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Coronavirus live news: global cases near million mark as US federal stockpile of medical equipment dwindles Coronavirus live news: global cases near million mark as US federal stockpile of medical equipment dwindles
(32 minutes later)
Trump says personal protective gear has nearly run out; Florida, Georgia, Mississippi ordered to shelter in place; record daily fatalities in UK. Follow the latest updates.Trump says personal protective gear has nearly run out; Florida, Georgia, Mississippi ordered to shelter in place; record daily fatalities in UK. Follow the latest updates.
Global coronavirus infections near million mark after ‘near exponential growth’
Covid-19 infections are nearing the one million mark after “near exponential growth” saw global cases more than double in the past week.
The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned of the approaching milestone as new cases reached almost every country and territory across the world.
“As we enter the fourth month since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I’m deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection,” Tedros said.
On Wednesday evening, Donald Trump warned of “difficult days” for the US, saying: “We are going to have a couple of weeks, starting pretty much now, but especially a few days from now, that are going to be horrific.”
He again questioned China’s reported numbers on the virus: “The numbers seem to be a little bit on the light side – and I am being nice when I say that – relative to what we witnessed and what was reported.”
The comments followed a Bloomberg news story that said a classified US intelligence report had concluded that China had under-reported the total cases and deaths it had suffered. On Wednesday – the last day of available figures – China reported 82,361 confirmed cases and 3,316 deaths.
Trump’s warning came as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reportedly asked US defence agencies for 100,000 body bags, for use by civilian authorities. The White House has previously said deaths could reach 240,000.
Medical teams to be flown to cruise ships off Australian coast to treat sick crew
Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, said Australia had an obligation to provide healthcare to people who are sick and within our territorial waters, as the government began plans to fly doctors from a private company to at least seven cruise ships floating off the coast of eastern Australia.
Approximately 8,500 crew, mostly foreigners, are on board the ships.
Thanks, brands.
The Chinese city of Shenzhen has banned the eating of dogs and cats as part of a wider clampdown on the wildlife trade since the emergence of the new coronavirus, Reuters reports.
Scientists suspect the coronavirus passed to humans from animals. Some of the earliest infections were found in people who had exposure to a wildlife market in the central city of Wuhan, where bats, snakes, civets and other animals were sold. Authorities in the southern Chinese technology hub said the ban on eating dogs and cats would come into force on 1 May. “Dogs and cats as pets have established a much closer relationship with humans than all other animals, and banning the consumption of dogs and cats and other pets is a common practice in developed countries and in Hong Kong and Taiwan,” the city government said in an order posted on Wednesday. “This ban also responds to the demand and spirit of human civilization.” China’s top legislature said in late February it was banning the trade and consumption of wild animals. Provincial and city governments across the country have been moving to enforce the ruling but Shenzhen has been the most explicit about extending that ban to dogs and cats. Dogs, in particular, are eaten in several parts of Asia.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has joined Facebook, telling her online followers that she had done so to share messages about coronavirus.Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has joined Facebook, telling her online followers that she had done so to share messages about coronavirus.
Posting online on what is apparently her first personal Facebook account, Suu Kyi said she was initially reluctant to use the site, but that her profile “was created in order to communicate with people faster and more efficiently related to Covid-19 challenges”.Posting online on what is apparently her first personal Facebook account, Suu Kyi said she was initially reluctant to use the site, but that her profile “was created in order to communicate with people faster and more efficiently related to Covid-19 challenges”.
Almost half of the country’s 51 million people use Facebook, according to the company, and her profile has already gained more than 955,000 followers. Suu Kyi’s health messages will not, however, be accessible to many people living in conflict-torn areas of the country. The internet has been blocked since June in areas of Rakhine and Chin state, where there is intense fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, a rebel group that demands greater autonomy for the state’s ethnic Rakhine people. Numerous rights groups and international agencies have urged Myanmar to lift the restrictions, warning that communities must be allowed to access crucial information. This call was reiterated on Wednesday by 18 ambassadors to Myanmar, including the UK and US, who expressed deep concern “about the high level of fighting, casualties and civilian displacement occurring in Rakhine and Chin states, and the threat of further conflict in other areas.”They also echoed the UN secretary general’s call for a global ceasefire, so that countries can focus on tackling the pandemic.Almost half of the country’s 51 million people use Facebook, according to the company, and her profile has already gained more than 955,000 followers. Suu Kyi’s health messages will not, however, be accessible to many people living in conflict-torn areas of the country. The internet has been blocked since June in areas of Rakhine and Chin state, where there is intense fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, a rebel group that demands greater autonomy for the state’s ethnic Rakhine people. Numerous rights groups and international agencies have urged Myanmar to lift the restrictions, warning that communities must be allowed to access crucial information. This call was reiterated on Wednesday by 18 ambassadors to Myanmar, including the UK and US, who expressed deep concern “about the high level of fighting, casualties and civilian displacement occurring in Rakhine and Chin states, and the threat of further conflict in other areas.”They also echoed the UN secretary general’s call for a global ceasefire, so that countries can focus on tackling the pandemic.
Israel’s health minister and his wife were diagnosed with coronavirus and are in isolation following guidelines, the health ministry said on Thursday. Yaakov Litzman, 71, an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has appeared regularly alongside the premier to provide updates on the spread of the pandemic and new measures to combat it.Israel’s health minister and his wife were diagnosed with coronavirus and are in isolation following guidelines, the health ministry said on Thursday. Yaakov Litzman, 71, an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has appeared regularly alongside the premier to provide updates on the spread of the pandemic and new measures to combat it.
But Litzman has scaled back public appearances in recent weeks and the ministry’s director-general has held daily briefings instead. Litzman and his wife feel well, the ministry said in a statement. Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Monday after a parliamentary aide was confirmed to have it.But Litzman has scaled back public appearances in recent weeks and the ministry’s director-general has held daily briefings instead. Litzman and his wife feel well, the ministry said in a statement. Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Monday after a parliamentary aide was confirmed to have it.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen to 73,522 while 872 people have died of the disease, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen to 73,522 while 872 people have died of the disease, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday.
Cases rose by 6,156 compared with the previous day while the death toll climbed by 140, the tally showed.Cases rose by 6,156 compared with the previous day while the death toll climbed by 140, the tally showed.
Germany has the fifth-highest humber of cases worldwide, but a low death rate compared to other badly impacted countries.Germany has the fifth-highest humber of cases worldwide, but a low death rate compared to other badly impacted countries.
My colleague Philip Oltermann wrote about this last week:My colleague Philip Oltermann wrote about this last week:
“Germany’s relatively low mortality rate continues to intrigue experts as Covid-19 spreads across Europe, with some questioning the methodology behind its data gathering while others argue the country’s high testing rates allow a more accurate approximation of the threat posed by the novel coronavirus.”“Germany’s relatively low mortality rate continues to intrigue experts as Covid-19 spreads across Europe, with some questioning the methodology behind its data gathering while others argue the country’s high testing rates allow a more accurate approximation of the threat posed by the novel coronavirus.”
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has been widely criticised by labour groups after he ordered police to shoot dead residents who break quarantine rules.Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has been widely criticised by labour groups after he ordered police to shoot dead residents who break quarantine rules.
His violent threat follows the arrest of 21 people who had apparently taken to the streets of Metro Manila’s Quezon City to demand help from the government.His violent threat follows the arrest of 21 people who had apparently taken to the streets of Metro Manila’s Quezon City to demand help from the government.
Police said the group had protested without a permit, though the website Rapper reported that it is not clear if all residents were demonstrating or if some were simply looking for food.There is growing concern about how the poorest people in the Philippines will survive a month-long lockdown that has been imposed on the country’s main Luzon island.Police said the group had protested without a permit, though the website Rapper reported that it is not clear if all residents were demonstrating or if some were simply looking for food.There is growing concern about how the poorest people in the Philippines will survive a month-long lockdown that has been imposed on the country’s main Luzon island.
Many of its 48 million residents live hand-to-mouth and depend on daily work to feed their families.Many of its 48 million residents live hand-to-mouth and depend on daily work to feed their families.
The government has promised that 18 million low-income households will receive support, but this has not been released due to administrative hurdles. On Wednesday night, Duterte told people to wait for assistance, adding: “Even if it’s delayed, it will arrive and you will not go hungry. You will not die of hunger.”The government has promised that 18 million low-income households will receive support, but this has not been released due to administrative hurdles. On Wednesday night, Duterte told people to wait for assistance, adding: “Even if it’s delayed, it will arrive and you will not go hungry. You will not die of hunger.”
Quarantine measures, he said, would be strictly enforced. “I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, also the barangay, that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead. Do you understand? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I’ll send you to the grave,” he said in a televised address.Quarantine measures, he said, would be strictly enforced. “I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, also the barangay, that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead. Do you understand? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I’ll send you to the grave,” he said in a televised address.
Still with finance but a really good insight into how the virus is heaping costs on higher risk businesses such as the cruise ship operator Carnival.Still with finance but a really good insight into how the virus is heaping costs on higher risk businesses such as the cruise ship operator Carnival.
The company has clearly been very badly affected by the outbreak on several of its vessels and its shares in the US have fallen 80% this year. It has admitted that demand might never be the same again and has been forced to pay a massive premium to raise money this week to keep afloat.The company has clearly been very badly affected by the outbreak on several of its vessels and its shares in the US have fallen 80% this year. It has admitted that demand might never be the same again and has been forced to pay a massive premium to raise money this week to keep afloat.
It has raised $6.25bn in the US by issuing new debt and equity. But while the issue was oversubscribed, Carnival priced $4bn in bonds maturing in 2023 with a yield (or interest rate) at par value of 11.5%, it said.It has raised $6.25bn in the US by issuing new debt and equity. But while the issue was oversubscribed, Carnival priced $4bn in bonds maturing in 2023 with a yield (or interest rate) at par value of 11.5%, it said.
That’s a huge cost. Carnival paid a 1% yield in October, when it borrowed $657.7m in the European debt market. Significantly it also had to use its ships as collateral to secure the funding.That’s a huge cost. Carnival paid a 1% yield in October, when it borrowed $657.7m in the European debt market. Significantly it also had to use its ships as collateral to secure the funding.
The company also raised $1.75bn in convertible notes with a 5.75% coupon, it added.The company also raised $1.75bn in convertible notes with a 5.75% coupon, it added.
For more on the credit crunch facing companies, this is a piece I wrote a week or so agO;For more on the credit crunch facing companies, this is a piece I wrote a week or so agO;
Financial markets are in a strange position at the moment. They have recovered some losses thanks to massive government and central bank intervention around the world, but the grim reality of what the virus is doing to economies continues to weigh on investor sentiment.Financial markets are in a strange position at the moment. They have recovered some losses thanks to massive government and central bank intervention around the world, but the grim reality of what the virus is doing to economies continues to weigh on investor sentiment.
In Australia the ASX200 benchmark index is off nearly 2% today as parts of the nation contemplate another 90 days of lockdown. In Japan, the Nikkei is down 0.4% as cases continue to rise. Shares in China, Hong Kong and Korea are up.In Australia the ASX200 benchmark index is off nearly 2% today as parts of the nation contemplate another 90 days of lockdown. In Japan, the Nikkei is down 0.4% as cases continue to rise. Shares in China, Hong Kong and Korea are up.
The US dollar held gains against other currencies as people continue to shift their money into the greenback because it’s seen as a safe haven at a time when everything else is turning to custard.The US dollar held gains against other currencies as people continue to shift their money into the greenback because it’s seen as a safe haven at a time when everything else is turning to custard.
Trump’s warnings about tough days ahead are not helping here.Trump’s warnings about tough days ahead are not helping here.
This comment to Reuters from one expert, Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York, is quite chilling:.This comment to Reuters from one expert, Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York, is quite chilling:.
Known global cases pass 935,000. According to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, 937,091 people around the world have become infected, 47,231 of whom have died. They also count 193,764 people who have recovered.Known global cases pass 935,000. According to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, 937,091 people around the world have become infected, 47,231 of whom have died. They also count 193,764 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. Trump is also 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.Trump said that the federal stockpile of personal protective equipment is nearly empty. Trump is also 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.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is asking Angelinos to wear face masks when they leave the house to combat the spread of the coronavirus.Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is asking Angelinos to wear face masks when they leave the house to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
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.
British Airways expected to announce suspension of 36,000 employees. IAG-owned British Airways is expected to announce a suspension of about 36,000 of its employees, BBC News reported on Wednesday.British Airways expected to announce suspension of 36,000 employees. IAG-owned British Airways is expected to announce a suspension of about 36,000 of its employees, BBC News reported on Wednesday.
Australia announced free childcare. Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has announced that parents need childcare during the crisis will be able to access it for free, and that childcare centres will remain open.Australia announced free childcare. Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has announced that parents need childcare during the crisis will be able to access it for free, and that childcare centres will remain open.
New Zealand reported its biggest one-day rise in cases. With 89 cases – including 76 positive cases and 13 probable – New Zealand has reported its highest daily rise so far, according to Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.New Zealand reported its biggest one-day rise in cases. With 89 cases – including 76 positive cases and 13 probable – New Zealand has reported its highest daily rise so far, according to Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.
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 confirmedhundreds 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 confirmedhundreds 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.
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.
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.
With 89 cases – including 76 positive cases and 13 probable – New Zealand has reported its highest daily rise so far, according to Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.With 89 cases – including 76 positive cases and 13 probable – New Zealand has reported its highest daily rise so far, according to Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.
There are now almost 800 cases in the country.There are now almost 800 cases in the country.
Indonesia may start a new holiday to replace the Eid exodus amid coronavirus concerns, Reuters reports.Indonesia may start a new holiday to replace the Eid exodus amid coronavirus concerns, Reuters reports.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Thursday the government is considering starting a new national holiday to prevent the annual mass exodus usually occurring at the end of the Muslim fasting month amid concerns over the spread of Covid-19.Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Thursday the government is considering starting a new national holiday to prevent the annual mass exodus usually occurring at the end of the Muslim fasting month amid concerns over the spread of Covid-19.
Widodo said at a cabinet meeting that measures could be put in place during the new holiday such as making tourist attractions free to help “bring some calm to the people”. Indonesians, nearly 90% of whom are Muslim, celebrate the end of Ramadan or the Eid al-Fitr festival with a feast and new clothes, usually returning to their home villages or towns. Ramadan this year falls over April and May.Widodo said at a cabinet meeting that measures could be put in place during the new holiday such as making tourist attractions free to help “bring some calm to the people”. Indonesians, nearly 90% of whom are Muslim, celebrate the end of Ramadan or the Eid al-Fitr festival with a feast and new clothes, usually returning to their home villages or towns. Ramadan this year falls over April and May.
South Korea will allow coronavirus patients to vote by mail or as an absentee in this month’s parliamentary elections, as campaigning started on Thursday, Reuters reports.South Korea will allow coronavirus patients to vote by mail or as an absentee in this month’s parliamentary elections, as campaigning started on Thursday, Reuters reports.
Voters will go to the polls on 15 April to elect 300 members of the National Assembly for the next four years, posing challenges over how to prevent a spread of the coronavirus at polling places while ensuring people’s right to vote. The some 4,000 patients receiving treatment will be able to case their ballot via mail or early absentee voting, Interior Minister Chin Young said. A two-week campaign period for the election began on Thursday with candidates wearing masks and shunning handshakes and large rallies. The National Election Commission has said all voters must wear a mask when they go to the polling stations, use sanitisers and gloves available there, and maintain distance with others. Officials will conduct temperature checks at the entrance and regular disinfection work. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 89 new cases on Thursday, taking the national tally to 9,976. A total of 5,828 have recovered from the virus, while 4,148 are still receiving treatment.Voters will go to the polls on 15 April to elect 300 members of the National Assembly for the next four years, posing challenges over how to prevent a spread of the coronavirus at polling places while ensuring people’s right to vote. The some 4,000 patients receiving treatment will be able to case their ballot via mail or early absentee voting, Interior Minister Chin Young said. A two-week campaign period for the election began on Thursday with candidates wearing masks and shunning handshakes and large rallies. The National Election Commission has said all voters must wear a mask when they go to the polling stations, use sanitisers and gloves available there, and maintain distance with others. Officials will conduct temperature checks at the entrance and regular disinfection work. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 89 new cases on Thursday, taking the national tally to 9,976. A total of 5,828 have recovered from the virus, while 4,148 are still receiving treatment.