Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Spain sees deaths rise by almost 400 and more than 3,600 new cases
The number of confirmed coronavirus deaths in Spain has risen by almost 400, or 30%, in 24 hours, as the government is reported to be extending its state of emergency by another 15 days. As well as 394 new deaths, the country reported the number of confirmed cases has risen by 3,646 (15%) from 24,926 to 28,572.
Iran death toll rises to 1,685
In Iran, the death toll rose has risen by 129 (8%) to 1,685 over the past day, and the number of cases has risen by 1,028 (5%) to 21,638. Iran’s supreme leader has refused US humanitarian assistance to fight the outbreak, citing an unfounded conspiracy theory that the virus could be man-made by America. Washington has offered to help Iran while refusing to lift crushing sanctions.
Germany sees cases jump by more than 1,000 overnight
In Germany, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen by 1,948 (12%) to 18,610, and the number of deaths has increased by nine (20%) to 55, the country’s public health institute said.
Ten more people die from virus in Indonesia
Indonesia has confirmed 10 new deaths from Covid-19 and 64 new cases, taking the respective totals to 48 and 514. On Saturday, Indonesia reported six deaths and 81 new cases.The south-east Asian country has turned its athletes village built for the 2018 Asian Games into an emergency hospital.
Number of deaths in Wales double
The number of deaths in Wales of patients who tested positive for coronavirus has more than doubled, from five to 12, the chief medical officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, said.
First deaths in Colombia, Guam, Kosovo and Romania
Colombia, Guam, Kosovo and Romania each reported their first death, with the fatality in Guam the first in the Pacific region. Palestinian officials reported the first two cases in the Gaza strip.
UK government won’t dismiss Italy-style lockdown
The UK government has refused to dismiss the idea of an Italian-style lockdown if needed to curb the further spread of the virus, amid reports that many people were out enjoying the weather on Saturday and not practising social distancing. The UK government is to write to 1.5 million people perceived as vulnerable due to underlying health conditions, urging them to stay indoors for 12 weeks.
NHS workers plead with UK PM for better protective equipment
A group of almost 4,000 NHS workers in the UK have pleaded with the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to ensure they have adequate protective equipment to deal with the coronavirus crisis. In an open letter to The Sunday Times, the medics have called on Johnson to “protect the lives of the life-savers” and resolve the “unacceptable” shortage of protective equipment.
Australia closes pubs and cinemas but schools stay open
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has announced wide ranging restrictions on businesses but has said schools will remain open. Among those affected will be clubs, hotels, pubs, entertainment venues, indoor supporting venues and places of worship. Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway only.
Russian military medics to help Italy
The Russian military is sending medical help to Italy from today, including mobile disinfection vehicles and medical specialists.
Malaysian army to enforce restrictions
Malaysia has sent the army to the streets to enforce restrictions which people appear to be defying. The country has one of the highest rates of infection in South-east Asia.
China diverts flights and Singapore bans foreigners
China is diverting all Beijing-bound international flights to other airports for checks before allowing them to continue. Singapore has banned the entry and transit of all foreigners, except those with work permits in essential services.
India imposes curfew
India has imposed a curfew from 7am to 9pm Delhi time to limit the fast-spreading coronavirus epidemic in the country, where 315 people have so far been found to have contracted the disease. “Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against the Covid-19 menace,” Modi tweeted minutes before the curfew commenced.
Huge queues in Japan as people flock to see Olympic flame
More than 50,000 people queued to see the Olympic flame in northeast Japan. Meanwhile, Olympic officials are reportedly workshopping delaying the games despite the Japanese government’s insistence it go ahead.
