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UK coronavirus live: lockdown measures will be in place for 'significant period', says Gove Number of NHS volunteers hits 750,000; Labour MP and doctor Rosena Allin-Khan says Boris Johnson should self-isolate for 14 daysBoris Johnson to warn: tougher lockdown may be necessaryMichael Gove appears to blame China over lack of UK coronavirus testingFirst working NHS surgeon dies from coronavirusCoronavirus – latest global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.45pm BSTWe may be isolating and avoiding non-essential travel and contact, but the coronavirus lockdown presents a unique opportunity to attract wildlife to your doorstep, here’s how:During the fine weather of the past week or so, my garden has been alive with the sounds of spring. From my office window I can hear the ...

Care homes refusing to take in patients ready to leave NHS hospitals Bosses say it would be madness to expose elderly residents and staff to coronavirus riskCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageCare home managers are refusing to accept elderly people discharged from NHS hospitals owing to coronavirus fears, and one has said government-issued protective equipment for residents and staff is “completely useless”.David Steedman, the manager of Arlington House care home in Sussex, said he had five empty rooms but he was not taking in people discharged from hospital as it would be “madness” to expose residents and staff to the risk of infection. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: Trump appears to back down on New York 'quarantine' President had triggered confusion and alarm, with New York governor responding that sealing off state would be ‘federal declaration of war’; meanwhile more than 10,000 have died in Italy. Follow the latest updatesCoronavirus latest: at a glanceDeaths in Italy pass 10,000Patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rateSee all our coronavirus coverage 6.42am BSTSingapore has reported its third death from Covid-19.The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 70 year-old male Singapore citizen with no recent travel history to affected places, died on Sunday. Related: 'We can't let up': Hong Kong battles complacency amid new wave of Covid-19 6.04am BSTThailand has 143 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total ...

Boris Johnson to warn UK: tougher lockdown may be necessary Outbreak will get worse before it gets better, PM tells nation as death toll hits 1,000Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson will warn every household in Britain that the coronavirus outbreak is likely to worsen and that he is prepared to tighten the nation’s lockdown, after the UK suffered the biggest daily increase in its death toll.The country’s 30 million households will receive a letter from the prime minister cautioning them that the worst is still ahead, along with details of the government’s orders on social distancing, symptoms and handwashing, as ministers battle to prepare the NHS for the coming surge in cases. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: stricken cruise ship granted passage along Panama canal Mali records first death ahead of election and Trump considers New York quarantine. Follow the latest updatesCoronavirus latest: at a glanceDeaths in Italy pass 10,000Patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rateSee all our coronavirus coverage 11.55pm GMTI’ll be handing over to my colleagues in Australia shortly, but before I go, here’s a summary of the key coronavirus developments in the last few hours: 11.18pm GMTBritons stranded in New Zealand are facing costs of £40,000 to return home, my colleague Mark Townsend reported. Those stranded say they have been left without guidance or assistance after the UK embassy and consular services in New Zealand abruptly closed their doors las...

Coronavirus deaths in Italy pass 10,000 with 889 new fatalities But experts suggest that the peak of the epidemic in the country may be approaching Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe number of deaths from the coronavirus in Italy has passed 10,000 while the number of total cases is more than 90,000.On Saturday, Italy announced 889 new deaths from Covid-19, as total fatalities leapt to 10,023. But this was a fall from Friday, when the country recorded its highest daily rise in Covid-19 deaths, with 969 new fatalities. Continue reading... Go to Source

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's leave from prison to be extended by two weeks British-Iranian’s release from jail in Tehran, due to Covid-19 outbreak, now runs until 18 AprilCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s husband has said her temporary leave from prison in Iran has been extended.Richard Ratcliffe said his wife’s father had been told that her temporary release from Evin prison in Tehran - granted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic - had been extended by two weeks and would now run until April 18. Continue reading... Go to Source

'The more vaccine projects we have, the better our chances' Leading scientist Adam Finn warns of stumbles along the way to Covid-19 immunisationThe chances of an individual Covid-19 vaccine project producing a successful outcome are low, one of Britain’s leading immunisation experts has warned. “Science does not have a track record where most of our vaccine projects work,” Professor Adam Finn, of Bristol University said last week. “We have a track record where most of them don’t work.”Finn’s warning came as doctors and epidemiologists stressed how difficult it would be to contain the disease until people can be immunised against it. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: Britain will have 'done well' to keep deaths under 20,000 - medical director All the day’s developments in the UK Covid-19 crisisPM and Hancock self-isolatingBoris Johnson accused of Covid-19 complacencyCoronavirus – latest global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 5.26pm GMTThat’s it from us here on the UK side. Head over to our global live blog for all the latest worldwide coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Related: Coronavirus live news: Spanish authorities hope cases peaking as global number exceeds 600,000 5.25pm GMT Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: Cases in Italy overtake China, US infections pass 100,000 Trump invokes Defence Protection Act; Syria introduces travel restrictions; The UK, Spain, Italy see biggest daily rise in deaths. Follow the latest updatesCoronavirus latest: at a glanceItaly records 969 coronavirus deaths dashing hopes of turnaroundAustralia coronavirus – live updatesCovid-19 workers in Spain: ‘You can feel the fear in the air’See all our coronavirus coverage 5.47am GMTNSW Health have also revealed that more than 100 Australian doctors and dentists, who were stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of Chile, have today returned to Australia. 5.46am GMTChina’s official media told people to stay on guard against the coronavirus on Saturday, and restrictions on foreign...

'Nonchalant': Boris Johnson accused of Covid-19 complacency Government ‘too slow to act’ and ministers have failed to lead by example, health experts sayCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson was accused of failing to heed his own advice to the public over how to contain coronavirus on Friday as it emerged that he and other key government figures had themselves contracted Covid-19.On a day of extraordinary developments at the heart of the operation to counter the virus, both the prime minister and health secretary, Matt Hancock, said they had tested positive. The chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, also reported symptoms and went into self-isolation. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: record rise in Italy death toll as Irish PM tells people to stay home for two weeks Varadkar brings in new restrictions; Spain records highest daily death toll; British prime minister Boris Johnson tests positiveCoronavirus latest: at a glanceItaly records 969 coronavirus deaths dashing hopes of turnaroundUS coronavirus – liveCovid-19 workers in Spain: ‘You can feel the fear in the air’See all our coronavirus coverage 10.13pm GMTAfter many delays, and then a series of tweets earlier today, US President Donald Trump is invoking the Defense Production Act to compel General Motors to built ventilators for hospitals, he announced at the White House’s daily coronavirus briefing, he announced at a White House briefing.The Defense Production Act g...

Frontline NHS staff first to receive new Covid-19 antigen tests Tests due next week will confirm whether self-isolating healthcare workers can return to workCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageTests for healthcare workers will be rolled out next week, allowing them to confirm whether they have been infected or are safe to work, the government has announced.Michael Gove – standing in for the prime minister at the daily briefing after Boris Johnson was diagnosed with Covid-19 – said the testing was being trialled immediately, and that hundreds were expected to be able to access the tests over the weekend. The country would see a “dramatic” increase in testing next week, he added. Continue reading... Go to Source

Police acknowledge confusion over UK lockdown rules New guidance issued as forces urge people not to visit beaches and beauty spots this weekendCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA police chief has admitted there is confusion around the government’s lockdown rules, even as forces vow to deter people from visiting beauty spots and beaches this weekend.Police said the Lake District was closed, and officers across Britain were patrolling to stop gatherings of more than two people. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus and volunteering: how can I help in the UK? From lending a hand to local charities to bolstering the efforts of the NHS, there are many ways to get involvedAll our coronavirus coverageI want to help. Where can I find about about volunteering?There are plenty of ways to get involved. Many local charities will be keen to attract new volunteers – especially as older stalwarts are forced to stay at home. Or there are national schemes, such as NHS volunteer responders. Some bigger charities, such as the Trussell Trust food bank network, have set up their own online schemes to match volunteers with food banks in their area. Local volunteer centres and organisations such as Volunteering Matters and Do-it can link you up with charities close to where you live. Reach Volunteeri...

UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson tests positive for Covid-19 All the day’s developments from the UK Covid-19 crisis Coronavirus: latest global updatesBoris Johnson tests positive for Covid-19Millions in UK to need food aid in days as virus exposes state of supplyMike Ashley apologises for trying to keep Sports Direct shops openSee all our coronavirus coverage 11.56am GMTAnd here is some reaction from fellow politicians, wishing the Prime Minister and his family well following the news that he has tested positive for coronavirus.From the former foreign secretary, Jeremy HuntThoughts 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 o...

Coronavirus live news: US infections outnumber China as Australia announces quarantine plan China closes borders; UK records biggest daily rise in deaths; South Africa enters military-patrolled lockdown. Follow the latest updates.Coronavirus latest – at a glanceUS now has more cases than any other countrySpain defends response to coronavirus as global cases exceed 500,000Men are much more likely to die from Covid-19. But why?See all our coronavirus coverage 5.54am GMT Related: China prepares to seal itself off from the world to stem 'imported' coronavirus cases 5.51am GMTUS electric car maker Tesla plans to slash on-site staff at its Nevada battery plant by around 75% due to the coronavirus pandemic, the local county manager said on Thursday. Continue reading... Go to Source

US surpasses China for highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the world During a press briefing today, Donald Trump said the dates for reopening sections of the country were under discussionCoronavirus – live US updatesLive global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDonald Trump again struggled to reassure a fearful nation on Thursday as it emerged the US now has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world.News that America had surpassed virus hotspots China and Italy with 82,404 cases of infection, according to a tracker run by Johns Hopkins University, broke as the president was holding a press conference at the White House. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus: UK offers self-employed 80% of earnings Those earning £50,000 or less must wait until June to receive up to £2,500 a monthCoronavirus – latest UK updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSelf-employed people must wait until June to get 80% of their earnings covered by the state, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month for three months, in response to the coronavirus crisis.The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said the plan would be backdated to March and cover those earning up to £50,000, or 95% of the self-employed. It was “one of the most generous schemes anywhere in the world” and ended weeks of uncertainty for those who work for themselves, he said. Payments are set to be made to up to 3.8 million people. Continue reading... Go to Source

Millions of Britons clap for carers on coronavirus frontline People take to doorsteps, balconies and windows to show appreciation for health workersCoronavirus – latest UK updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAt 8pm on Thursday, as darkness fell across the UK, millions of people stood at their front doors and open windows, in gardens and on balconies, to raise a thunder of gratitude for those working on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.With the hashtags #clapforourcarers and #thankyouNHS trending all day on social media, a nation that has been – messily, desperately – embracing technology as isolation guidance grows ever stricter was able to do something physical, in the open air, and the collective release was noisy and joyful. Continue reading... G...

Nurses sent to London as capital faces ‘tsunami’ of virus patients Plan for England comes as total number of reported deaths in the UK rises to 578Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageNurses will be transferred to London from other parts of England under NHS plans to help hospitals in the capital facing a “tsunami” of Covid-19 patients within days, the Guardian has learned.What do the restrictions involve? Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus US live: US now has more cases than any other country US now has 82,404 confirmed cases, according to trackerNew York governor rails at Congress for lack of aidAfter surviving Katrina, New Orleans battles Covid-19Record 3.3 million Americans file for unemploymentSee all our coronavirus coverageSupport the Guardian’s independent journalism. Make a contribution 11.42pm GMTAdvocates for American workers praised a “historic” increase in unemployment benefits included in an emergency $2tn relief package approved by the US Senate, which will offer special “pandemic unemployment” to gig workers, self-employed workers, and some people forced to leave their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis. Related: '$1,200 isn't enough': what a $2tn relief bill me...

How the UK plans to source 30,000 ventilators for the NHS New designs, scaling up of existing production and imports in progress to treat Covid-19Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government is pursuing a three-pronged strategy to source 30,000 ventilators for the NHS to treat Covid-19 patients, ordering newly designed models, scaling up production of existing ones and importing machines from overseas.The defence firm Babcock joined the engineering company Dyson on Thursday in revealing plans for an entirely new medical ventilator working to specifications set by the government. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: London hospitals seeing 'continuous tsunami' of patients, says NHS leader Rolling coverage of all the latest UK coronavirus developmentsCoronavirus - latest global updatesUniversal credit claims ‘almost impossible’ as 500,000 applyMen are much more likely to die from Covid-19. But why?UK healthcare workers: the protection they need and what they haveRead all our coronavirus coverage 11.43am GMTMore than 1,000 people have contacted MPs to raise concerns about being told to continue travelling into work despite the government’s plea for them to stay at home. Office and call centre workers, TV engineers, and estate agents are among the workers who have replied to an appeal for information by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee (BEIS...

Coronavirus live news: Third of world population under lockdown as global deaths pass 21,000 WTO warns economic impact will be worse than 2008; Spanish death toll higher than China’s; Prince Charles tests positive. Follow the latest updates. Coronavirus latest: at a glanceCoronavirus key questions: everything you need to knowTokyo and Hong Kong brace amid fears of fresh wave of casesDeath toll in Spain overtakes China as lockdowns extend around globeSee all our coronavirus coverage 5.58am GMTWalk in for your 8am shift: Immediately struck by how the calm of the early morning city streets is immediately transformed. The bright fluorescent lights of the ER reflect off everyone's protective goggles. There is a cacophony of coughing. You stop. Mask up. Walk in.You immediately assess th...

'Confusion reigns': life inside Hong Kong's coronavirus quarantine centres As the region battles a second wave of infections, people who have had contact with confirmed cases are being herded into confinementCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAround eight o’ clock in the morning the doorbell of the tiny single room blares, announcing at obscene volume the arrival of breakfast. The person who delivered it is long gone by the time the door opens.Inside the occupant looks out the window to the grounds of the complex that they aren’t allowed to visit. They wonder how long they have to stay locked up, because no one has told them. Continue reading... Go to Source

US Senate passes historic $2tn relief package as coronavirus devastates economy Record-breaking bailout comes after days of round the clock negotiationsDeal includes checks for Americans and loans for businesses Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe US Senate has passed a $2.2tn emergency relief package as the coronavirus pandemic devastates the economy, marking the biggest rescue deal of its kind in US history.“This is a strange and evil disease,” said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer ahead of the vote. “When we pass this bill, instead of hugging each other, we’ll wave from a distance.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Banks warned against profiteering from UK coronavirus crisis Labour MP Chris Bryant accuses lenders of charging excessive interest ratesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBritish companies, including major banks, have been warned against profiteering from the coronavirus crisis and told to pass on the benefits of historic stimulus measures to their customers.The Labour MP Chris Bryant has accused UK banks of taking advantage of the surge in demand for emergency loans, despite interest rate cuts and major government-backed borrowing schemes for struggling businesses. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK government fends off criticism with plan to pay self-employed Rishi Sunak pressured into measures amid fears coronavirus will trigger unemployment crisisThe chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is expected to announce that the taxpayer will pay self-employed workers up to 80% of their recent earnings to help contain the economic impact of coronavirus, as 470,000 extra benefits claims sparked warnings of an “unemployment crisis”.Sunak has been under growing pressure to do more for the UK’s 5 million self-employed after announcing an unprecedented job retention scheme for employees last Friday, that will see thousands paid to stay at home. Continue reading... Go to Source

England: police to get power to use force to impose coronavirus lockdown Proposals would allow use of ‘reasonable force’ if people refuse to go homeCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePolice will be authorised to use force to send people back home if they refuse to obey the coronavirus lockdown, under government plans.Ministers will issue fuller details by Thursday of how police will enforce the lockdown ordered by the prime minister on Monday, aimed at stopping the spread of the virus by keeping people apart. Continue reading... Go to Source