Category: Foreign

 

Spain on Monday overtook China’s total number of coronavirus cases.

However, business leaders and regional authorities criticised the government’s decision to further restrict the movement of people and keep non-essential workers at home until mid-April.

An overnight death toll of 812 people brought total fatalities in Spain to 7,340 while the number of infections rose by eight per cent to 85,195, against 81,470 in China, where the disease originated at the end of 2019.

Health emergency chief, Fernando Simon, who has been holding daily briefings on the epidemic, has tested positive for the virus, his deputy said.

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Maria Jose Sierra, who replaced Simon, said the daily infection increase had slowed since the introduction of lockdown measures to 12 per cent on average since March 25 from around 20 per cent in the March 15 to 25 periods.

As Spain awoke to its third week of a nationwide lockdown, the strictest yet, flags flew at half-mast in the capital and the surrounding region, which has been the epicentre of the epidemic.

The government said it was imposing caps on funeral prices, following reports that undertakers were taking advantage of increased demand

President Donald Trump has said federal coronavirus guidelines such as social distancing will be extended across the United States (U.S.) until at least April 30.

He had previously suggested that they could be relaxed as early as Easter, which falls in mid-April.

“The highest point of the death rate is likely to hit in two weeks,” Trump said.

He appeared to be referring to peak infection rates that experts fear could overwhelm hospitals.

White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci had earlier warned that the virus could kill up to 200,000 Americans.

Dr. Fauci said it was “entirely conceivable” that millions of Americans could eventually be infected.

The U.S. now has more than 143,000 confirmed cases.

As at on Monday morning, 2,572 deaths had been recorded in the country in relation to Covid-19, according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University.

The U.S. last week became the country with the most reported cases, ahead of Italy and China.

However, the coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on the New York Police Department (NYPD), according to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dermot Shea.

Shea told reporters that the virus had claimed the lives of three officers and infected 868 others, including 88 civilian staff members who have been quarantined.

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He added that 4,342 uniformed officers, representing 13 per cent of the force, had called out sick as of Sunday.

He stated that the number of infected officers was projected to rise to 900 by the end of Monday.

New York is the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States where the disease has infected no fewer than 141,000 persons and killed 2,300 others.

According to data compiled by the New York Times, the state had no fewer than 59,568 cases and 965 deaths as of yesterday morning.

The three NYPD members killed by the virus include a 23-year veteran identified as Detective Cedric Dixon, who died on Saturday morning.

A police plaza custodian and an administrative aide died within a 24-hour period, according to local media.

Shea said although the number of officers falling sick continued to grow, some of those infected had light effects and were “nearly ready to return to work”.

Meanwhile, officers continue to visit restaurants, bars, supermarkets, salons and public spaces to remind individuals of the ban on congregating in public spaces, according to AM New York.

China on Monday reported a drop in new coronavirus infections for a fourth day as drastic curbs on international travellers reined in the number of imported cases.

But, policymakers have turned their efforts to healing the world’s second-largest economy.

The city of Wuhan, at the centre of the outbreak, reported no new cases for a sixth day, as businesses reopened and residents set about reclaiming a more normal life after a lockdown for almost two months.

“The Wuhan International Plaza is very representative of the city.

“So its reopening really makes me feel this city is coming back to life,’’ said Zhang Yu, 29.

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The National Health Commission said Sunday’s figure of 31 new cases, including one locally transmitted infection, was down from 45 the previous day.

As infections fall, policymakers are scrambling to revitalise an economy nearly paralysed by months-long curbs to control the spread of the flu-like disease.

The central bank unexpectedly cut the interest rate on reverse repurchase agreements by 20 basis points, the largest in almost five years.

The government is pushing businesses and factories to reopen, as it rolls out fiscal and monetary stimulus to spur recovery from what is feared to be an outright economic contraction in the quarter to March.

The country has extended loans of 200 billion yuan ($28 billion) to 5,000 businesses, from 300 billion allocated to help companies as they resume work.

A lockdown to stave off a pandemic is turning into a humanitarian crisis in India.

On Monday, streets around the capital, Delhi, were filled with people walking to reach their villages in neighbouring states.

Most of them are daily-wage workers, who are now out of work after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a complete lockdown of the country on March 24 to halt the spread of coronavirus.

In the absence of money and jobs, they were desperate to reach their villages. Some found government-run buses to reach home and others just continued to walk.

Among the teeming refugees of the lockdown was a 90-year-old woman, whose family sold cheap toys at traffic lights in a suburb outside Delhi.

Kajodi was walking with her family to their native Rajasthan, some 100km (62 miles) away. They were eating biscuits and smoking beedis, – traditional hand-rolled cigarettes – to kill hunger. Leaning on a stick, she had been walking for three hours when she was met. The humiliating flight from the city had not robbed her off her pride. She said she would have bought a ticket to go home if transport was available.

Others on the road included a five-year-old boy, who was on a 700km (434 miles) journey by foot with his father, a construction worker, from Delhi to their home in Madhya Pradesh state in central India.

“When the sun sets, we will stop and sleep,” the father told journalist Barkha Dutt. Another woman walked with her husband and two-and-a-half year old daughter, her bag stuffed with food, clothes and water. “We had a place to stay, but no money to buy food,” she said.

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Then there was Rajneesh, a 26-year-old automobile worker, who was walking 250km (155 miles) to his village in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. It would take him four days, he reckoned. “We will die walking before coronavirus hits us,” the man said.

As the crisis worsened, state governments scrambled to arrange transport, shelter and food.

But trying to transport them to their villages quickly turned into another nightmare. Hundreds of thousands of workers were pressed against each other at a major bus terminal in Delhi as buses rolled in to pick them up.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal implored the workers not to leave the capital. He asked them to “stay wherever you are, because in large gatherings, you are also at risk of being infected with the coronavirus.”

He said his government would pay their rent, and announced the opening of 568 food distribution centres in the capital. Modi apologised for the lockdown “which has caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor people”, adding these “tough measures were needed to win this battle.”

Whatever the reason, Modi and state governments appeared to have bungled in not anticipating this exodus.

Modi has been extremely responsive to the plight of Indian migrant workers stranded abroad: hundreds of them have been brought back home in special flights. But the plight of workers at home struck a jarring note.

 

Our Reporter

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the message spreading on social media that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is airborne is in incorrect.

The WHO headquarters in Geneva explained this in its official twitter account @WHO.

The agency said the virus that causes COVID-19 was mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

“These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

“You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within one meter of a person who has COVID-19.

“You can be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.’’

It, however, advised people to protect themselves by practicing physical distancing.

“To protect yourself, keep at least one meter distance from others and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently.

“Regularly clean your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose’’

According to the agency, drinking alcohol does not protect people against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.

“Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems,’’ WHO warned. In another development, the WHO has emphasised the appropriate use of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), not only masks, which requires correct and rigorous behaviour from healthcare workers.

The WHO made the recommendation in scientific brief on “Modes of transmission of virus causing COVID-19: implications for IPC precaution recommendations’’, posted on the agency’s website.

The agency said health workers should use PPE, particularly in doffing procedures and hand hygiene practices to protect themselves from contacting the virus.

“WHO also recommends staff training on these recommendations as well as the adequate procurement and availability of the necessary PPE and other supplies and facilities.

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“WHO continues to emphasise the utmost importance of frequent hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and environmental cleaning and disinfection, as well as the importance of maintaining physical distances.

“The agency emphasises maintaining physical distances and avoidance of close, unprotected contact with people with fever or respiratory symptoms.’’

In addition, it said WHO would continue to recommend droplet and contact precautions for those people caring for COVID-19 patients and contact and airborne precautions for circumstances and settings in which aerosol generating procedures are performed.

Our Reporter

 

PRESIDENT Donald Trump is considering quarantining New York, Connecticut and New Jersey with a view to slowing down  the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim is to restrict travel to and from the three states, which are some of the hardest-hit by the outbreak.

“Some people would like to see New York quarantined because it’s a hotspot – New York, New Jersey maybe one or two other places, certain parts of Connecticut quarantined. I’m thinking about that right now,’ he said on Saturday.

“We might not have to do it but there’s a possibility that sometime today we’ll do a quarantine – short term – two weeks for New York, probably New Jersey, certain parts of Connecticut.”

The move would help tackle the issue other states are facing where New Yorkers are fleeing the city and traveling to other states and areas, where they are potentially risking more lives and spreading the disease further afield.

 

The Boris Johnson-led assault on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain took a twist on Friday after the prime minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that they had tested positive for the virus.

Their announcements came on a day the coronavirus death toll in the country jumped by 181 to 759 in what was described as Britain’s darkest day of the crisis yet.

Almost 3,000 more patients were diagnosed.

But Johnson vowed to keep working with messages of support flooding in for him.

More government officials including secretaries are expected to go into isolation after coming in contact with the PM following his appearance in the parliament on Wednesday.

“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this,” Johnson said on Twitter.

He was also on video, saying:  “Hi folks, I want to bring you up to speed on something that is happening today, which is that I have developed mild symptoms of coronavirus. That is to say a temperature and a persistent cough. And on the advice of the chief medical officer, I have taken a test.

“That has come out positive so I am working from home. I am self isolating. That is entirely the right thing to do.

“But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus.”

A Downing Street source said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive. In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street,” the source added.

Mr. Johnson’s pregnant partner Carrie Symonds is believed to be in self-isolation, although it is not known when they last saw each other or if she has been checked.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished him “a speedy recovery and hope his family are safe and healthy.

“Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else.”

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers of whole nation with @BorisJohnson having tested positive for coronavirus.

“We are so grateful for your strong leadership at this time of crisis and know you will back with your trademark optimism before long! Thinking of you and Carrie.”

Ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid posted: “Whole Javid family and country thinking of you @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds.

“Thank you for your strong leadership at a time of crisis. Get well soon!”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter: “Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon.

“Thank you for everything your Government is doing to help us fight this.

“This is a reminder that anyone can get #COVID19. We must all follow the rules and stay at home to support our amazing NHS staff to save lives.”

Shortly after Mr. Johnson made his status public, Hancock did same.

“I’ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating,” he said on Twitter.

The Queen, who last saw Johnson on March 11, was said to be in good health yesterday.

The 93-year-old monarch, whose son Prince Charles also has the infection, is said to be “following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty the Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw the Prime Minister on March 11 and is following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”

The UK’s coronavirus death toll went up to 759 yesterday after officials announced 181 more victims of the infection.

Almost 15,000 Britons have been infected, with 2,921 cases recorded in 24 hours.

Scotland yesterday confirmed eight more deaths, Wales six and Northern Ireland three – the rest occurred in England.

 

Spain death toll rises by 769 in single day

The Spanish Health Ministry said at least 4,858 people have died from coronavirus in Spain, with 64,285 cases recorded.

Seven hundred and sixty-nine people were recorded dead yesterday though the rate of increase was slower than in the previous two days.

On Thursday, Health Minister Salvador Illa, had said analysis of recent data from Spain indicated a “phase of stabilization” in the trend of diagnoses.

 

250,000 French citizens fined for ignoring coronavirus lockdown

NEARLY a quarter of a million French citizens have been fined for ignoring the government’s strict coronavirus lockdown rules.

French authorities said on Thursday that 365 people had been killed by the novel coronavirus within 24 hours, taking the hospital death toll to 1,696.

Nearly a quarter of a million French people have also been fined for flouting the government’s strict instructions to stay at home amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic, according to Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

“Police have fined more than 225,000 people for non-respect of the confinement measures,” Mr Castaner said.

He added: “The lockdown should remain in place until we have won the battle against the virus.”

Restaurants, bars, shops, beauty salons and schools have been shut nationwide and people ordered to stay at home other than to buy food, medicines, travel to work, exercise or for urgent medical care.

 

Deaths in Italy rise by 919, highest daily tally since start of outbreak

Italy which has the highest number of confirmed cases in Europe yesterday recorded total deaths of 919 -the highest daily tally since the epidemic broke out on February 21.

The death toll in the country now stands at 9,134, the Civil Protection Agency said yesterday.

Until now the highest daily tally was the 793 recorded on March 21.

The total number of confirmed cases rose to 86,498 from a previous 80,539, taking Italy’s total past that of China, where the coronavirus epidemic emerged at the end of last year.

 

 

 

THE United States (U.S.) government yesterday indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials on charges of “narco-terrorism,” the latest escalation of the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against the socialist leader.

The State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maduro, who has been in power since 2013.

Attorney General William Barr announced the charges against Maduro, who already faces U.S. sanctions and has been the target of a U.S. effort aimed at pushing him from power.

Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

Barr accused Maduro and his associates of conspiring with a dissident faction of the leftist Colombian guerrilla group FARC “to flood the United States with cocaine.”

“While the Venezuelan people suffer, this cabal…lines their pockets,” Barr said of Maduro and the more than a dozen others who were indicted. They include Venezuela’s defense minister and the chief justice of the country’s Supreme Court.

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The indictment, a rare U.S. action against a sitting foreign head of state, marks a serious escalation against Maduro by Washington at a time when some U.S. officials have privately said President Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with the results of his Venezuela policy.

The United States and dozens of other countries have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s legitimate president. But Maduro has remained in power, backed by the country’s military and by Russia, China and Cuba.

U.S. officials have long accused Maduro and his associates or running a “narco-state,” saying they have used drug trafficking proceeds to make up for lost revenue from a Venezuelan oil sector heavily sanctioned by the United States.

The indicments were unsealed in New York, Florida and Washington.