Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
The British prime minister has tested positive for coronavirus
The British prime minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is exhibiting “mild symptoms”. In a video posted on Twitter, Johnson confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours. Johnson, 55, said he was now self-isolating and working from home and would continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.
Spain records highest single-day death toll
Spain recorded a new record single-day death toll. There have been 769 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 4,858. The previous record was 738, between Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The country now has 64,059 confirmed cases, up from 56,188 yesterday.
Spanish government withdraws coronavirus testing kits
The Spanish government has withdrawn 9,000 Chinese-made coronavirus testing kits from use after it emerged that they had an accurate detection rate of just 30%.
Iran cases rise to 32,332, number of deaths hits 2,378
The number of cases in Iran has risen to 32,332, while the number of deaths hits 2,378, according to the country’s health ministry.
Paris hospitals ‘to reach capacity in 48 hours’
A spike in coronavirus patients means hospitals in and around Paris will reach saturation point within 48 hours, said the head of the French Hospital Federation. The peak is not expected until April. The death toll nationwide as of Thursday evening stood at 1,696.
Covid-19 spreads across the African continent
Covid-19 continues its spread across the African continent with 3,243 cases and 83 deaths now recorded.
South Africa records first deaths from coronavirus
South Africa has reported its first deaths resulting from Covid-19, said health minister Dr Zwelini Mkhize. There are now more than 1,000 cases in the country.
UK firefighters, retired police officers and former ambulance workers drafted in
Firefighters, retired police officers and former ambulance workers are being drafted in to stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed. It comes as one in five police officers are off sick or self-isolating in areas worst hit by the virus.
