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Coronavirus live news: global cases near million mark as US records highest daily death toll Coronavirus live news: global cases near million mark as US records highest daily death toll
(33 minutes later)
Trump says federal stockpile of personal protective gear nearly empty; Florida, Georgia, Mississippi ordered to shelter in place; record daily fatalities in UK. Follow the latest updates.Trump says federal stockpile of personal protective gear nearly empty; Florida, Georgia, Mississippi ordered to shelter in place; record daily fatalities in UK. Follow the latest updates.
Animal tragic: New Zealand zoos strive to entertain lonely inhabitants amid lockdown
While humans have been using Netflix and Zoom to quell the coronavirus lockdown ennui, New Zealand’s zoo animals have also been struggling with boredom – and zookeepers have had to resort to some unusual measures to keep them entertained.
Puzzles, perfume and new types of play have all been deployed to keep the more curious residents engaged and happy.
The rhinos keep turning up for their 3.15pm appearances – when they usually get a belly rub – while the giraffes have remained punctual for their noon and 3pm commitments.
Zookeepers have been forced to work twice as hard to stimulate and entertain the animals, including taking llamas for long walks, spraying cologne and perfume in hiding places to intrigue the lions, and offering puzzle feeders or playing unusual sounds to keep the keas on their toes.
The Japanese government’s plan to send two reusable cloth masks to every household in the country has been met with derision and humour on social media.One Twitter user posted a photo of the prime minister, Shinzo Abe, wearing both masks:
While another had a slightly different visual take:
This user came to the rescue of a “friend” who said they would have preferred “two Yukichis” – a reference to the influential 19th century figure Yukichi Fukuzawa, who appears on the 10,000 yen note.
There were plenty of manga and anime references, including one that enlisted characters from the long-running animated TV series Sazae-san to illustrate the difficulties facing larger households:
Abe told a meeting of a coronavirus taskforce on Wednesday that the cloth masks would help respond to growing demand for masks since they are washable and reusable. Two masks will be posted to every address in the country later this month, starting with Tokyo and other prefectures with higher numbers of recorded Covid-19 cases, according to public broadcaster NHK.In a more serious post, Kentaro Iwata, a specialist in infectious diseases who was critical of the government’s handling of the Diamond Princess quarantine, described the measure as “a waste of money”:
Moving away from US news now to Asia Pacific, South Korea has reported 89 new coronavirus cases, slightly lower than the 100-case average over the last three weeks, bringing the country’s total to 9,976.
More now on Trump’s comments regarding the Zaandam cruise ship.
US President Donald Trump has insisted that the United States “has to help” two coronavirus-stricken cruise liners approaching Florida amid warnings that more passengers could die on board if the boats are left stranded at sea. Four people have died and dozens of people are sick with flu-like symptoms on the Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise liners, which are awaiting permission to enter port in Fort Lauderdale.
Florida gov. DeSantis and some Broward County commissioners have expressed concerns about allowing the passengers to dock. But on Wednesday, DeSantis, who previously dismissed passengers as “foreigners”, has now offered National Guard support after speaking with President Trump, telling Fox News: “I think they’re going to be able to deal with this in a way that make sense.”
At the White House press briefing on Wednesday, Trump indicated that British and Canadian nationals would be immediately evacuated after leaving the ships.
“We are taking the Canadians off and giving them to Canadian authorities. They’re going to bring them back home. The same thing with the UK. But we have to help the people. They are in big trouble no matter where they are from. Happen to be Americans, largely Americans, but whether they were or not, they are dying so we have to do something and the governor knows that too,” Trump said.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is asking Angelinos to wear face masks when they leave the house to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Speaking from an afternoon press conference, Garcetti said the masks can be homemade, like a bandana, and don’t have to be N-95, which are needed for medical personnel.
The city of Los Angeles is also ratcheting up efforts to get local businesses to comply with a “Safer at home order” and says they are shutting off water and power to non-essential businesses that refuse to stop operating even after being warned.
The advice comes as awareness grows those who aren’t showing symptoms can be carriers of the disease. As many as 1 in 4 of those infected with the new coronavirus may not show symptoms, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week.
Trump says federal stockpile of protective equipment nearly gone as US experiences record deaths
Donald Trump has admitted the US government’s emergency stockpile of protective equipment is nearly exhausted because of the extraordinary demands of the coronavirus pandemic.
The shortage was first reported by the Washington Post, which said the supply of respirator masks, gloves and other medical supplies was running low.
Trump, who has been criticised for a lack of central planning, confirmed on Wednesday: “It is, because we’re sending it directly to hospitals. We don’t want it to come to the stockpile because then we have to take it, after it arrives, and bring it to various states and hospitals.”
The president had urged states to “make a deal” and buy personal protective equipment (PPE) directly from manufacturers, he added. “We’ve asked states where they have large manufacturers of different types of equipment to use those local factories, those local plants and have it made directly, ship it right into the hospitals.”
Trump continued: “We’re shipping things right in. We have, as you know, almost 10,000 ventilators which we need for flexibility. It’s sounds like a lot but it’s not.”
The National Guard had been authorised to move equipment into hospitals when necessary, he added.
The US had 884 coronavirus-related deaths on Wednesday, the highest since the outbreak began, AFP reports.The US had 884 coronavirus-related deaths on Wednesday, the highest since the outbreak began, AFP reports.
The news comes as president Donald Trump said earlier that federal stockpiles of personal protective equipment for medical professionals were almost depleted.The news comes as president Donald Trump said earlier that federal stockpiles of personal protective equipment for medical professionals were almost depleted.
California appears to be flattening the curve. But its testing lags behind other statesCalifornia appears to be flattening the curve. But its testing lags behind other states
The Guardian’s Maanvi Singh reports from Oakland with Sam Levin in Los AngelesThe Guardian’s Maanvi Singh reports from Oakland with Sam Levin in Los Angeles
California has not seen the surge in coronavirus cases that have overwhelmed cities like New York and Detroit in the past week, which suggests that the state’s early and restrictive shelter-in-place orders could be slowing the virus’ spread. But experts say delays in testing have limited the understanding of the outbreak and have hindered containment efforts.California has not seen the surge in coronavirus cases that have overwhelmed cities like New York and Detroit in the past week, which suggests that the state’s early and restrictive shelter-in-place orders could be slowing the virus’ spread. But experts say delays in testing have limited the understanding of the outbreak and have hindered containment efforts.
As of Tuesday, more than 86,100 tests had been administered in the state, and of those, 57,400 results were still pending. By comparison, New York, which has about half the population of California, has processed more than 200,000 tests. Washington state, which has less than a fifth of California’s population, has processed 65,462 tests.As of Tuesday, more than 86,100 tests had been administered in the state, and of those, 57,400 results were still pending. By comparison, New York, which has about half the population of California, has processed more than 200,000 tests. Washington state, which has less than a fifth of California’s population, has processed 65,462 tests.
Testing efforts in California have been set back due to a lack of swabs, vials and media for collecting patient samples, as well as a shortage of kits and bottlenecks at labs.Testing efforts in California have been set back due to a lack of swabs, vials and media for collecting patient samples, as well as a shortage of kits and bottlenecks at labs.
The award-winning singer-songwriter Adam Schlesinger, best known for his work with US rock band Fountains Of Wayne, has reportedly died at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with coronavirus.The award-winning singer-songwriter Adam Schlesinger, best known for his work with US rock band Fountains Of Wayne, has reportedly died at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Fountains Of Wayne’s hits included Stacy’s Mom and Hey Julie. They formed in New Jersey in 1995 and were named after a lawn ornament store in the state. Over his career, Schlesinger earned nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, Tonys, Grammys and Emmys, winning the latter two.Fountains Of Wayne’s hits included Stacy’s Mom and Hey Julie. They formed in New Jersey in 1995 and were named after a lawn ornament store in the state. Over his career, Schlesinger earned nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, Tonys, Grammys and Emmys, winning the latter two.
In 2019 he won the Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics for Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal from the TV musical drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.In 2019 he won the Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics for Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal from the TV musical drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
He died on Wednesday morning, according to Variety.He died on Wednesday morning, according to Variety.
A statement from his family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.A statement from his family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Chris Carrabba, from the band Dashboard Confessional, confirmed Schlesinger’s death:Chris Carrabba, from the band Dashboard Confessional, confirmed Schlesinger’s death:
The Washington Post reports that Dr. Anthony Faici, the infectious disease expert leading the US response to coronavirus is “facing growing threats to his personal safety, prompting the government to step up his security.”The Washington Post reports that Dr. Anthony Faici, the infectious disease expert leading the US response to coronavirus is “facing growing threats to his personal safety, prompting the government to step up his security.”
The Post reports:The Post reports:
Nearly 3,000 sailors aboard a US aircraft carrier where the coronavirus has spread will be taken off the ship by Friday, Navy officials said Wednesday as they struggle to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak, AP reports.Nearly 3,000 sailors aboard a US aircraft carrier where the coronavirus has spread will be taken off the ship by Friday, Navy officials said Wednesday as they struggle to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak, AP reports.
So far, fewer than 100 of the nearly 5,000 sailors assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, now docked in Guam, have tested positive for the virus, but the Navy is moving sailors into various facilities and probably will begin using hotel rooms in the coming days. Navy leaders are talking with government officials in the U.S. territory to identify rooms for the crew members.Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, however, made it clear that while several thousand will leave the ship, other sailors will remain on board in order to continue to protect the ship and run critical systems.So far, fewer than 100 of the nearly 5,000 sailors assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, now docked in Guam, have tested positive for the virus, but the Navy is moving sailors into various facilities and probably will begin using hotel rooms in the coming days. Navy leaders are talking with government officials in the U.S. territory to identify rooms for the crew members.Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, however, made it clear that while several thousand will leave the ship, other sailors will remain on board in order to continue to protect the ship and run critical systems.
US President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of the new coronavirus despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own, AP reports.US President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of the new coronavirus despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own, AP reports.
Trump said earlier this week that he and members of his administration had discussed issuing a stay-at-home order but it was pretty unlikely for now. The White House later released sobering new projections that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained. On Wednesday, Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Mississippi added or expanded their stay-at-home orders.Trump said earlier this week that he and members of his administration had discussed issuing a stay-at-home order but it was pretty unlikely for now. The White House later released sobering new projections that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained. On Wednesday, Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Mississippi added or expanded their stay-at-home orders.
Here is a summary of US news from the last few hours:Here is a summary of US news from the last few hours:
Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi issued stay-home orders. The Republican governors of those states — especially Ron DeSantis of Florida — had drawn criticism for not taking decisive action as the number of cases in the southern states rose.Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi issued stay-home orders. The Republican governors of those states — especially Ron DeSantis of Florida — had drawn criticism for not taking decisive action as the number of cases in the southern states rose.
Officials announced “enhanced counter-narcotics operations” in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean during the Coronavirus Task Force briefing. The US has intelligence that drug trafficking efforts may pick up as countries turn inward to focus on the pandemic, according to Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Officials announced “enhanced counter-narcotics operations” in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean during the Coronavirus Task Force briefing. The US has intelligence that drug trafficking efforts may pick up as countries turn inward to focus on the pandemic, according to Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Trump said that the federal government is considering districting domestic travel between coronavirus hotspots, but isn’t anticipating a nationwide shelter-in-place mandate. During another lengthy coronavirus briefing, the president often meandered, boasting about the souther border wall and hearkening back to “caravans... marching through Mexico.Trump said that the federal government is considering districting domestic travel between coronavirus hotspots, but isn’t anticipating a nationwide shelter-in-place mandate. During another lengthy coronavirus briefing, the president often meandered, boasting about the souther border wall and hearkening back to “caravans... marching through Mexico.
New York reported more than 83,000 cases of coronavirus and 1,941 deaths. Governor Andrew Cuomo also announced the closure of all New York City parks after residents failed to respect social distancing guidelines.New York reported more than 83,000 cases of coronavirus and 1,941 deaths. Governor Andrew Cuomo also announced the closure of all New York City parks after residents failed to respect social distancing guidelines.
The vice president compared the coronavirus situation in the US to Italy, which has seen the highest number of deaths linked to the virus. Italy has already reported more than 13,000 coronavirus fatalities, and that number continues to climb.The vice president compared the coronavirus situation in the US to Italy, which has seen the highest number of deaths linked to the virus. Italy has already reported more than 13,000 coronavirus fatalities, and that number continues to climb.
The Dow dropped nearly 1,000 points as US markets continue to suffer amid the pandemic. Unemployment claims are also expected to jump in tomorrrow’s report after many major employers announced layoffs this week.The Dow dropped nearly 1,000 points as US markets continue to suffer amid the pandemic. Unemployment claims are also expected to jump in tomorrrow’s report after many major employers announced layoffs this week.
Bernie Sanders called on Wisconsin to delay its presidential primary, which is scheduled to take place next week. Wisconsin Democrats and civil rights advocates have already sued the state to press officials to ease absentee voting requirements for the primary.Bernie Sanders called on Wisconsin to delay its presidential primary, which is scheduled to take place next week. Wisconsin Democrats and civil rights advocates have already sued the state to press officials to ease absentee voting requirements for the primary.
The Pentagon is looking into sourcing and providing as many as 100,000 military-style body bags for civilian use, according to Bloomberg News.The Pentagon is looking into sourcing and providing as many as 100,000 military-style body bags for civilian use, according to Bloomberg News.
Bloomberg reports:Bloomberg reports:
Yesterday, the White House projected that as many as 240,000 Americans could die from Covid-19, even if distancing meaures and other public health interventions are put in place.Yesterday, the White House projected that as many as 240,000 Americans could die from Covid-19, even if distancing meaures and other public health interventions are put in place.
The US Energy Department on Wednesday urged Saudi Arabia and Russia to calm oil markets after the kingdom’s crude supply rose to a record of more than 12 million barrels per day even as oil demand falters on the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports.The US Energy Department on Wednesday urged Saudi Arabia and Russia to calm oil markets after the kingdom’s crude supply rose to a record of more than 12 million barrels per day even as oil demand falters on the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports.
“Boosting production during this time of an unprecedented loss in global demand is frustrating, and does not represent the kind of deliberative planning we would like to see from partners, and does not advance our shared interest in stable markets,” said spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes.“Boosting production during this time of an unprecedented loss in global demand is frustrating, and does not represent the kind of deliberative planning we would like to see from partners, and does not advance our shared interest in stable markets,” said spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes.
She said Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette is talking with his counterparts in major oil-producing nations to try to stabilise the markets.She said Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette is talking with his counterparts in major oil-producing nations to try to stabilise the markets.
Another iconic New York City landmark is being converted into a temporary hospital to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, joining Central Park.Another iconic New York City landmark is being converted into a temporary hospital to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, joining Central Park.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the US Open, will relieve some of the pressure on one of the state’s hardest hit hospitals, Elmhurst in Queens.The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the US Open, will relieve some of the pressure on one of the state’s hardest hit hospitals, Elmhurst in Queens.
It’s expected to open next week to treat Covid-19 patients who aren’t in need of intensive care. The facility is projected to hold 350 patients.It’s expected to open next week to treat Covid-19 patients who aren’t in need of intensive care. The facility is projected to hold 350 patients.
Hello and welcome to a new coronavirus pandemic live blog.Hello and welcome to a new coronavirus pandemic live blog.
It looks likely that confirmed cases globally will reach one million today. The US accounts for more than 210,000 cases currently, and Italy, with the next highest has just over half this number, at 110,000. Spain has also passed the 100,000 mark.It looks likely that confirmed cases globally will reach one million today. The US accounts for more than 210,000 cases currently, and Italy, with the next highest has just over half this number, at 110,000. Spain has also passed the 100,000 mark.
American officials also reportedly believe China has been deliberately underreporting the total number of cases and deaths.American officials also reportedly believe China has been deliberately underreporting the total number of cases and deaths.
Stay with us for the most important developments as they happen. You can contact me with news, tips or questions on Twitter @helenrsullivan.Stay with us for the most important developments as they happen. You can contact me with news, tips or questions on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
Known global cases pass 900,000. According to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, 932,605 people around the world have become infected, 46,413 of whom have died. They also count 193,031 people who have recovered.Known global cases pass 900,000. According to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, 932,605 people around the world have become infected, 46,413 of whom have died. They also count 193,031 people who have recovered.
US intelligence accuses China of playing down crisis. American officials reportedly believe China has been underreporting the total number of cases and deaths. The conclusions of a classified report from the intelligence community to the White House were revealed to Bloomberg by three anonymous officials who declined to detail its contents.US intelligence accuses China of playing down crisis. American officials reportedly believe China has been underreporting the total number of cases and deaths. The conclusions of a classified report from the intelligence community to the White House were revealed to Bloomberg by three anonymous officials who declined to detail its contents.
Trump said that the federal stockpile of personal protective equipment is nearly empty. “It is,” he said. “Because we’re sending it directly to hospitals.” Earlier, CNN reported that the “Strategic National Stockpile is deploying the last round of shipments in its inventory, depleting the bulk of its protective gear.”Trump said that the federal stockpile of personal protective equipment is nearly empty. “It is,” he said. “Because we’re sending it directly to hospitals.” Earlier, CNN reported that the “Strategic National Stockpile is deploying the last round of shipments in its inventory, depleting the bulk of its protective gear.”
The US states of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi issued stay-home orders. More than 280m people in at least 36 US states, as well in several dozen counties the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now being told to stay home.The US states of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi issued stay-home orders. More than 280m people in at least 36 US states, as well in several dozen counties the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now being told to stay home.
Key UN climate talks, Cop26, that were due to take place in Glasgow in November have been postponed until 2021, it has been announced. The UN’s climate change chief, Patricia Espinosa has also called Covid-19 the “most urgent threat facing humanity”,Key UN climate talks, Cop26, that were due to take place in Glasgow in November have been postponed until 2021, it has been announced. The UN’s climate change chief, Patricia Espinosa has also called Covid-19 the “most urgent threat facing humanity”,
The UK’s Ministry of Defence is calling up about 3,000 reservists to help with its pandemic response. That brings the number of armed forces personnel helping manage the crisis to about 23,000.The UK’s Ministry of Defence is calling up about 3,000 reservists to help with its pandemic response. That brings the number of armed forces personnel helping manage the crisis to about 23,000.
Director of WHO “deeply concerned”. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director of the WHO, has said he was “deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection”.Director of WHO “deeply concerned”. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director of the WHO, has said he was “deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection”.
UK death toll passes 2,300. The UK government has confirmed hundreds more deaths in hospitals, taking the total to 2,352. However, figures from the Office for National Statistics have already revealed that dozens more people have been dying as a result of the pandemic in care homes and other settings.UK death toll passes 2,300. The UK government has confirmed hundreds more deaths in hospitals, taking the total to 2,352. However, figures from the Office for National Statistics have already revealed that dozens more people have been dying as a result of the pandemic in care homes and other settings.
Britons warned against complacency as figures continue to rise. People in the UK have been urged to stay at home as a recent acceleration in the number of cases being reported comes alongside data that suggest people are out and about in their cars more.Britons warned against complacency as figures continue to rise. People in the UK have been urged to stay at home as a recent acceleration in the number of cases being reported comes alongside data that suggest people are out and about in their cars more.
New York City death toll passes 1,000. Deaths from the coronavirus reached 1,096 in New York City as an emergency field hospital opened in Central Park. Data released by the city’s health department showed the virus was having a disproportionate effect in certain neighbourhoods, mainly Brooklyn and Queens.New York City death toll passes 1,000. Deaths from the coronavirus reached 1,096 in New York City as an emergency field hospital opened in Central Park. Data released by the city’s health department showed the virus was having a disproportionate effect in certain neighbourhoods, mainly Brooklyn and Queens.
Germany extends distancing measures. Physical distancing measures have been extended in Germany until at least 19 April, and will be re-evaluated on the Tuesday after Easter, Angela Merkel has said.Germany extends distancing measures. Physical distancing measures have been extended in Germany until at least 19 April, and will be re-evaluated on the Tuesday after Easter, Angela Merkel has said.
Austrian unemployment jumps to highest level since 1946. Unemployment in Austria has jumped by 66% to the highest level since records began in 1946, despite a government bid to avoid mass lay-offs.Austrian unemployment jumps to highest level since 1946. Unemployment in Austria has jumped by 66% to the highest level since records began in 1946, despite a government bid to avoid mass lay-offs.
Growth in Italy’s death toll slows. Another 727 people have died in Italy, taking the total to 13,155. That represents the smallest increase since 26 March.Growth in Italy’s death toll slows. Another 727 people have died in Italy, taking the total to 13,155. That represents the smallest increase since 26 March.
Spain passes 100,000 confirmed cases. Spain has crossed the threshold of 100,000 confirmed cases, health officials have said. According to official figures, it has had more cases than any country except Italy and the US.Spain passes 100,000 confirmed cases. Spain has crossed the threshold of 100,000 confirmed cases, health officials have said. According to official figures, it has had more cases than any country except Italy and the US.