 for the third time this week.
The country has the world's second highest number of infections at 281,752, topped only by the United States.
"We've moved towards the level of stability that we've all been waiting for," said the head of Russia's public health watchdog, Anna Popova, in a televised interview. "I would say that of today, we have halted the growth. Stabilisation can be seen over the whole country."
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US coronavirus cases rise by 31,967 to 1,467,065
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,467,065 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 31,967 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,394 to 88,709.
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France coronavirus death toll reaches 28,108
French health authorities reported 483 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday, bringing the total to 28,108.
The heath ministry said the number of people in hospitals fell to 19,361 from 19,432 the previous day while the number of people in intensive care units dropped to 2,087 from 2,132.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,467,065 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 31,967 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,394 to 88,709.
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France coronavirus death toll reaches 28,108
French health authorities reported 483 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday, bringing the total to 28,108.
The heath ministry said the number of people in hospitals fell to 19,361 from 19,432 the previous day while the number of people in intensive care units dropped to 2,087 from 2,132.
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More European countries are relaxing lockdown restrictions on Monday
The UK records 170 deaths - the lowest since 24 March, the day after lockdown was introduced
In Italy, the number was 145, the lowest since 9 March
And in Spain, it was 87 - the first time in two months it was below 100
Japan enters first recession since 2015, with 0.9% GDP drop in first quarter
The mayor of Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, warns its health system is close to collapse
Globally, there are 4.7m confirmed cases and 315,000 deaths
The UK records 170 deaths - the lowest since 24 March, the day after lockdown was introduced
In Italy, the number was 145, the lowest since 9 March
And in Spain, it was 87 - the first time in two months it was below 100
Japan enters first recession since 2015, with 0.9% GDP drop in first quarter
The mayor of Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, warns its health system is close to collapse
Globally, there are 4.7m confirmed cases and 315,000 deaths
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Russia has recorded 8,926 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of those infected to more than 290,000.
A total of 91 deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, which takes the reported death toll to 2,722.
A total of 91 deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, which takes the reported death toll to 2,722.
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The Philippines’ has reported seven new coronavirus deaths and 205 additional infections.
In a bulletin, the health ministry said total deaths from the outbreak had increased to 831, while confirmed cases have risen to 12,718.
But 94 more patients recovered, bringing total recoveries to 2,729.
Meanwhile, Malaysian health authorities reported 47 new coronavirus cases, bringing the cumulative total to 6,941 cases.
The health ministry also reported no new deaths, keeping total fatalities at 113.
In a bulletin, the health ministry said total deaths from the outbreak had increased to 831, while confirmed cases have risen to 12,718.
But 94 more patients recovered, bringing total recoveries to 2,729.
Meanwhile, Malaysian health authorities reported 47 new coronavirus cases, bringing the cumulative total to 6,941 cases.
The health ministry also reported no new deaths, keeping total fatalities at 113.
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European countries further relax coronavirus restrictions
Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries further easing their coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Monday.
Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, are reopening after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.
Spain meanwhile has slightly eased restrictions on some of its least affected islands.
The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.
On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.
It said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March.
In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.
But officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52701621
Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries further easing their coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Monday.
Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, are reopening after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.
Spain meanwhile has slightly eased restrictions on some of its least affected islands.
The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.
On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.
It said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March.
In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.
But officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.
What's happening on Monday?
Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops have been allowed to reopen in Italy, providing social distancing is enforced.
Almost 32,000 people in Italy have died in the pandemic, and the economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10% this year.
Catholic churches are resuming Mass, but there is strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths are also being allowed to hold religious services.
But health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.
Pope Francis held a private Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which has been disinfected ahead of its reopening to tourists.
The Mass honoured the late Pope John Paul II, 100 years after his birth in Poland.
Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops have been allowed to reopen in Italy, providing social distancing is enforced.
Almost 32,000 people in Italy have died in the pandemic, and the economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10% this year.
Catholic churches are resuming Mass, but there is strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths are also being allowed to hold religious services.
But health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.
Pope Francis held a private Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which has been disinfected ahead of its reopening to tourists.
The Mass honoured the late Pope John Paul II, 100 years after his birth in Poland.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52701621
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Relief as hairdressers reopen in Poland
Restaurants, cafes, beauty salons and hairdressers have reopened in Poland.
For my wife, who has long hair, this had become something of a matter of urgency after a wait of more than two months. Alerted to the fact by text message immediately after the prime minister announced it, she managed to get an appointment on the first day.
But some restrictions remain. Upon arrival, unaccompanied by myself or our children, she must disinfect her hands and put on protective gloves. A face mask or scarf is compulsory, not just for staff but also the customers, who will be placed in seats at least 1.5 metres apart from each other. Employees are also advised to wear visors.
No hot drinks may be served, nor mobile phones taken out of pockets. And strictly no waiting in the salon. Staff are advised to monitor their health by taking their temperature daily.
One piece of good news at my wife’s salon is that the prices remain unchanged. There have been reports of some businesses taking advantage of the renewed demand to hike their prices.
Restaurants, cafes, beauty salons and hairdressers have reopened in Poland.
For my wife, who has long hair, this had become something of a matter of urgency after a wait of more than two months. Alerted to the fact by text message immediately after the prime minister announced it, she managed to get an appointment on the first day.
But some restrictions remain. Upon arrival, unaccompanied by myself or our children, she must disinfect her hands and put on protective gloves. A face mask or scarf is compulsory, not just for staff but also the customers, who will be placed in seats at least 1.5 metres apart from each other. Employees are also advised to wear visors.
No hot drinks may be served, nor mobile phones taken out of pockets. And strictly no waiting in the salon. Staff are advised to monitor their health by taking their temperature daily.
One piece of good news at my wife’s salon is that the prices remain unchanged. There have been reports of some businesses taking advantage of the renewed demand to hike their prices.
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,988
France reports 131 new Covid-19 deaths
French health authorities reported 131 new coronavirus deaths on Monday, constituting a slowing increase of 0.5% and bringing the total to 28,239. The country’s death toll remains the fourth-highest in the world behind the US, the UK and Italy.
The ministry said the number of people in intensive care with Covid-19 fell by 4.3% to 1,998, below the 2,000 threshold for the first time since 22 March.
French health authorities reported 131 new coronavirus deaths on Monday, constituting a slowing increase of 0.5% and bringing the total to 28,239. The country’s death toll remains the fourth-highest in the world behind the US, the UK and Italy.
The ministry said the number of people in intensive care with Covid-19 fell by 4.3% to 1,998, below the 2,000 threshold for the first time since 22 March.
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Brazil sees 674 new coronavirus deaths, world's third highest number of infections
Brazil recorded 674 new coronavirus deaths on Monday, the Health Ministry said, and announced a total of 254,220 confirmed cases, overtaking Britain to become the country with the third-highest number of infections behind the United States and Russia.
There are now 16,792 people in Brazil who have died from the outbreak, the ministry said.
Its daily tally does not indicate that infections and deaths necessarily occurred in the past 24 hours, but rather that the records were entered into the system during that time period.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has lost popularity over his handling of the pandemic, but he retains a resilient core of support. Last week, Health Minister Nelson Teich resigned, becoming the second top health official to leave the post since the pandemic began.
General Eduardo Pazuello is the interim health chief and Bolsonaro is in no hurry to choose his replacement, sources say.
According to data from the Health Ministry, São Paulo remains the worst hit by the outbreak, with 63,066 cases and 4,823 deaths. Rio de Janeiro is in second place, with 26,665 infections and 2,852 deaths.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...rd-highest-number-of-infections-idUSKBN22U35B
Brazil recorded 674 new coronavirus deaths on Monday, the Health Ministry said, and announced a total of 254,220 confirmed cases, overtaking Britain to become the country with the third-highest number of infections behind the United States and Russia.
There are now 16,792 people in Brazil who have died from the outbreak, the ministry said.
Its daily tally does not indicate that infections and deaths necessarily occurred in the past 24 hours, but rather that the records were entered into the system during that time period.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has lost popularity over his handling of the pandemic, but he retains a resilient core of support. Last week, Health Minister Nelson Teich resigned, becoming the second top health official to leave the post since the pandemic began.
General Eduardo Pazuello is the interim health chief and Bolsonaro is in no hurry to choose his replacement, sources say.
According to data from the Health Ministry, São Paulo remains the worst hit by the outbreak, with 63,066 cases and 4,823 deaths. Rio de Janeiro is in second place, with 26,665 infections and 2,852 deaths.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...rd-highest-number-of-infections-idUSKBN22U35B
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Donald Trump renews attack on World Health Organization, calling it a "puppet of China"
The US, the WHO's biggest donor, has already suspended its funding of the group
The attack came after the WHO said an independent review would happen as soon as possible
Mr Trump also says he is taking the unproven virus drug hydroxychloroquine
France and Germany propose €500bn recovery fund for EU countries
Police and protesters clash in Chilean capital Santiago, which has been in lockdown
There have been 4.8m confirmed cases globally, with 320,000 deaths
The US, the WHO's biggest donor, has already suspended its funding of the group
The attack came after the WHO said an independent review would happen as soon as possible
Mr Trump also says he is taking the unproven virus drug hydroxychloroquine
France and Germany propose €500bn recovery fund for EU countries
Police and protesters clash in Chilean capital Santiago, which has been in lockdown
There have been 4.8m confirmed cases globally, with 320,000 deaths
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Latest coronavirus figures:
Russia: 299,941 cases (9,263), 2,837 deaths (115)
Indonesia: 18,496 (486), 1,221 deaths (30)
Oman: 5,671 cases (292), 26 deaths (0)
Russia: 299,941 cases (9,263), 2,837 deaths (115)
Indonesia: 18,496 (486), 1,221 deaths (30)
Oman: 5,671 cases (292), 26 deaths (0)
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Russia coronavirus cases edge towards 300,000
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen to nearly 300,000, with authorities registering more than 9,000 new infections after saying the virus situation had stabilised.
Health officials reported 9,263 new infections in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 299,941, the second highest in the world after the United States.
The prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, who along with several other senior officials has tested positive for the virus, said on Monday the country had stopped the growth of new infections but cautioned that the situation remains “difficult”.
Tuesday’s tally saw new cases fall below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row, after Monday’s count saw new infections under 9,000 for the first time since the beginning of May.
There were 115 new coronavirus fatalities since the last update on Monday, bringing Russia’s total to 2,837.
Critics have cast doubt on Russia’s low official mortality rate, accusing authorities of under-reporting in order to play down the scale of the crisis.
Russian health officials say one of the reasons the count is lower than in the United States and parts of western Europe is that only deaths directly caused by the virus are being included.
Authorities also say that since the virus came later to Russia, there was more time to prepare hospital beds and launch wide-scale testing to slow the spread.
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen to nearly 300,000, with authorities registering more than 9,000 new infections after saying the virus situation had stabilised.
Health officials reported 9,263 new infections in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 299,941, the second highest in the world after the United States.
The prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, who along with several other senior officials has tested positive for the virus, said on Monday the country had stopped the growth of new infections but cautioned that the situation remains “difficult”.
Tuesday’s tally saw new cases fall below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row, after Monday’s count saw new infections under 9,000 for the first time since the beginning of May.
There were 115 new coronavirus fatalities since the last update on Monday, bringing Russia’s total to 2,837.
Critics have cast doubt on Russia’s low official mortality rate, accusing authorities of under-reporting in order to play down the scale of the crisis.
Russian health officials say one of the reasons the count is lower than in the United States and parts of western Europe is that only deaths directly caused by the virus are being included.
Authorities also say that since the virus came later to Russia, there was more time to prepare hospital beds and launch wide-scale testing to slow the spread.
Abdullah719
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The Czech Republic (Czechia) has reported its largest daily increase in cases for over a month with 111 new infections. The R rate is now 1.2 and 297 people have died. The country is now stockpiling medical equipment, to be ready for a possible second wave of the virus
Germany has reported 72 more deaths, bringing its official total to 8,007. Its R rate is 0.9 - a rate above 1.0 means that on average a person can infect more than one other. And for 10 days in a row the respected Robert Koch Institute has reported fewer than 1,000 new infections daily
Germany has reported 72 more deaths, bringing its official total to 8,007. Its R rate is 0.9 - a rate above 1.0 means that on average a person can infect more than one other. And for 10 days in a row the respected Robert Koch Institute has reported fewer than 1,000 new infections daily
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Italy's daily death toll and new cases climb
Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy have climbed by 162, against 99 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose sharply to 813 from 451 on Monday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 32,169 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The number of confirmed total cases is now 226,699, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the US, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.
Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy have climbed by 162, against 99 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose sharply to 813 from 451 on Monday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 32,169 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The number of confirmed total cases is now 226,699, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the US, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.
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Ireland has reported sixteen more deaths from Covid-19, bringing the country’s total death toll to 1,561.
According to the department of health, 51 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to the department of health, 51 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus.
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Brazil suffers record coronavirus deaths, Trump mulls travel ban
Brazil’s daily death toll from the new coronavirus jumped to a record 1,179 on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil.
The highest daily toll before Tuesday had been 881 deaths on May 12. The pandemic has killed at least 17,971 people in Brazil, according to the Health Ministry.
Brazil overtook Britain on Monday to become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed infections, behind Russia and the United States. Brazil’s confirmed cases also jumped by a record 17,408 on Tuesday, for a total of 271,628 people who have tested positive for the virus.
President Jair Bolsonaro, an ideological ally of Trump, has been widely criticized for his handling of the outbreak, such as opposition to restrictions on movement he sees as too damaging to the economy.
Bolsonaro said Interim Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello would issue new guidelines on Wednesday expanding the recommended use of the anti-malarial drug chloroquine to treat the coronavirus.
Health Minister Nelson Teich quit on Friday under pressure to sign the guidelines, making him the second trained doctor to leave the post in a month.
In an interview posted to the website Blog do Magno, Bolsonaro said Pazuello, an active duty army general who had been Teich’s deputy, would sign the new chloroquine guidelines and keep the top job for now.
Bolsonaro added that his mother is 93 years old, and he keeps a box of chloroquine on hand should she need it.
Trump, who announced on Monday he was taking chloroquine preventively, told reporters on Tuesday: “I don’t want people coming over here and infecting our people. I don’t want people over there sick either. We’re helping Brazil with ventilators ... Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...rmed-cases-health-ministry-idUKKBN22V37A?il=0
Brazil’s daily death toll from the new coronavirus jumped to a record 1,179 on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil.
The highest daily toll before Tuesday had been 881 deaths on May 12. The pandemic has killed at least 17,971 people in Brazil, according to the Health Ministry.
Brazil overtook Britain on Monday to become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed infections, behind Russia and the United States. Brazil’s confirmed cases also jumped by a record 17,408 on Tuesday, for a total of 271,628 people who have tested positive for the virus.
President Jair Bolsonaro, an ideological ally of Trump, has been widely criticized for his handling of the outbreak, such as opposition to restrictions on movement he sees as too damaging to the economy.
Bolsonaro said Interim Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello would issue new guidelines on Wednesday expanding the recommended use of the anti-malarial drug chloroquine to treat the coronavirus.
Health Minister Nelson Teich quit on Friday under pressure to sign the guidelines, making him the second trained doctor to leave the post in a month.
In an interview posted to the website Blog do Magno, Bolsonaro said Pazuello, an active duty army general who had been Teich’s deputy, would sign the new chloroquine guidelines and keep the top job for now.
Bolsonaro added that his mother is 93 years old, and he keeps a box of chloroquine on hand should she need it.
Trump, who announced on Monday he was taking chloroquine preventively, told reporters on Tuesday: “I don’t want people coming over here and infecting our people. I don’t want people over there sick either. We’re helping Brazil with ventilators ... Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...rmed-cases-health-ministry-idUKKBN22V37A?il=0
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The number of people in Brazil who have died with Covid-19 jumps by 1,179 - a daily record
The country's president, Jair Bolsonaro, has downplayed the risks of the virus
Brazil has the third highest number of infections worldwide, behind Russia and the US
The World Bank warns 60m more people could be pushed into "extreme poverty"
Venezuela launches legal battle to access $1bn of gold stored at the Bank of England
Singapore announces limited easing of lockdown rules from 2 June onwards
There have been 4.9m confirmed cases worldwide, with almost 325,000 deaths
The country's president, Jair Bolsonaro, has downplayed the risks of the virus
Brazil has the third highest number of infections worldwide, behind Russia and the US
The World Bank warns 60m more people could be pushed into "extreme poverty"
Venezuela launches legal battle to access $1bn of gold stored at the Bank of England
Singapore announces limited easing of lockdown rules from 2 June onwards
There have been 4.9m confirmed cases worldwide, with almost 325,000 deaths
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Here are the most important developments from the last few hours:
Global confirmed cases near 4.9 million. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, at least 323,286 people are known to have died from Covid-19 while at least 4,897,567 are confirmed as having been infected since the outbreak began. The figures, which are based on official and media reports, are likely to significantly underestimate the scale of the pandemic due to differing testing and statistical recording regimes, as well as suspected undercounting.
Trump says the US having the highest cases worldwide is a ‘badge of honour’. The US President told reporters at a cabinet meeting that the high number of cases in the US – far higher than any other country – is a “badge of honour”, because it means the US is testing the most. Trump told reporters: “You know when you say that we lead in cases, that’s because we have more testing than anybody else.” He said he looks at the number “in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better.”
Singapore sentences man to death via Zoom call. A man has been sentenced to death in Singapore via a Zoom video-call for his role in a drug deal, the city-state’s first case where capital punishment has been delivered remotely.Punithan Genasan, a 37-year-old Malaysian, received the sentence for his role in a 2011 heroin transaction on Friday, court documents showed, with the country under lockdown to try to curb one of the highest coronavirus rates in Asia.
UN chief praises Africa’s efforts to stem virus. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the developed world could learn lessons from the preventative measures taken by many African countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus. There have been fewer than 3,000 Covid-19 deaths from 88,000 cases of the disease registered throughout the African continent, relatively low numbers compared to over 320,000 deaths worldwide.
Brazil confirms record daily rise in deaths and cases. Brazil has confirmed a record 17,408 cases in the last 24 hours and a record 1,179 deaths. The country now has 271,628 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 17,971 people have died. Hospital officials say more than 85% of intensive care beds in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are full.
Covid-19 crisis will push 60m into poverty says World Bank chief. Coronavirus shutdowns around the world could undo three years of gains in alleviating poverty, the president of the World Bank has said. David Malpass said that up to 60 million people could be pushed below the poverty line, according to World Bank estimates, as the global economy shrinks by around 5%.
US President claims hydroxychloroquine study is ‘Trump enemy statement’. Trump claimed a recent United States study indicating hydroxychloroquine was not an effective coronavirus treatment was a “Trump enemy statement”. “If you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape,” Trump said. “They were very old. Almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement.” There have only been limited studies on the drug in relation to Covid-19 so far.
New Zealand PM flags four-day working week. New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has suggested employers to consider a four-day working week and other flexible working options as a way to boost tourism and help employees address persistent work/life balance issues.
High schools open in South Korea. South Korean high schools opened on Wednesday for the first time since the pandemic began, with mask-wearing seniors returning to class in the vanguard of a phased plan to reopen all schools under strict protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
China gears up for annual congress. China’s biggest political event of the year opens Friday after months of delay over coronavirus fears, with President Xi Jinping determined to project strength and control over the outbreak despite international criticism and a wounded economy.
WHO assembly passes a resolution to investigate global pandemic response. Member states have backed a resolution strongly supportive of the World Health Organization, after Donald Trump issued a fresh broadside against the UN body, giving it 30 days to make unspecified reforms or lose out on US funding. None of the WHO’s 194 member states raised objections to the resolution brought by the EU on behalf of more than 100 countries. The resolution backs the WHO’s leadership and said there needed to be an investigation into the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Global confirmed cases near 4.9 million. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, at least 323,286 people are known to have died from Covid-19 while at least 4,897,567 are confirmed as having been infected since the outbreak began. The figures, which are based on official and media reports, are likely to significantly underestimate the scale of the pandemic due to differing testing and statistical recording regimes, as well as suspected undercounting.
Trump says the US having the highest cases worldwide is a ‘badge of honour’. The US President told reporters at a cabinet meeting that the high number of cases in the US – far higher than any other country – is a “badge of honour”, because it means the US is testing the most. Trump told reporters: “You know when you say that we lead in cases, that’s because we have more testing than anybody else.” He said he looks at the number “in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better.”
Singapore sentences man to death via Zoom call. A man has been sentenced to death in Singapore via a Zoom video-call for his role in a drug deal, the city-state’s first case where capital punishment has been delivered remotely.Punithan Genasan, a 37-year-old Malaysian, received the sentence for his role in a 2011 heroin transaction on Friday, court documents showed, with the country under lockdown to try to curb one of the highest coronavirus rates in Asia.
UN chief praises Africa’s efforts to stem virus. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the developed world could learn lessons from the preventative measures taken by many African countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus. There have been fewer than 3,000 Covid-19 deaths from 88,000 cases of the disease registered throughout the African continent, relatively low numbers compared to over 320,000 deaths worldwide.
Brazil confirms record daily rise in deaths and cases. Brazil has confirmed a record 17,408 cases in the last 24 hours and a record 1,179 deaths. The country now has 271,628 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 17,971 people have died. Hospital officials say more than 85% of intensive care beds in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are full.
Covid-19 crisis will push 60m into poverty says World Bank chief. Coronavirus shutdowns around the world could undo three years of gains in alleviating poverty, the president of the World Bank has said. David Malpass said that up to 60 million people could be pushed below the poverty line, according to World Bank estimates, as the global economy shrinks by around 5%.
US President claims hydroxychloroquine study is ‘Trump enemy statement’. Trump claimed a recent United States study indicating hydroxychloroquine was not an effective coronavirus treatment was a “Trump enemy statement”. “If you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape,” Trump said. “They were very old. Almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement.” There have only been limited studies on the drug in relation to Covid-19 so far.
New Zealand PM flags four-day working week. New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has suggested employers to consider a four-day working week and other flexible working options as a way to boost tourism and help employees address persistent work/life balance issues.
High schools open in South Korea. South Korean high schools opened on Wednesday for the first time since the pandemic began, with mask-wearing seniors returning to class in the vanguard of a phased plan to reopen all schools under strict protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
China gears up for annual congress. China’s biggest political event of the year opens Friday after months of delay over coronavirus fears, with President Xi Jinping determined to project strength and control over the outbreak despite international criticism and a wounded economy.
WHO assembly passes a resolution to investigate global pandemic response. Member states have backed a resolution strongly supportive of the World Health Organization, after Donald Trump issued a fresh broadside against the UN body, giving it 30 days to make unspecified reforms or lose out on US funding. None of the WHO’s 194 member states raised objections to the resolution brought by the EU on behalf of more than 100 countries. The resolution backs the WHO’s leadership and said there needed to be an investigation into the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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