Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Wuhan death toll revised up 50%
Wuhan’s prevention and control taskforce have revised the death toll in Wuhan upwards by 50%, from 2,579 to 3,869. The updated figure comes after weeks of scepticism about the reported death toll, as other countries have seen fatalities reach more than 10,000.
China’s GDP shrinks 6.8% in March quarter
China has reported its first ever quarterly contraction at 6.8%, its slowest pace on record. China’s economy has not recorded a contraction since 1992 when the country began publishing quarterly GDP data. In 2019, China already posted its slowest growth in almost 30 years. Human Rights Watch meanwhile warned of the “tremendous danger” of virus resurgence in China due to Beijing’s censorship and suppression during the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump issues state guidelines for reopening US
The US president has unveiled a roadmap to reopening the economy but ultimately deferred to governors on when and how to return their states to normal. The “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” involve three phases, each dependent on states meeting certain criteria. Trump said states that meet phase one criteria can reopen on Friday, and that 29 states will reopen “relatively soon”. The guidelines do not include a firm target date. However, Trump’s strategy leaves many unanswered questions.
Global coronavirus cases pass 2.1 million
The total number of coronavirus cases across the world has reached at least 2,158,250, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of cases registered globally passed 1.5 million on 9 April. Deaths have passed 144,000.
The IMF predicts zero growth in Latin America and Caribbean for decade to 2025
The International Monetary Fund on Thursday said the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, combined with other problems in recent years, meant Latin America and the Caribbean would likely see “no growth” in the decade from 2015 to 2025. The projection comes after the organisation said economies in Asia will see zero growth this year for the first time in 60 years.
Pandemic turning into a ‘child-rights crisis’, UN warns
The social and economic impact is potentially catastrophic for millions of children, according to a UN report launched on Thursday. It said Covid-19 was turning into a broader child-rights crisis that could lead to hundreds of thousands additional child deaths in 2020, in effect reversing the past two to three years of progress
Myanmar to release 25,000 prisoners amid virus fears
More than a quarter of Myanmar’s prison population is to be released, the president’s office announced on Friday, as calls grow to ease pressure on overcrowded jails with coronavirus fears gripping the country.
Third Japanese cabinet official tests positive
Japan’s cabinet said on Friday an official had tested positive, making him the third case among officials at the cabinet office. The case comes as Japan expanded a state of emergency to cover all regions. The move allows local municipalities to urge people to stay inside, but without punitive measures or legal force.
