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Coronavirus live news: recoveries pass 1m as Trump contradicts intelligence on virus origin Coronavirus live news: recoveries pass 1m as Trump contradicts intelligence on virus origin
(32 minutes later)
US government experts say virus ‘not manmade or genetically modified’; Germany and Spain ease lockdowns; outbreak increasing in AfricaUS government experts say virus ‘not manmade or genetically modified’; Germany and Spain ease lockdowns; outbreak increasing in Africa
France’s state-owned SNCF railways company estimates it will lose at least €3 billion (£2.6 billion) in revenue as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Les Echos daily newspaper reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
Reuters reports the group has been running only 7% of its high-speed trains and 20% of regional services since mid-March and will be allowed to resume only about 30% of its network from May 11 as France seeks to manage the post-lockdown period.
Les Echos newspaper said strikes over government pension reforms that started in early December in France has already cost the company €1 billion in lost revenue.
The newspaper said the company lost €700 million in March, €1.4 billion in April and expects losses to reach €3 billion before a nationwide lockdown begins to ease from May 11.
EPA has this shot of a family wearing protective face masks while visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on 01 May 2020.
China is loosening up nationwide restrictions after months of lockdown over the coronavirus crisis.
Labor Day in the country kicked off with a long weekend and an extended holiday, from 01 to 05 May, after the tourism industry has been hit during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Rwanda will partially lift its virus lockdown from next week and allow people to move freely during the day more than six weeks after being confined, the prime minister’s office said Friday, AFP reports.
Rwanda was one of the first to impose strict lockdown measures in Africa, on March 22, when it had only 19 cases, and to date has officially recorded 225 cases and zero deaths.
From Monday May 4, people will be allowed to move freely from 5am to 8pm, but will need permission to do so later in the evening, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
Businesses, manufacturing and construction operations will be allowed to resume with essential workers, while markets will be allowed to open with no more than 50 percent of traders operating. Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to operate but must close by 7pm.
While People will be allowed to exercise in open spaces, sports facilities will remain closed.
No more than 30 people will be allowed to attend funerals, and schools, churches, gyms and bars will remain closed.
The speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly said late on Thursday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, after hosting an iftar dinner to celebrate Ramadan, Reuters reports, and meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan and other high officials earlier in the week.The speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly said late on Thursday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, after hosting an iftar dinner to celebrate Ramadan, Reuters reports, and meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan and other high officials earlier in the week.
It remains unclear if Khan will be tested after Faisal Edhi tested positive. Khan tested negative in April, after meeting with the head of Pakistan’s biggest charity organisation, who was subsequently confirmed to have caught the disease.It remains unclear if Khan will be tested after Faisal Edhi tested positive. Khan tested negative in April, after meeting with the head of Pakistan’s biggest charity organisation, who was subsequently confirmed to have caught the disease.
The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, is currently in recess, though opposition parties have been calling for it to convene to discuss the government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, where the number of cases has risen to 16,817, including 385 deaths.The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, is currently in recess, though opposition parties have been calling for it to convene to discuss the government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, where the number of cases has risen to 16,817, including 385 deaths.
Russia reported its biggest daily rise of confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday , with 7,933 new cases.Russia reported its biggest daily rise of confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday , with 7,933 new cases.
The record daily rise brings the nationwide tally to 114,431, Reuters reports.The record daily rise brings the nationwide tally to 114,431, Reuters reports.
The official nationwide death toll rose to 1,169 after 96 people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, Russia’s coronavirus crisis response centre said.The official nationwide death toll rose to 1,169 after 96 people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, Russia’s coronavirus crisis response centre said.
AFP have put together a brilliant photo gallery of May Day workers confronting coronavirus around the world. It is a celebration of the cleaners, transport workers, shop assistants, tradespeople, health workers and more who continue to serve despite the difficulties and risks of the pandemic.AFP have put together a brilliant photo gallery of May Day workers confronting coronavirus around the world. It is a celebration of the cleaners, transport workers, shop assistants, tradespeople, health workers and more who continue to serve despite the difficulties and risks of the pandemic.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany increased by 1,639 to 160,758 on Friday, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany increased by 1,639 to 160,758 on Friday, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.
The daily update showed the death toll rose by 193 to 6,481.The daily update showed the death toll rose by 193 to 6,481.
Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, who was tasked by Vladimir Putin with leading the response to the country’s coronavirus outbreak, has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and will self-isolate.Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, who was tasked by Vladimir Putin with leading the response to the country’s coronavirus outbreak, has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and will self-isolate.
Mishustin, Russia’s most-high profile Covid-19 patient so far, disclosed the diagnosis during a televised video call with President Putin on Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear how severe Mishustin’s symptoms are, though one news agency reported that he had an elevated temperature of 39 degrees. Putin indicated during the call that Mishustin would be taken to hospital.Mishustin, Russia’s most-high profile Covid-19 patient so far, disclosed the diagnosis during a televised video call with President Putin on Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear how severe Mishustin’s symptoms are, though one news agency reported that he had an elevated temperature of 39 degrees. Putin indicated during the call that Mishustin would be taken to hospital.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia passed 100,000 on Thursday. The first deputy prime minister, Andrei Belousov, would take on Mishustin’s duties in his absence, Putin said.Confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia passed 100,000 on Thursday. The first deputy prime minister, Andrei Belousov, would take on Mishustin’s duties in his absence, Putin said.
Ryanair is planning to cut 3,000 jobs and reduce staff pay by up to a fifth in response to the Covid-19 crisis, which has grounded flights.Ryanair is planning to cut 3,000 jobs and reduce staff pay by up to a fifth in response to the Covid-19 crisis, which has grounded flights.
The no-frills airline said it did not expect passenger numbers or pricing to return to pre-coronavirus levels until summer 2022 at the earliest.The no-frills airline said it did not expect passenger numbers or pricing to return to pre-coronavirus levels until summer 2022 at the earliest.
As part of a programme of sweeping cost cuts, Ryanair said it could close a number of bases across Europe until air travel recovers.As part of a programme of sweeping cost cuts, Ryanair said it could close a number of bases across Europe until air travel recovers.
The company, which expects to report a net loss of more than €100m (£87m) for the first quarter and through the summer, said restructuring and job losses would start in July.The company, which expects to report a net loss of more than €100m (£87m) for the first quarter and through the summer, said restructuring and job losses would start in July.
The job cuts will affect mostly pilots and cabin crew, although the measures will also hit head office and back office teams.The job cuts will affect mostly pilots and cabin crew, although the measures will also hit head office and back office teams.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has opened Queensland’s border in preparation for next month’s restart of the National Rugby League (NRL) season. Palaszczuk not only gave the green light for the state’s three NRL clubs to train at their base and travel interstate, but also host home games.Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has opened Queensland’s border in preparation for next month’s restart of the National Rugby League (NRL) season. Palaszczuk not only gave the green light for the state’s three NRL clubs to train at their base and travel interstate, but also host home games.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison had said earlier on Friday it would be a matter for state jurisdictions to clear any resumption of sporting activities, following a meeting of the national cabinet.Australian prime minister Scott Morrison had said earlier on Friday it would be a matter for state jurisdictions to clear any resumption of sporting activities, following a meeting of the national cabinet.
Hungary needs to prepare for a potential second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in October-November, even though the spreading of the virus will likely slow in the summer, prime minister Viktor Orbán told state radio on Friday, according to a report by Reuters.Hungary needs to prepare for a potential second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in October-November, even though the spreading of the virus will likely slow in the summer, prime minister Viktor Orbán told state radio on Friday, according to a report by Reuters.
Orban also said if authorities manage to reduce the death rate from the pandemic in Budapest, where 80% of deaths have been recorded, only then will current restrictions be eased in the capital city. Hungary will lift a large part of restrictions in the countryside from Monday.Orban also said if authorities manage to reduce the death rate from the pandemic in Budapest, where 80% of deaths have been recorded, only then will current restrictions be eased in the capital city. Hungary will lift a large part of restrictions in the countryside from Monday.
Migrant workers on Spanish farms that provide fruit and vegetables for UK supermarkets are trapped in dire conditions under lockdown, living in cardboard and plastic shelters without food or running water.
Thousands of workers, many of them undocumented, live in settlements between huge greenhouses on farms in the southern Spanish provinces of Huelva and Almeria, key regions for European supply chains.
Local union activists have been supporting the migrants, bringing them water, food and basic supplies since Spain declared a lockdown in mid March.
Clare Carlile from Ethical Consumer, a UK charity supporting the local activists, says the situation is the result of years of neglect of workers.
“They got visited by the Spanish army on 18 March and told to stay put, even though in some places running water is several kilometres away. Now, with Covid fears, a water truck comes twice a week. If you are at work and miss it you must walk several kilometres for water after a hard day.
“Failure of employers provide basic rights has for years created dire circumstances for the inhabitants of the settlements. Now, the pandemic has pushed the situation to crisis point.”
London’s Heathrow airport, traditionally the busiest in Europe, said passenger numbers were expected to be down by around 97% in April.
Reuters reports that for the first quarter, revenue fell 12.7% to £593m ($745m) and adjusted EBITDA fell by 22.4% to £315m.
Heathrow expects passenger numbers to remain weak until governments across the world fighting the coronavirus outbreak deem it safe to travel. The airport said it had £3.2bn in liquidity, sufficient to maintain the business at least over the next 12 months, even with no passengers.
Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Helen. Please do send tips and comments to aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com or you can tweet me at @aamnamohdin
Carmela Fonbuena reports for the Guardian:
Philippine provinces considered to have a low to moderate number of coronavirus cases began easing lockdowns on Friday 1 May, amid concerns from local officials and residents who are wary that the real scale of the outbreak cannot be known until the country conducts more testing.
“Many provinces are still just seeing imported cases from other areas. When [strict lockdowns are] lifted they expect imported cases to come in,” said former health secretary Manuel Dayrit.
The rules remain unclear. The government initially said religious gatherings will be allowed provided physical distancing is observed, but it’s now under review following concerns raised.
The Philippines recorded 8,488 cases as of 30 April, including 568 deaths. The numbers are believed to be higher as the country of 110 million people has tested less than 100,000 individuals. It’s a testament to its poor healthcare system as many hospitals struggle to meet requirements for coronavirus testing. The decision made by a national government taskforce on coronavirus put several local officials in a difficult position. In the provinces of Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Albay, where residents oppose the government decision, local leaders cannot extend strict lockdowns without government approval. “Lifting will only return the virus into a second wave,” said Joey Salceda, a lawmaker from Albay province, which recorded three deaths among total 28 cases but he is afraid there are undetected cases.Metro Manila will remain in strict lockdown but certain restrictions will be lifted to allow some government infrastructure work to continue. Groups of overseas Filipino workers stranded in the capital due to provincial lockdowns have been allowed go home, too.
Although this development is definitely worth mentioning again, too:
With that, I’m ducking away. My colleague Aamna Mohdin will be with you for the next few hours.
Here are the most important developments from the last few hours:
1 million people have recovered from coronavirus. According to Johns Hopkins University data, more than a million people have now recovered from coronavirus infection, with the total at 1,014,524. Infections worldwide stand at 3,256,570. More than 233,300 people have died in the pandemic so far.
Boris Johnson says UK ‘past the peak’. The prime minister promised to set out next week how schools and workplaces could safely reopen once lockdown restrictions were eased, as he claimed the UK was past the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Despite announcing an increase of 674 in the death toll of the virus, taking it to a total of 26,771, Johnson suggested the worst was over.
US jobless toll amounts to 18.4% of working-age population. Thirty million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since 21 March. The White House let its two-week-old economic reopening guidelines expire on Thursday as half of all US states forged ahead with their own strategies for easing restrictions on restaurants, retail and other businesses shuttered by the coronavirus crisis, Reuters reports.
Trump claims he has seen evidence that Covid-19 originated in Wuhan lab. When the president was asked if he has seen anything that gives you a “high degree of confidence” that coronavirus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Donald Trump replied: “Yes, I have.” His own government experts say the virus was ‘not manmade or genetically modified’. US intelligence agencies have been under pressure to link coronavirus to Chinese labs. Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, later said of the lab theory: “What we have before us doesn’t suggest that is a likely source”.
Protesters, some armed, gather inside Michigan state capitol. Hundreds of protesters, some armed, gathered inside Michigan’s state capitol on Thursday as state lawmakers debated the Democratic governor’s request to extend her emergency powers to combat coronavirus.
Major US airlines will require passengers to cover their faces during flights. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said on Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways, Reuters reports.
British BAME Covid-19 death rate ‘more than twice that of whites’. The death rate among British black Africans and British Pakistanis from coronavirus in English hospitals is more than 2.5 times that of the white population, according to stark analysis by the Institute of Fiscal Studies.
UK food banks face record demand. The first two weeks of the coronavirus lockdown triggered an unprecedented rise in food bank use as the economy was hit and household incomes plunged, data from hundreds of emergency food aid charities reveals.
Jacinda Ardern’s popularity surges during lockdown. An opinion poll in New Zealand has found the prime minister’s approval rating jumped to 65% during the country’s nearly five-week strict lockdown. It puts her in a strong position ahead of this year’s general election. Her Labour party also did well, achieving a 55% approval rating.
‘Australia has earned an early mark’
Australia has brought forward its decision on easing restrictions to next Friday 8 May in a further sign that the country is successfully flattening the curve.
Australia, which in late March recorded around 400 new cases of the virus a day, now consistently has fewer than 20 new cases daily. Restrictions on movement were put into place at the end of March, including the closure of schools in some states, as well as restaurants, pubs and some businesses, as well as restrictions on the number of people who can gather together.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was due to announce which of these restrictions would be lifted on 11 May after discussion with state premiers, but says the announcement has been brought forward three days, with a cheerful Morrison telling a press conference on Friday that “Australians have earned an early mark.”
He added that “we didn’t expect to be in this position six weeks ago”.
Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said Australia will begin testing cohorts of asymptomatic people in an attempt to ensure early detection of any new outbreaks and avoid a second wave. That cluster testing will be focused on groups that have a high risk of exposure or work with vulnerable people, like aged care workers or healthcare workers. Teachers are among those who might get tested.
Says Murphy:
He says that the case data shows that most people who transmit the virus do still have symptoms, so anyone with any symptoms should get tested.
Cholera and coronavirus: why we must not repeat the same mistakes
Coronavirus is not the only pandemic the world faces. There is another one raging right now. Since cholera first spread across the globe, two centuries ago, it has killed about 50 million people. In the time it takes you to read this article, another five people will have died from it. It is now mostly ignored in the west, but in other parts of the world, it has never gone away.
While I will surely be able to offer my patients in England a coronavirus vaccine in a year or two, and while western health systems will be reinforced to be more ready for a potential future outbreak, I worry that we may repeat the mistakes of cholera: conquering coronavirus everywhere except for the poorest parts of the world.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is addressing the media now.
He has been asked about US President Donald Trump’s comments late on Thursday. Trump said he had seen evidence that Covid-19 emerged from a laboratory in Wuhan, contradicting experts in his own administration who said it was not man made or genetically modified.
Morrison said he has not seen any evidence to suggest that’s the case, but says Australia is still pushing for an independent investigation into the origin of the disease.
He says the virus did originate in Wuhan, but “the most likely scenario that has been canvassed related to wildlife wet markets”.
That is why Australia wants an “objective independent” investigation, he says.
Morrison says an independent investigation would look at what happened and why it happened.