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Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez hallows EU to temporarily host some evacuated Afghan nationals in Spain

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez hallows EU to temporarily host some evacuated Afghan nationals in Spain


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his government’s intention to temporarily host evacuated Afghan nationals who have worked for the European Union.

“Spain offers the high representative of the EU Josep Borrell to temporarily host Afghans who have worked for the European Union, before they are distributed among the member states,” Sánchez tweeted Tuesday.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come after a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan.

In an earlier statement, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Member States would make “every possible effort” to ensure the security of all Afghan nationals who have worked with the EU, including offering them shelter within Europe.


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his government’s intention to temporarily host evacuated Afghan nationals who have worked for the European Union.

“Spain offers the high representative of the EU Josep Borrell to temporarily host Afghans who have worked for the European Union, before they are distributed among the member states,” Sánchez tweeted Tuesday.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come after a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan.

In an earlier statement, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Member States would make “every possible effort” to ensure the security of all Afghan nationals who have worked with the EU, including offering them shelter within Europe.

Madrid court rejects partial lockdown as 'harmful to basic rights'

Madrid court rejects partial lockdown as 'harmful to basic rights'

Luxembourg's Gramegna announces bid to lead Eurogroup body of eurozone finance minister

Luxembourg's Gramegna announces bid to lead Eurogroup body of eurozone finance minister

Ireland, Spain ministers also eye top eurozone job


Luxembourg's Gramegna 
Luxembourg's Pierre Gramegna on Thursday announced his bid to lead the Eurogroup, which brings together eurozone finance ministers who help to guide European economic policy.

Also Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe on Thursday threw their hats into the leadership ring , joining Spain’s Economy Minister Nadia Calviño as official candidates to head the powerful bloc of 19 nations using Europe’s single currency.

"Today’s momentous challenges require consensus and compromise between all Eurozone members - small or large, North to South and East to West..." said the veteran finance minister from the small EU country.
"I will use my six-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task," he added.
The person eventually named president of the Eurogroup faces a mammoth task chaperoning the eurozone through what is predicted to be Europe’s deepest recession in a century, as the coronavirus ravages economies around the world.



Portugal’s Mario Centeno announced on June 11 that he was stepping down as Eurogroup president after completing his 2.5-year term.

Should she be named, Calviño — a respected economist well known to European Union officials for her years of work at the European Commission — would be the first woman to hold the job.

Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe
Donohoe pledged that “if elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens.”

In a tweet just before the deadline for submitting candidates expired, Gramegna said: “I will use my 6-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task.”

“Today’s momentous challenges require consensus and compromise between all eurozone members - small or large,” he said.

Eurogroup finance ministers will discuss the candidates’ merits at their next video meeting on July 9. Presidents are elected by a simple majority vote. Centeno will step down three days later.

“We will strike the right balance, but with one idea in mind, to elect a president that can handle all goals and challenges in the coming months and years. The choice will not be trivial, it will be of high quality,” Centeno said earlier this month.

The Eurogroup’s main task is to ensure the close coordination of economic policies among the 19 member countries. While an unofficial body in EU terms, it remains extremely powerful and its image was badly tainted in Greece for its handling of the country’s debt crisis.

The candidacy of Calviño, who is also one of the four deputy prime ministers in Spain’s left-wing coalition government, had been rumored for weeks. She worked for 12 years at the bloc’s executive commission; four of them in charge of the EU budget.

Since joining Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez’s Cabinet, she has been a staunch defender of economic orthodoxy and often perceived as a moderate counterbalance to the anti-austerity approach of the coalition government’s small partner, Pablo Iglesias’ Unidas Podemos (United We Can).


AFP/AP

Ireland, Spain ministers also eye top eurozone job


Luxembourg's Gramegna 
Luxembourg's Pierre Gramegna on Thursday announced his bid to lead the Eurogroup, which brings together eurozone finance ministers who help to guide European economic policy.

Also Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe on Thursday threw their hats into the leadership ring , joining Spain’s Economy Minister Nadia Calviño as official candidates to head the powerful bloc of 19 nations using Europe’s single currency.

"Today’s momentous challenges require consensus and compromise between all Eurozone members - small or large, North to South and East to West..." said the veteran finance minister from the small EU country.
"I will use my six-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task," he added.
The person eventually named president of the Eurogroup faces a mammoth task chaperoning the eurozone through what is predicted to be Europe’s deepest recession in a century, as the coronavirus ravages economies around the world.



Portugal’s Mario Centeno announced on June 11 that he was stepping down as Eurogroup president after completing his 2.5-year term.

Should she be named, Calviño — a respected economist well known to European Union officials for her years of work at the European Commission — would be the first woman to hold the job.

Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe
Donohoe pledged that “if elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens.”

In a tweet just before the deadline for submitting candidates expired, Gramegna said: “I will use my 6-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task.”

“Today’s momentous challenges require consensus and compromise between all eurozone members - small or large,” he said.

Eurogroup finance ministers will discuss the candidates’ merits at their next video meeting on July 9. Presidents are elected by a simple majority vote. Centeno will step down three days later.

“We will strike the right balance, but with one idea in mind, to elect a president that can handle all goals and challenges in the coming months and years. The choice will not be trivial, it will be of high quality,” Centeno said earlier this month.

The Eurogroup’s main task is to ensure the close coordination of economic policies among the 19 member countries. While an unofficial body in EU terms, it remains extremely powerful and its image was badly tainted in Greece for its handling of the country’s debt crisis.

The candidacy of Calviño, who is also one of the four deputy prime ministers in Spain’s left-wing coalition government, had been rumored for weeks. She worked for 12 years at the bloc’s executive commission; four of them in charge of the EU budget.

Since joining Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez’s Cabinet, she has been a staunch defender of economic orthodoxy and often perceived as a moderate counterbalance to the anti-austerity approach of the coalition government’s small partner, Pablo Iglesias’ Unidas Podemos (United We Can).


AFP/AP

COVID-19: France, Spain move toward reopening as global virus cases pass four million

COVID-19: France, Spain move toward reopening as global virus cases pass four million

People in France and Spain, two of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, were preparing Sunday for an easing of lockdown rules as the global number of infections surpassed four million.

In the US, the country with the world's highest death toll, President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from his predecessor Barack Obama who said on a leaked tape that Trump's handling of the crisis was an "absolute chaotic disaster".

The virus has claimed more than 78,000 lives in the United States, which has recorded more than 1.3 million infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Worldwide, the death toll has surged past 277,000 and the number of coronavirus cases surpassed four million on Saturday, according to an AFP tally. Lockdowns and economic disruption, meanwhile, have pushed millions into unemployment in a historic global downturn.

Amid the barrage of deaths, some European countries cited signs of progress they said justified taking slow steps back toward some version of normality.

French officials on Saturday said the day's death toll of 80 was the lowest since early April. Nursing home fatalities also fell sharply as France prepared to relax curbs on public movement imposed eight weeks ago.

The easing, to begin Monday, has brought mixed reactions.

"I've been scared to death" about the reopening, said Maya Flandin, a bookshop manager from Lyon. "It's a big responsibility to have to protect my staff and my customers."

French health officials warned that "the epidemic remains active and is evolving", and a state of emergency was extended to July 10.

In Spain, about half the population will be allowed out on Monday for limited socialization, and restaurants will be able to offer some outdoor service as the country begins a phased transition set to last through June.

Fears lingered, however, of a viral resurgence if restrictions are lifted too quickly, and authorities excluded Madrid and Barcelona, two COVID-19 hotspots, from the first-phase easing.

"The virus has not gone away," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned.

Belgium is easing some restrictions on Monday, and in some parts of Germany bars and restaurants reopened on Saturday with further easing set for Monday.

One district in Germany's western North Rhine-Westphalia state remained locked down, however, after an outbreak at a slaughterhouse.

Overall, the situation in Europe was still far from normal.

Britain is reportedly planning to announce on Sunday that all overseas visitors will face a mandatory two-week quarantine, and the European Union warned against opening borders to travellers from outside the bloc.

Across Europe, commemorations marking 75 years since Nazi Germany's surrender were cancelled or scaled down.

In Russia, a soaring number of coronavirus infections forced Moscow on Saturday to pare back traditionally rousing World War II victory celebrations. President Vladimir Putin instead gave a solemn speech at a memorial outside the Kremlin walls, without mentioning the coronavirus.

Russia is now the fifth hardest-hit country, with nearly 200,000 confirmed infections and a rapidly rising caseload.

- 'Phenomenal' recovery? -

Global economic figures are pointing to the most acute downturn in nearly a century as the pandemic forced businesses to shutter and badly disrupted supply lines.

Trump, facing re-election in November, has insisted next year would be "phenomenal" for the US economy, urging reopening in a country where the coronavirus continues to claim well over 1,000 lives daily.

The United States alone lost an unprecedented 20.5 million jobs in April, driving the unemployment rate to 14.7 percent -- the highest level since the Great Depression of the last century.

The numbers came as a leaked audio emerged in which former president Obama launched a scathing attack on Trump's handling of the crisis.

In the recording, first obtained by Yahoo News, Obama urges former staffers to rally behind his former vice president, Joe Biden, who is preparing to take on Trump at the polls.

The US response to the crisis, Obama said, "would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster" under the current administration.

- 'Fear in my heart' -

In Pakistan, the world's fifth most-populous country, the government ended the lockdown on Saturday and locals streamed into markets and shops, despite still-high infection rates.

"We are happy with this decision, but at the same time I have a fear in my heart that if this disease spreads it could be devastating," said Tehmina Sattar, shopping with her sister and sons in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile Brazil, the country hardest-hit by coronavirus in Latin America, passed the milestone of 10,000 deaths on Saturday. It has now recorded 10,627 deaths and 155,939 infections, the Ministry of Health said.

With its auto manufacturing industry idle and other economic indicators in the red, a government minister warned this week the country faced "economic collapse" if lockdowns continue.

Dire data from many countries has further dampened the already grim global outlook, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saying it had been too optimistic when it predicted the world economy would contract by three percent this year.

"Incoming economic data for many countries is below our already pessimistic assessment for 2020," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, whose organisation is fielding dozens of requests for emergency loans.

- US-China feud -

The virus has prompted widespread soul-searching. China, facing intense criticism over its handling of the crisis, was the latest to admit to an inadequate response.

"The novel coronavirus outbreak was a big test that revealed China still has shortcomings in its major epidemic prevention and control system (and) public health systems," Li Bin, deputy director of the National Health Commission, said Saturday.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China for being secretive when the virus first emerged in the city of Wuhan late last year.

The feud spread to the UN Security Council on Friday, where the US -- reportedly out of frustration with China and the World Health Organization -- prevented a vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in various conflicts to allow officials to focus on the pandemic.

burs-acb/bfm
People in France and Spain, two of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, were preparing Sunday for an easing of lockdown rules as the global number of infections surpassed four million.

In the US, the country with the world's highest death toll, President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from his predecessor Barack Obama who said on a leaked tape that Trump's handling of the crisis was an "absolute chaotic disaster".

The virus has claimed more than 78,000 lives in the United States, which has recorded more than 1.3 million infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Worldwide, the death toll has surged past 277,000 and the number of coronavirus cases surpassed four million on Saturday, according to an AFP tally. Lockdowns and economic disruption, meanwhile, have pushed millions into unemployment in a historic global downturn.

Amid the barrage of deaths, some European countries cited signs of progress they said justified taking slow steps back toward some version of normality.

French officials on Saturday said the day's death toll of 80 was the lowest since early April. Nursing home fatalities also fell sharply as France prepared to relax curbs on public movement imposed eight weeks ago.

The easing, to begin Monday, has brought mixed reactions.

"I've been scared to death" about the reopening, said Maya Flandin, a bookshop manager from Lyon. "It's a big responsibility to have to protect my staff and my customers."

French health officials warned that "the epidemic remains active and is evolving", and a state of emergency was extended to July 10.

In Spain, about half the population will be allowed out on Monday for limited socialization, and restaurants will be able to offer some outdoor service as the country begins a phased transition set to last through June.

Fears lingered, however, of a viral resurgence if restrictions are lifted too quickly, and authorities excluded Madrid and Barcelona, two COVID-19 hotspots, from the first-phase easing.

"The virus has not gone away," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned.

Belgium is easing some restrictions on Monday, and in some parts of Germany bars and restaurants reopened on Saturday with further easing set for Monday.

One district in Germany's western North Rhine-Westphalia state remained locked down, however, after an outbreak at a slaughterhouse.

Overall, the situation in Europe was still far from normal.

Britain is reportedly planning to announce on Sunday that all overseas visitors will face a mandatory two-week quarantine, and the European Union warned against opening borders to travellers from outside the bloc.

Across Europe, commemorations marking 75 years since Nazi Germany's surrender were cancelled or scaled down.

In Russia, a soaring number of coronavirus infections forced Moscow on Saturday to pare back traditionally rousing World War II victory celebrations. President Vladimir Putin instead gave a solemn speech at a memorial outside the Kremlin walls, without mentioning the coronavirus.

Russia is now the fifth hardest-hit country, with nearly 200,000 confirmed infections and a rapidly rising caseload.

- 'Phenomenal' recovery? -

Global economic figures are pointing to the most acute downturn in nearly a century as the pandemic forced businesses to shutter and badly disrupted supply lines.

Trump, facing re-election in November, has insisted next year would be "phenomenal" for the US economy, urging reopening in a country where the coronavirus continues to claim well over 1,000 lives daily.

The United States alone lost an unprecedented 20.5 million jobs in April, driving the unemployment rate to 14.7 percent -- the highest level since the Great Depression of the last century.

The numbers came as a leaked audio emerged in which former president Obama launched a scathing attack on Trump's handling of the crisis.

In the recording, first obtained by Yahoo News, Obama urges former staffers to rally behind his former vice president, Joe Biden, who is preparing to take on Trump at the polls.

The US response to the crisis, Obama said, "would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster" under the current administration.

- 'Fear in my heart' -

In Pakistan, the world's fifth most-populous country, the government ended the lockdown on Saturday and locals streamed into markets and shops, despite still-high infection rates.

"We are happy with this decision, but at the same time I have a fear in my heart that if this disease spreads it could be devastating," said Tehmina Sattar, shopping with her sister and sons in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile Brazil, the country hardest-hit by coronavirus in Latin America, passed the milestone of 10,000 deaths on Saturday. It has now recorded 10,627 deaths and 155,939 infections, the Ministry of Health said.

With its auto manufacturing industry idle and other economic indicators in the red, a government minister warned this week the country faced "economic collapse" if lockdowns continue.

Dire data from many countries has further dampened the already grim global outlook, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saying it had been too optimistic when it predicted the world economy would contract by three percent this year.

"Incoming economic data for many countries is below our already pessimistic assessment for 2020," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, whose organisation is fielding dozens of requests for emergency loans.

- US-China feud -

The virus has prompted widespread soul-searching. China, facing intense criticism over its handling of the crisis, was the latest to admit to an inadequate response.

"The novel coronavirus outbreak was a big test that revealed China still has shortcomings in its major epidemic prevention and control system (and) public health systems," Li Bin, deputy director of the National Health Commission, said Saturday.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China for being secretive when the virus first emerged in the city of Wuhan late last year.

The feud spread to the UN Security Council on Friday, where the US -- reportedly out of frustration with China and the World Health Organization -- prevented a vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in various conflicts to allow officials to focus on the pandemic.

burs-acb/bfm

Spanish death toll rises by 325 to more than 24,000

Spanish death toll rises by 325 to more than 24,000

Profile Picture
The European nation has reported 24,275 deaths, so far. The latest 325 deaths from the novel coronavirus overnight, up from 301 reported the previous day, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The overall death toll from the virus, however, rose by 453 on Tuesday, it said, adding that some of the additional cases were from the previous days. 

The number of diagnosed cases rose by 2,144 from Tuesday to 212,917, the ministry said.
Profile Picture
The European nation has reported 24,275 deaths, so far. The latest 325 deaths from the novel coronavirus overnight, up from 301 reported the previous day, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The overall death toll from the virus, however, rose by 453 on Tuesday, it said, adding that some of the additional cases were from the previous days. 

The number of diagnosed cases rose by 2,144 from Tuesday to 212,917, the ministry said.

Spain eases lockdown as hopes rise of pandemic peak

Spain eases lockdown as hopes rise of pandemic peak

Madrid (AFP) - Spain reopened parts of its coronavirus-stricken economy on Monday as slowing death tolls in some of the worst-hit countries boosted hopes the outbreak may be peaking and lockdowns could soon be eased.

Watched by a world that wants to temper a brutal pandemic-induced recession, Spain allowed factory and construction staff to go back to work, while police handed out free masks on the metro.

But there were warnings that lifting curbs too soon could unleash a second wave of COVID-19, with China, where the virus emerged late last year, recording its highest number of cases in weeks -- most of them imported.

French President Emmanuel Macron was set to tell the nation that its lockdown would stay in place for several more weeks, while India braced for an extension of restrictions for its 1.3 billion people.

More than half of the planet's population is staying home as part of efforts to stem the spread of the virus, which has now killed at least 114,000 people and infected over 1.8 million, overwhelming healthcare systems and crippling the world economy.

Yet there is cautious optimism the curve may be starting to flatten. Spain's death toll fell again on Monday with 517 fatalities, plus the lowest daily figure of new confirmed infections since March 20.

Britain, France and the US also saw a drop in daily COVID-19 deaths, along with Italy which reported its lowest fatalities in three weeks.

Governments are facing increasing pressure ease lockdown restrictions to keep economies from total collapse while ensuring citizens stay safe.

US President Donald Trump said Monday top oil producers could cut production by 20 million barrels per day after nations reached a landmark deal to prop up prices hammered by the coronavirus crisis.

- 'Amazing' mask handout -

Police in Madrid handed out face masks to commuters at a train station where life appeared to be creeping back to normal, as workers in protective gear wiped down turnstiles.


Read More From the Source
Madrid (AFP) - Spain reopened parts of its coronavirus-stricken economy on Monday as slowing death tolls in some of the worst-hit countries boosted hopes the outbreak may be peaking and lockdowns could soon be eased.

Watched by a world that wants to temper a brutal pandemic-induced recession, Spain allowed factory and construction staff to go back to work, while police handed out free masks on the metro.

But there were warnings that lifting curbs too soon could unleash a second wave of COVID-19, with China, where the virus emerged late last year, recording its highest number of cases in weeks -- most of them imported.

French President Emmanuel Macron was set to tell the nation that its lockdown would stay in place for several more weeks, while India braced for an extension of restrictions for its 1.3 billion people.

More than half of the planet's population is staying home as part of efforts to stem the spread of the virus, which has now killed at least 114,000 people and infected over 1.8 million, overwhelming healthcare systems and crippling the world economy.

Yet there is cautious optimism the curve may be starting to flatten. Spain's death toll fell again on Monday with 517 fatalities, plus the lowest daily figure of new confirmed infections since March 20.

Britain, France and the US also saw a drop in daily COVID-19 deaths, along with Italy which reported its lowest fatalities in three weeks.

Governments are facing increasing pressure ease lockdown restrictions to keep economies from total collapse while ensuring citizens stay safe.

US President Donald Trump said Monday top oil producers could cut production by 20 million barrels per day after nations reached a landmark deal to prop up prices hammered by the coronavirus crisis.

- 'Amazing' mask handout -

Police in Madrid handed out face masks to commuters at a train station where life appeared to be creeping back to normal, as workers in protective gear wiped down turnstiles.


Read More From the Source

COVID-19: Spain's daily virus toll rises again with 619 dead, as the death toll passes 75,000 in Europe

COVID-19: Spain's daily virus toll rises again with 619 dead, as the death toll passes 75,000 in Europe




Spain's daily virus toll rises again with 619 dead, according to and AFP report.

The country, one of the worst hit by the pandemic, has now recorded 16,972 deaths from COVID-19. The daily toll was up from 510 on Saturday.

In Europe generally, more than 75,000 people have died from the pandemic virus, with 80 percent of the fatalities occurring in Italy, Spain, France and Britain, according to an AFP tally at 0945 GMT Sunday compiled from official sources.

Globally, more than 109,000 people have died from the new coronavirus and confirmed infections topped 1.7 million.



Spain's daily virus toll rises again with 619 dead, according to and AFP report.

The country, one of the worst hit by the pandemic, has now recorded 16,972 deaths from COVID-19. The daily toll was up from 510 on Saturday.

In Europe generally, more than 75,000 people have died from the pandemic virus, with 80 percent of the fatalities occurring in Italy, Spain, France and Britain, according to an AFP tally at 0945 GMT Sunday compiled from official sources.

Globally, more than 109,000 people have died from the new coronavirus and confirmed infections topped 1.7 million.

Spain records 757 coronavirus deaths, second successive rise in daily toll

Spain records 757 coronavirus deaths, second successive rise in daily toll

The number of daily coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain hit a four-day high Wednesday, the country's Health Ministry said.

The death toll rose for the second day, with 757 people having died over the past 24 hours, though the pace of the proportional daily increase in the death toll has slowed down slightly, the ministry said. The number of total fatalities caused by the new coronavirus in Spain rose to 14,555. The daily increase as a percentage of the total death toll was 5.5%, down from 5.7% the day before, when 743 people died.

The total caseload in the country rose by 6,180 from 140,510, the ministry added.

Spain is the second worst-afflicted country in terms of cases and fatalities. The country has been under tight lockdown since mid-March and the restrictions are expected to remain in place at least until the end of April. The Spanish health system has been overwhelmed and the government has been seeking any help it can get.

Spain said its downward trend in new infections and deaths was continuing and that increases in fatalities in the beginning of this week were the result of weekend deaths being tallied.
The number of daily coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain hit a four-day high Wednesday, the country's Health Ministry said.

The death toll rose for the second day, with 757 people having died over the past 24 hours, though the pace of the proportional daily increase in the death toll has slowed down slightly, the ministry said. The number of total fatalities caused by the new coronavirus in Spain rose to 14,555. The daily increase as a percentage of the total death toll was 5.5%, down from 5.7% the day before, when 743 people died.

The total caseload in the country rose by 6,180 from 140,510, the ministry added.

Spain is the second worst-afflicted country in terms of cases and fatalities. The country has been under tight lockdown since mid-March and the restrictions are expected to remain in place at least until the end of April. The Spanish health system has been overwhelmed and the government has been seeking any help it can get.

Spain said its downward trend in new infections and deaths was continuing and that increases in fatalities in the beginning of this week were the result of weekend deaths being tallied.

Spain daily virus deaths rise to 743 after drop

Spain daily virus deaths rise to 743 after drop

Global death toll from #coronavirus tops 75,000: AFP tally

Philippines reports 14 new coronavirus deaths


(AFP) Spain''s daily coronavirus death rate shot up to 743 on Tuesday after falling for four straight days, lifting the total toll to 13,798, the health ministry said as the global death toll from the pandemic now surpassed 75,000, according to an AFP tally.

The number of new infections in the world''s second hardest-hit country after Italy also grew at a faster pace, rising 4.1 per cent to 140,510, Spanish heath ministry added.

The number of new cases had risen by 3.3 percent on Monday.

Health ministry officials have said deaths occurring on the weekend are often registered a few days later, which may explain the rise.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' health ministry reported 14 new coronavirus deaths and 104 additional infections.

Philippines' virus deaths have reached 177 and total cases 3,764, Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier in the day extended to the end of April strict quarantine measures on the country's main island implemented to contain the outbreak.

In America, the US death toll from the novel coronavirus topped 10,000 as of  Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics.

The US has the third-highest number of reported deaths from the disease in the world, only exceeded by Italy with 15,887 and Spain with 13,055.

White House medical experts have forecast that between 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could die as a result of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, even if sweeping orders to stay home are followed.

(AFP)

Global death toll from #coronavirus tops 75,000: AFP tally

Philippines reports 14 new coronavirus deaths


(AFP) Spain''s daily coronavirus death rate shot up to 743 on Tuesday after falling for four straight days, lifting the total toll to 13,798, the health ministry said as the global death toll from the pandemic now surpassed 75,000, according to an AFP tally.

The number of new infections in the world''s second hardest-hit country after Italy also grew at a faster pace, rising 4.1 per cent to 140,510, Spanish heath ministry added.

The number of new cases had risen by 3.3 percent on Monday.

Health ministry officials have said deaths occurring on the weekend are often registered a few days later, which may explain the rise.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' health ministry reported 14 new coronavirus deaths and 104 additional infections.

Philippines' virus deaths have reached 177 and total cases 3,764, Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier in the day extended to the end of April strict quarantine measures on the country's main island implemented to contain the outbreak.

In America, the US death toll from the novel coronavirus topped 10,000 as of  Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics.

The US has the third-highest number of reported deaths from the disease in the world, only exceeded by Italy with 15,887 and Spain with 13,055.

White House medical experts have forecast that between 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could die as a result of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, even if sweeping orders to stay home are followed.

(AFP)

More than 500,000 confirmed #coronavirus cases in Europe: AFP tally

More than 500,000 confirmed #coronavirus cases in Europe: AFP tally

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According to an AFP tally, there are more than  500,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe with more than 30,000 death toll.

The novel coronavirus that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late December are being reported daily around the world.

More than 47,000 people have died from COVID-19, as the illness is officially known, while over 937,000 infections have been confirmed in at least 180 countries and territories. 

At least, more than 194,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus.

Here are the countries that have so far confirmed coronavirus cases:

United States - 216,721 cases, 5,138 deaths

Italy - 110,574 cases, 13,155 deaths

Spain - 104,118 cases, 9,387 deaths

China - 82,934 cases, 3,316 deaths . The total includes 41 cases in Macau and 765 cases - four deaths - in Hong Kong.

Germany - 77,981 cases, 931 deaths

France - 57,763 cases, 4,043 deaths

Iran - 47,593 cases, 3,036 deaths

United Kingdom - 29,865 cases, 2,357 deaths

Switzerland - 17,768 cases, 488 deaths

Turkey - 15,679 cases, 277 deaths

Belgium - 13,964 cases, 828 deaths

Netherlands - 13,696 cases, 1,175 deaths


Austria - 10,771 cases, 146 deaths

South Korea - 9,976 cases, 169 deaths

Canada - 9,731 cases, 112 deaths

Portugal - 8,251 cases, 187 deaths

Israel - 6,092 cases, 26 deaths

Brazil - 6,931 cases, 244 deaths

Sweden - 4,947 cases, 239 deaths

Norway - 4,877 cases, 44 deaths

Australia - 5,108 cases, 24 deaths

Czech Republic - 3,589 cases, 39 deaths

Ireland - 3,447 cases, 85 deaths

Denmark - 3,290 cases, 104 deaths

Chile - 3,031 cases, 16 deaths

Malaysia - 2,908 cases, 45 deaths

Russia - 2,777 cases, 24 deaths

Ecuador - 2,758 cases, 98 deaths

Poland - 2,554 cases, 43 deaths

Romania - 2,460 cases, 92 deaths

Japan - 2,384 cases, 57 deaths

Luxembourg - 2,319 cases, 29 deaths

Philippines - 2,311 cases, 96 deaths

Pakistan - 2,238 cases, 31 deaths

India - 2,038 cases, 58 deaths

Thailand - 1,771 cases, 12 deaths

Saudi Arabia - 1,720 cases, 16 deaths

Indonesia - 1,677 cases, 157 deaths

Finland - 1,446 cases, 17 deaths

Greece - 1,415 cases, 51 deaths

South Africa - 1,380 cases, 5 deaths

Peru - 1,32 cases, 47 deaths

Dominican Republic - 1,284 cases, 57 deaths

Iceland - 1,220 cases, 2 deaths

Mexico - 1,215 cases, 37 deaths

Panama - 1,181 cases, 30 deaths

Colombia - 1,065 cases, 17 deaths

Serbia - 1,060 cases, 28 deaths

Argentina - 1,133 cases, 33 deaths

Singapore - 1,000 cases, 4 deaths

Croatia - 963 cases, 6 deaths

Algeria - 847 cases, 58 deaths

Slovenia - 841 cases, 15 deaths

Qatar - 835 cases, 2 deaths

United Arab Emirates - 814 cases, 8 deaths

Ukraine - 794 cases, 20 deaths

Egypt - 779 cases, 52 deaths

Estonia - 779 cases, 5 deaths

Iraq - 728 cases, 52 deaths

New Zealand - 797 cases, 1 death

Morocco - 642 cases, 39 deaths

Lithuania - 581 cases, 8 deaths

Armenia - 571 cases, 4 deaths

Bahrain - 569 cases, 4 deaths

Hungary - 525 cases, 20 deaths

Lebanon - 479 cases, 14 deaths

Bosnia and Herzegovina - 457 cases, 13 deaths

Latvia - 446 cases

Moldova - 423 cases, 5 deaths

Tunisia - 423 cases, 12 deaths

Bulgaria - 422 cases, 10 deaths

Slovakia - 400 cases, 1 death

Andorra - 390 cases, 14 deaths

Kazakhstan - 402 cases, 3 deaths

Costa Rica - 375 cases, 2 deaths

Azerbaijan - 359 cases, 5 deaths

North Macedonia - 354 cases, 11 deaths

Uruguay - 338 cases, 2 deaths

Taiwan - 329 cases, 5 deaths

Cyprus - 320 cases, 9 deaths

Kuwait - 317 cases

Burkina Faso - 282 cases, 16 deaths

Jordan - 278 cases, 5 deaths

Albania - 259 cases, 15 deaths

Afghanistan - 239 cases, 4 deaths

San Marino - 236 cases, 26 deaths

Cameroon - 233 cases, 6 deaths

Vietnam - 218 cases

Cuba - 212 cases, 6 deaths

Oman - 210 cases, 1 death

Ghana - 195 cases, 5 deaths

Senegal - 190 cases, 1 death

Malta - 188 cases

Uzbekistan - 181 cases, 2 deaths

Ivory Coast - 179 cases, 1 death

Nigeria - 174 cases, 2 deaths

Honduras - 172 cases, 10 deaths

Belarus - 163 cases, 2 deaths

Mauritius - 161 cases, 6 deaths

Sri Lanka - 146 cases, 3 deaths

Venezuela - 143 cases, 3 deaths

Palestinian Territories - 134 cases, 1 death

Brunei - 131 cases, 1 death

Montenegro - 123 cases, 2 deaths

Georgia - 117 cases

Bolivia - 115 cases, 7 deaths

Kosovo - 112 cases, 1 death

Kyrgyzstan - 111 cases

Cambodia - 109 cases

Democratic Republic of the Congo - 109 cases, 9 deaths

Trinidad and Tobago - 89 cases, 5 deaths

Rwanda - 82 cases

Kenya - 81 cases, 1 death

Paraguay - 69 cases, 3 deaths

Liechtenstein - 68 cases

Madagascar - 57 cases

Monaco - 55 cases, 1 death

Bangladesh - 54 cases, 6 deaths

Uganda - 44 cases

Guatemala - 39 cases, 1 death

Jamaica - 38 cases, 2 deaths

Togo - 36 cases, 2 deaths

Zambia - 36 cases

Barbados - 34 cases

Niger - 34 cases, 3 deaths

Djibouti - 33 cases

El Salvador - 32 cases, 1 death

Mali - 31 cases, 3 deaths

Guinea - 30 cases

Ethiopia - 29 cases

Tanzania - 20 cases, 1 death

Republic of the Congo - 19 cases

Maldives - 19 cases

Gabon - 18 cases, 1 death

Haiti - 16 cases

Bahamas - 15 cases

Myanmar - 15 cases, 1 death

Equatorial Guinea - 15 cases

Eritrea - 15 cases

Mongolia - 14 cases

Namibia - 14 cases

Saint Lucia - 13 cases

Dominica - 12 cases

Guyana - 12 cases, 2 deaths

Laos - 10 cases

Libya - 10 cases

Mozambique - 10 cases

Seychelles - 10 cases

Suriname - 10 cases

Syria - 10 cases, 2 deaths

Benin - 9 cases

Eswatini - 9 cases

Grenada - 9 cases

Guinea-Bassau - 8 cases

Saint Kittis and Nevis - 8 cases

Zimbabwe - 8 cases, 1 death

Angola - 7 cases, 2 deaths

Antigua and Barbuda - 7 cases

Chad - 7 cases

Sudan - 7 cases, 2 deaths

Cape Verde - 6 cases, 1 death

Vatican - 6 cases

Liberia - 6 cases

Mauritania - 6 cases, 1 death

Fiji - 5 cases

Nepal - 5 cases

Nicaragua - 5 cases, 1 death

Somalia - 5 cases

Bhutan - 4 cases

Botswana - 4 cases 

Gambia - 4 cases, 1 death

Belize - 3 cases

Central African Republic - 3 cases

Burundi - 2 cases 

Papua New Guinea - 1 case

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 1 case

East Timor - 1 case

Sierra Leone - 1 case


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According to an AFP tally, there are more than  500,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe with more than 30,000 death toll.

The novel coronavirus that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late December are being reported daily around the world.

More than 47,000 people have died from COVID-19, as the illness is officially known, while over 937,000 infections have been confirmed in at least 180 countries and territories. 

At least, more than 194,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus.

Here are the countries that have so far confirmed coronavirus cases:

United States - 216,721 cases, 5,138 deaths

Italy - 110,574 cases, 13,155 deaths

Spain - 104,118 cases, 9,387 deaths

China - 82,934 cases, 3,316 deaths . The total includes 41 cases in Macau and 765 cases - four deaths - in Hong Kong.

Germany - 77,981 cases, 931 deaths

France - 57,763 cases, 4,043 deaths

Iran - 47,593 cases, 3,036 deaths

United Kingdom - 29,865 cases, 2,357 deaths

Switzerland - 17,768 cases, 488 deaths

Turkey - 15,679 cases, 277 deaths

Belgium - 13,964 cases, 828 deaths

Netherlands - 13,696 cases, 1,175 deaths


Austria - 10,771 cases, 146 deaths

South Korea - 9,976 cases, 169 deaths

Canada - 9,731 cases, 112 deaths

Portugal - 8,251 cases, 187 deaths

Israel - 6,092 cases, 26 deaths

Brazil - 6,931 cases, 244 deaths

Sweden - 4,947 cases, 239 deaths

Norway - 4,877 cases, 44 deaths

Australia - 5,108 cases, 24 deaths

Czech Republic - 3,589 cases, 39 deaths

Ireland - 3,447 cases, 85 deaths

Denmark - 3,290 cases, 104 deaths

Chile - 3,031 cases, 16 deaths

Malaysia - 2,908 cases, 45 deaths

Russia - 2,777 cases, 24 deaths

Ecuador - 2,758 cases, 98 deaths

Poland - 2,554 cases, 43 deaths

Romania - 2,460 cases, 92 deaths

Japan - 2,384 cases, 57 deaths

Luxembourg - 2,319 cases, 29 deaths

Philippines - 2,311 cases, 96 deaths

Pakistan - 2,238 cases, 31 deaths

India - 2,038 cases, 58 deaths

Thailand - 1,771 cases, 12 deaths

Saudi Arabia - 1,720 cases, 16 deaths

Indonesia - 1,677 cases, 157 deaths

Finland - 1,446 cases, 17 deaths

Greece - 1,415 cases, 51 deaths

South Africa - 1,380 cases, 5 deaths

Peru - 1,32 cases, 47 deaths

Dominican Republic - 1,284 cases, 57 deaths

Iceland - 1,220 cases, 2 deaths

Mexico - 1,215 cases, 37 deaths

Panama - 1,181 cases, 30 deaths

Colombia - 1,065 cases, 17 deaths

Serbia - 1,060 cases, 28 deaths

Argentina - 1,133 cases, 33 deaths

Singapore - 1,000 cases, 4 deaths

Croatia - 963 cases, 6 deaths

Algeria - 847 cases, 58 deaths

Slovenia - 841 cases, 15 deaths

Qatar - 835 cases, 2 deaths

United Arab Emirates - 814 cases, 8 deaths

Ukraine - 794 cases, 20 deaths

Egypt - 779 cases, 52 deaths

Estonia - 779 cases, 5 deaths

Iraq - 728 cases, 52 deaths

New Zealand - 797 cases, 1 death

Morocco - 642 cases, 39 deaths

Lithuania - 581 cases, 8 deaths

Armenia - 571 cases, 4 deaths

Bahrain - 569 cases, 4 deaths

Hungary - 525 cases, 20 deaths

Lebanon - 479 cases, 14 deaths

Bosnia and Herzegovina - 457 cases, 13 deaths

Latvia - 446 cases

Moldova - 423 cases, 5 deaths

Tunisia - 423 cases, 12 deaths

Bulgaria - 422 cases, 10 deaths

Slovakia - 400 cases, 1 death

Andorra - 390 cases, 14 deaths

Kazakhstan - 402 cases, 3 deaths

Costa Rica - 375 cases, 2 deaths

Azerbaijan - 359 cases, 5 deaths

North Macedonia - 354 cases, 11 deaths

Uruguay - 338 cases, 2 deaths

Taiwan - 329 cases, 5 deaths

Cyprus - 320 cases, 9 deaths

Kuwait - 317 cases

Burkina Faso - 282 cases, 16 deaths

Jordan - 278 cases, 5 deaths

Albania - 259 cases, 15 deaths

Afghanistan - 239 cases, 4 deaths

San Marino - 236 cases, 26 deaths

Cameroon - 233 cases, 6 deaths

Vietnam - 218 cases

Cuba - 212 cases, 6 deaths

Oman - 210 cases, 1 death

Ghana - 195 cases, 5 deaths

Senegal - 190 cases, 1 death

Malta - 188 cases

Uzbekistan - 181 cases, 2 deaths

Ivory Coast - 179 cases, 1 death

Nigeria - 174 cases, 2 deaths

Honduras - 172 cases, 10 deaths

Belarus - 163 cases, 2 deaths

Mauritius - 161 cases, 6 deaths

Sri Lanka - 146 cases, 3 deaths

Venezuela - 143 cases, 3 deaths

Palestinian Territories - 134 cases, 1 death

Brunei - 131 cases, 1 death

Montenegro - 123 cases, 2 deaths

Georgia - 117 cases

Bolivia - 115 cases, 7 deaths

Kosovo - 112 cases, 1 death

Kyrgyzstan - 111 cases

Cambodia - 109 cases

Democratic Republic of the Congo - 109 cases, 9 deaths

Trinidad and Tobago - 89 cases, 5 deaths

Rwanda - 82 cases

Kenya - 81 cases, 1 death

Paraguay - 69 cases, 3 deaths

Liechtenstein - 68 cases

Madagascar - 57 cases

Monaco - 55 cases, 1 death

Bangladesh - 54 cases, 6 deaths

Uganda - 44 cases

Guatemala - 39 cases, 1 death

Jamaica - 38 cases, 2 deaths

Togo - 36 cases, 2 deaths

Zambia - 36 cases

Barbados - 34 cases

Niger - 34 cases, 3 deaths

Djibouti - 33 cases

El Salvador - 32 cases, 1 death

Mali - 31 cases, 3 deaths

Guinea - 30 cases

Ethiopia - 29 cases

Tanzania - 20 cases, 1 death

Republic of the Congo - 19 cases

Maldives - 19 cases

Gabon - 18 cases, 1 death

Haiti - 16 cases

Bahamas - 15 cases

Myanmar - 15 cases, 1 death

Equatorial Guinea - 15 cases

Eritrea - 15 cases

Mongolia - 14 cases

Namibia - 14 cases

Saint Lucia - 13 cases

Dominica - 12 cases

Guyana - 12 cases, 2 deaths

Laos - 10 cases

Libya - 10 cases

Mozambique - 10 cases

Seychelles - 10 cases

Suriname - 10 cases

Syria - 10 cases, 2 deaths

Benin - 9 cases

Eswatini - 9 cases

Grenada - 9 cases

Guinea-Bassau - 8 cases

Saint Kittis and Nevis - 8 cases

Zimbabwe - 8 cases, 1 death

Angola - 7 cases, 2 deaths

Antigua and Barbuda - 7 cases

Chad - 7 cases

Sudan - 7 cases, 2 deaths

Cape Verde - 6 cases, 1 death

Vatican - 6 cases

Liberia - 6 cases

Mauritania - 6 cases, 1 death

Fiji - 5 cases

Nepal - 5 cases

Nicaragua - 5 cases, 1 death

Somalia - 5 cases

Bhutan - 4 cases

Botswana - 4 cases 

Gambia - 4 cases, 1 death

Belize - 3 cases

Central African Republic - 3 cases

Burundi - 2 cases 

Papua New Guinea - 1 case

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 1 case

East Timor - 1 case

Sierra Leone - 1 case


Spain death toll tops 9,000 with 864 fatalities in 24 hours: govt

Spain death toll tops 9,000 with 864 fatalities in 24 hours: govt

UK records over 500 #coronavirus deaths in a day for first time

UK records over 500 #coronavirus deaths in a day for first time

Britain's Johnson becomes first major world leader to test positive for the coronavirus as Spain sees record deaths

Britain's Johnson becomes first major world leader to test positive for the coronavirus as Spain sees record deaths

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first major world leader to test positive for the coronavirus on Friday as Spain saw a record number of deaths from the pandemic that is threatening millions around the world.

In a grim milestone, the United States overtook China as the country with the most coronavirus cases, while seeing an unprecedented amount of newly unemployed amid fears of a global economic meltdown.

And Africa's economic powerhouse South Africa on Friday became the latest nation on the continent to start life under lockdown as it reported its first COVID-19 deaths.

Johnson, whose country has seen more than 11,600 declared coronavirus cases and 578 deaths, said he had developed mild symptoms over the previous 24 hours and was self-isolating after testing positive.

Spain reported that its death toll had hit 4,858 after 769 people died in 24 hours, a record one-day figure for fatalities and far higher than in Italy, which counted 662 deaths in its last daily update on Thursday night.

Europe has suffered the brunt of the coronavirus crisis in recent weeks, with millions across the continent on lockdown and the streets of Paris, Rome and Madrid eerily empty.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned that France -- reeling from the deaths of more than 1,600 people including a 16-year-old girl -- was facing difficult days ahead.

"We find ourselves in a crisis that will last, in a health situation that will not improve any time soon," Philippe said.

But focus is turning from Europe to the United States, where the number of known infections reached almost 86,000 on Friday, higher than both China and hard-hit Italy.

- 'By themselves on a ventilator' -

In New York City, health workers are battling a surging toll of dead and infected at the US epicentre of the crisis, including an increasing number of younger patients.

"Now it's 50-year-olds, 40-year-olds, 30-year-olds," said one respiratory therapist at the Jewish Medical Center in Queens.

They "didn't listen about not going out or protecting themselves and washing their hands", he said.

"To watch somebody in their 30s die, it's hard. You can't have visitors. They're in the room by themselves on a ventilator. It's very depressing."

US President Donald Trump, who has been accused of downplaying the enormous scale of the crisis, spoke by telephone with China's Xi Jinping who said the two countries needed to "unite to fight" the pandemic.

"China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus. We are working closely together. Much respect!" Trump tweeted after the call.

The warm words were in contrast to weeks of finger pointing between the two countries, especially the White House's repeated references to "the Chinese virus".

The coronavirus first emerged in China late last year before spreading globally, with 539,360 declared cases registered in 183 countries and territories.

Beijing managed to contain its spread with lockdowns and quarantines and its epicentre Wuhan is in the process of easing severe movement restrictions in place for two months.

China was also readying to bar entry to foreigners out of concern over a surge of imported cases, highlighting the difficulty of containing a virus in a globalised world.

Three billion people around the world have been told to stay indoors, as health care systems even in the most developed nations are stretched to breaking point.

Medical workers have been having to make difficult choices.

"If I've got five patients and only one bed, I have to choose who gets it," Sara Chinchilla, a paediatrician at a hospital near Madrid, told AFP.

"People are dying who could be saved but there's no space in intensive care."

- Bracing for downturn -

Even with lockdowns implemented around the world, researchers at Imperial College London said Thursday the global death toll could be staggering.

Their model shows 1.86 million people could die, with nearly 470 million infected this year.

Failure to act swiftly in imposing lockdowns and strict social distancing could make those numbers far higher, they warned.

The lockdowns and other measures are wreaking havoc on the global economy, with fears of a downturn worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Leaders from the Group of 20 major economies held crisis talks by video link on Thursday, announcing a $5 trillion financial rescue package "to counteract the social, economic and financial impacts of the pandemic".

Announcements of unprecedented stimulus measures have helped markets bounce back after a brutal month, but people around the world are bracing for economic hardship.

The United States reported that 3.3 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week -- by far the highest number ever recorded.

Retail workers in particular have suffered as many countries shutter non-essential business, while airlines and the global tourism industry have been dealt devastating blows.

The World Tourism Organization said Friday it expected tourist arrivals to fall by 20-30 percent this year, with losses of $300 billion-450 billion in international tourism receipts.

- Armies of volunteers -

For countries already battered by war, the virus has come as another shock.

On the deserted streets of the Old City in Damascus, 59-year-old textiles vendor Ahmad was finally closing up shop after staying open through nearly 10 years of conflict.

"We've lived through some tough times during the war," he said. But "never in my life have I seen the markets and shops close for days on end like now."

But there have been rays of hope in the midst of the crisis.

Armed groups in Cameroon, the Philippines and Yemen have moved in recent days to reduce violence after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued an appeal for ceasefires.

And armies of volunteers have emerged in many countries to bring help to the needy, with food deliveries for the elderly, free taxi rides, accommodation for health workers, and even home-sewn face masks.

"We delivered urgent diabetes medicines today to Claudia, who is 70 and lives with her 90-year-old mother. We passed them through the window," said Lorenzo Mastrocesare, a volunteer in Rome.


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first major world leader to test positive for the coronavirus on Friday as Spain saw a record number of deaths from the pandemic that is threatening millions around the world.

In a grim milestone, the United States overtook China as the country with the most coronavirus cases, while seeing an unprecedented amount of newly unemployed amid fears of a global economic meltdown.

And Africa's economic powerhouse South Africa on Friday became the latest nation on the continent to start life under lockdown as it reported its first COVID-19 deaths.

Johnson, whose country has seen more than 11,600 declared coronavirus cases and 578 deaths, said he had developed mild symptoms over the previous 24 hours and was self-isolating after testing positive.

Spain reported that its death toll had hit 4,858 after 769 people died in 24 hours, a record one-day figure for fatalities and far higher than in Italy, which counted 662 deaths in its last daily update on Thursday night.

Europe has suffered the brunt of the coronavirus crisis in recent weeks, with millions across the continent on lockdown and the streets of Paris, Rome and Madrid eerily empty.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned that France -- reeling from the deaths of more than 1,600 people including a 16-year-old girl -- was facing difficult days ahead.

"We find ourselves in a crisis that will last, in a health situation that will not improve any time soon," Philippe said.

But focus is turning from Europe to the United States, where the number of known infections reached almost 86,000 on Friday, higher than both China and hard-hit Italy.

- 'By themselves on a ventilator' -

In New York City, health workers are battling a surging toll of dead and infected at the US epicentre of the crisis, including an increasing number of younger patients.

"Now it's 50-year-olds, 40-year-olds, 30-year-olds," said one respiratory therapist at the Jewish Medical Center in Queens.

They "didn't listen about not going out or protecting themselves and washing their hands", he said.

"To watch somebody in their 30s die, it's hard. You can't have visitors. They're in the room by themselves on a ventilator. It's very depressing."

US President Donald Trump, who has been accused of downplaying the enormous scale of the crisis, spoke by telephone with China's Xi Jinping who said the two countries needed to "unite to fight" the pandemic.

"China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus. We are working closely together. Much respect!" Trump tweeted after the call.

The warm words were in contrast to weeks of finger pointing between the two countries, especially the White House's repeated references to "the Chinese virus".

The coronavirus first emerged in China late last year before spreading globally, with 539,360 declared cases registered in 183 countries and territories.

Beijing managed to contain its spread with lockdowns and quarantines and its epicentre Wuhan is in the process of easing severe movement restrictions in place for two months.

China was also readying to bar entry to foreigners out of concern over a surge of imported cases, highlighting the difficulty of containing a virus in a globalised world.

Three billion people around the world have been told to stay indoors, as health care systems even in the most developed nations are stretched to breaking point.

Medical workers have been having to make difficult choices.

"If I've got five patients and only one bed, I have to choose who gets it," Sara Chinchilla, a paediatrician at a hospital near Madrid, told AFP.

"People are dying who could be saved but there's no space in intensive care."

- Bracing for downturn -

Even with lockdowns implemented around the world, researchers at Imperial College London said Thursday the global death toll could be staggering.

Their model shows 1.86 million people could die, with nearly 470 million infected this year.

Failure to act swiftly in imposing lockdowns and strict social distancing could make those numbers far higher, they warned.

The lockdowns and other measures are wreaking havoc on the global economy, with fears of a downturn worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Leaders from the Group of 20 major economies held crisis talks by video link on Thursday, announcing a $5 trillion financial rescue package "to counteract the social, economic and financial impacts of the pandemic".

Announcements of unprecedented stimulus measures have helped markets bounce back after a brutal month, but people around the world are bracing for economic hardship.

The United States reported that 3.3 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week -- by far the highest number ever recorded.

Retail workers in particular have suffered as many countries shutter non-essential business, while airlines and the global tourism industry have been dealt devastating blows.

The World Tourism Organization said Friday it expected tourist arrivals to fall by 20-30 percent this year, with losses of $300 billion-450 billion in international tourism receipts.

- Armies of volunteers -

For countries already battered by war, the virus has come as another shock.

On the deserted streets of the Old City in Damascus, 59-year-old textiles vendor Ahmad was finally closing up shop after staying open through nearly 10 years of conflict.

"We've lived through some tough times during the war," he said. But "never in my life have I seen the markets and shops close for days on end like now."

But there have been rays of hope in the midst of the crisis.

Armed groups in Cameroon, the Philippines and Yemen have moved in recent days to reduce violence after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued an appeal for ceasefires.

And armies of volunteers have emerged in many countries to bring help to the needy, with food deliveries for the elderly, free taxi rides, accommodation for health workers, and even home-sewn face masks.

"We delivered urgent diabetes medicines today to Claudia, who is 70 and lives with her 90-year-old mother. We passed them through the window," said Lorenzo Mastrocesare, a volunteer in Rome.


COVID-19: Spain death toll has soared over 4,800

COVID-19: Spain death toll has soared over 4,800

The death toll in Spain has soared over 4,800 after 769 people died in 24 hours, in what was a record one-day figure for fatalities, the government says
The death toll in Spain has soared over 4,800 after 769 people died in 24 hours, in what was a record one-day figure for fatalities, the government says

Nearly 1,000 new #coronavirus cases in Spain in 24 hours: govt

Nearly 1,000 new #coronavirus cases in Spain in 24 hours: govt

Spain on Sunday reported some 2,000 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases and more than a hundred deaths over thesame perod of time, the latest spike in Europe’s second-most affected country after Italy.

The new figures raise Spain’s number of Covid-19 infections to 7,753 on Sunday– and its death toll to 288 – after the government imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown, banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food. - AFP

Authorities in Madrid Monday further said the country recorded nearly 1000 new #coronavirus cases in Spain in 24 hours. Spanish health authorities said deaths from the coronavirus have been more than doubled in 24 hours, while total infections approached 9,000 on Monday.

Spain has registered nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases to 8,744, the health ministry said on Monday. Over the same period, the number of deaths rose by nine to 297, the ministry’s emergency coordinator Fernando Simon said.

The figure for new cases was lower than weekend numbers when 2,000 infections were detected between Saturday and Sunday and the number of deaths rose by around 100.

Of the total number, Madrid remains the worst-affected region, with 4,665 cases. The jump comes a day after Spain's government declared a state of alarm and took extraordinary measures to limit movement to commuting to work and necessary errands.

In order to rein in the virus, Spain has declared a state of alert, shutting all but essential services and ordering its population of 46 million people to stay at home. People are only authorized to go out to buy food or medicine, to go to work or to get medical treatment.

It has also closed restaurants, bars, most retail shops and reduced public transport.

Spain on Sunday reported some 2,000 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases and more than a hundred deaths over thesame perod of time, the latest spike in Europe’s second-most affected country after Italy.

The new figures raise Spain’s number of Covid-19 infections to 7,753 on Sunday– and its death toll to 288 – after the government imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown, banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food. - AFP

Authorities in Madrid Monday further said the country recorded nearly 1000 new #coronavirus cases in Spain in 24 hours. Spanish health authorities said deaths from the coronavirus have been more than doubled in 24 hours, while total infections approached 9,000 on Monday.

Spain has registered nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases to 8,744, the health ministry said on Monday. Over the same period, the number of deaths rose by nine to 297, the ministry’s emergency coordinator Fernando Simon said.

The figure for new cases was lower than weekend numbers when 2,000 infections were detected between Saturday and Sunday and the number of deaths rose by around 100.

Of the total number, Madrid remains the worst-affected region, with 4,665 cases. The jump comes a day after Spain's government declared a state of alarm and took extraordinary measures to limit movement to commuting to work and necessary errands.

In order to rein in the virus, Spain has declared a state of alert, shutting all but essential services and ordering its population of 46 million people to stay at home. People are only authorized to go out to buy food or medicine, to go to work or to get medical treatment.

It has also closed restaurants, bars, most retail shops and reduced public transport.

Barcelona v Napoli #ChampionsLeague match to be played behind closed doors because of #coronavirus, clubs say

Barcelona v Napoli #ChampionsLeague match to be played behind closed doors because of #coronavirus, clubs say

@FCBarcelonaThe Champions League match scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, between FC Barcelona and Napoli, will be played at Camp Nou behind closed doors.


Barcelona have become the latest club to confirm their European tie will be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The LaLiga side confirmed on Tuesday morning the Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli – scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at the Nou Camp – will take place without any fans in attendance.

Paris St Germain’s match with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday is also being played behind closed doors, while Wolves’ Europa League tie at Olympiacos in Greece on Thursday will have no spectators inside the stadium.

UEFA confirmed that news on Monday in addition to revealing Roma’s home game with Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday will be played without fans in attendance.

Sports bodies met with government ministers on Monday at a meeting chaired by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to discuss contingency plans in relation to Covid-19.


There has been talk Premier League and English Football League games could be played behind closed doors but Gary Neville, the joint-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford, has joined those rejecting that as an alternative.

Andy Holt, chairman of League One outfit Accrington, stated he would “pause games and review” in regard to fears of spreading coronavirus.

“I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors,” former England and Manchester United defender Neville said on Twitter.

@GNev2
I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors. If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.

“If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.”

The France v Ireland Six Nations match was postponed on Monday. Ireland had been due to play the match in Paris on Saturday, but it will now not go ahead on the advice of the French government.

As it stands, the Wales v Scotland match is the only game in the final round of the Six Nations due to go ahead as originally scheduled, after the Italy v England game in Rome was postponed last week.

The French health minister Olivier Veran announced on Sunday evening that all gatherings of more than 1,000 people are now prohibited in the country, meaning Ligue 1 matches must be played behind closed doors or in front of no more than 1,000 spectators.

@en_sscnapoli
@en_sscnapoli denies reports claiming that the club has asked for the match against @FCBarcelona to be postponed. The story is fake news. We support the decisions of the Italian government and of UEFA. #ForzaNapoliSempre

All domestic sporting action has been suspended in Italy after prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced at a press conference that the whole country would be on lockdown from Tuesday morning.

The country’s national Olympic committee (CONI) originally made the announcement on Monday, but CONI’s jurisdiction does not cover Italian clubs or national teams involved in international competitions, such as football’s Champions League.

Other sporting events abroad continue to be affected by the outbreak and organisers of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells have announced that the event will not take place.

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Kim Clijsters were among the players set to take part in the tournament which was due to start in California on Monday.

Indian Wells is the first Premier Mandatory event of the WTA season and is a Masters 1000 event on the men’s tour.

World Snooker confirmed that the attendance in the arena for the Gibraltar Open would be limited to 100 people as a precautionary measure.

The organisers of rugby union’s European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions, EPCR, say the quarter-final ties scheduled for the weekend of April 3-5 are still set to go ahead.

Lancashire County Cricket Club have announced pre-season trips to Dubai and Potchefstroom in South Africa have been cancelled on the advice of relevant health authorities. The club say they are finalising alternative plans on home soil.

The International Judo Federation, meanwhile, has cancelled all Olympic qualification events on the calendar until April 30.


@FCBarcelonaThe Champions League match scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, between FC Barcelona and Napoli, will be played at Camp Nou behind closed doors.


Barcelona have become the latest club to confirm their European tie will be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The LaLiga side confirmed on Tuesday morning the Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli – scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at the Nou Camp – will take place without any fans in attendance.

Paris St Germain’s match with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday is also being played behind closed doors, while Wolves’ Europa League tie at Olympiacos in Greece on Thursday will have no spectators inside the stadium.

UEFA confirmed that news on Monday in addition to revealing Roma’s home game with Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday will be played without fans in attendance.

Sports bodies met with government ministers on Monday at a meeting chaired by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to discuss contingency plans in relation to Covid-19.


There has been talk Premier League and English Football League games could be played behind closed doors but Gary Neville, the joint-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford, has joined those rejecting that as an alternative.

Andy Holt, chairman of League One outfit Accrington, stated he would “pause games and review” in regard to fears of spreading coronavirus.

“I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors,” former England and Manchester United defender Neville said on Twitter.

@GNev2
I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors. If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.

“If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.”

The France v Ireland Six Nations match was postponed on Monday. Ireland had been due to play the match in Paris on Saturday, but it will now not go ahead on the advice of the French government.

As it stands, the Wales v Scotland match is the only game in the final round of the Six Nations due to go ahead as originally scheduled, after the Italy v England game in Rome was postponed last week.

The French health minister Olivier Veran announced on Sunday evening that all gatherings of more than 1,000 people are now prohibited in the country, meaning Ligue 1 matches must be played behind closed doors or in front of no more than 1,000 spectators.

@en_sscnapoli
@en_sscnapoli denies reports claiming that the club has asked for the match against @FCBarcelona to be postponed. The story is fake news. We support the decisions of the Italian government and of UEFA. #ForzaNapoliSempre

All domestic sporting action has been suspended in Italy after prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced at a press conference that the whole country would be on lockdown from Tuesday morning.

The country’s national Olympic committee (CONI) originally made the announcement on Monday, but CONI’s jurisdiction does not cover Italian clubs or national teams involved in international competitions, such as football’s Champions League.

Other sporting events abroad continue to be affected by the outbreak and organisers of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells have announced that the event will not take place.

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Kim Clijsters were among the players set to take part in the tournament which was due to start in California on Monday.

Indian Wells is the first Premier Mandatory event of the WTA season and is a Masters 1000 event on the men’s tour.

World Snooker confirmed that the attendance in the arena for the Gibraltar Open would be limited to 100 people as a precautionary measure.

The organisers of rugby union’s European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions, EPCR, say the quarter-final ties scheduled for the weekend of April 3-5 are still set to go ahead.

Lancashire County Cricket Club have announced pre-season trips to Dubai and Potchefstroom in South Africa have been cancelled on the advice of relevant health authorities. The club say they are finalising alternative plans on home soil.

The International Judo Federation, meanwhile, has cancelled all Olympic qualification events on the calendar until April 30.


Algeria, Switzerland confirms first cases of coronavirus as number of deaths in Italy rises to 11

Algeria, Switzerland confirms first cases of coronavirus as number of deaths in Italy rises to 11

Bahrain reports six more cases


Algeria has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, an Italian man who arrived in the country on February 17, state television reported making the country the 2nd after Egypt in Africa to confirmed the China's virus.

The man has been put into quarantine, state television said, citing the health minister.
In Europe, a 70-year-old man tested positive for the coronavirus in Switzerland's southern canton of Ticino, on the border with Italy, Swiss health authorities said, confirming their country's first case.

"The infected person was in Italy about ten days ago and participated in an event near Milan," the Swiss health ministry said in a statement.

People he had been in contact with were currently being identified and put in quarantine for 14 days.

Also, at least 11 people have died as the coronavirus continues to spread in Italy's northern region, according to the head of the country's Civil Protection Department, Angelo Borrelli.

With at least 322 cases, Italy is the worst-hit European country and there are fears the outbreak could affect its neighbours.

In Spain, an Italian doctor at a hotel in Tenerife was confirmed to have the virus - that hotel is now on lockdown. 

And in the UK, three schools have closed after students returned from skiing trips.

The coronavirus has been spreading fast with new cases reported in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world, with more deaths in Italy.

The virus has now infected more than 80,000 globally, killing at least 2,700.

In the Arab region, Bahrain has identified six more new cases of coronavirus all coming from Iran, bringing the total number in the kingdom to 23, the state news agency BNA reported, citing the health ministry.

Iran is currently the  worst hit Virus in the region as the country has recorded up to 15 death toll with over  hundred confirmed cases.

Bahrain reports six more cases


Algeria has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, an Italian man who arrived in the country on February 17, state television reported making the country the 2nd after Egypt in Africa to confirmed the China's virus.

The man has been put into quarantine, state television said, citing the health minister.
In Europe, a 70-year-old man tested positive for the coronavirus in Switzerland's southern canton of Ticino, on the border with Italy, Swiss health authorities said, confirming their country's first case.

"The infected person was in Italy about ten days ago and participated in an event near Milan," the Swiss health ministry said in a statement.

People he had been in contact with were currently being identified and put in quarantine for 14 days.

Also, at least 11 people have died as the coronavirus continues to spread in Italy's northern region, according to the head of the country's Civil Protection Department, Angelo Borrelli.

With at least 322 cases, Italy is the worst-hit European country and there are fears the outbreak could affect its neighbours.

In Spain, an Italian doctor at a hotel in Tenerife was confirmed to have the virus - that hotel is now on lockdown. 

And in the UK, three schools have closed after students returned from skiing trips.

The coronavirus has been spreading fast with new cases reported in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world, with more deaths in Italy.

The virus has now infected more than 80,000 globally, killing at least 2,700.

In the Arab region, Bahrain has identified six more new cases of coronavirus all coming from Iran, bringing the total number in the kingdom to 23, the state news agency BNA reported, citing the health ministry.

Iran is currently the  worst hit Virus in the region as the country has recorded up to 15 death toll with over  hundred confirmed cases.

COVID-19: Spain, Bahrain, Oman confirm more cases

COVID-19: Spain, Bahrain, Oman confirm more cases

Spanish health authorities have identified a case of coronavirus in Catalonia on Tuesday, the first case in mainland Spain, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.

The case is the country's fourth after three infected tourists from Germany, Italy and Britain were detected in the Canary Islands and in Mallorca.

In the middle east, Oman has identified two new cases of coronavirus, while Bahrain has confirmed nine new cases, the two countries health ministries reported.

Both Bahrain and Oman reported their first cases on Monday.

Earlier in Spain, hundreds of people were confined to their rooms at a Tenerife hotel Tuesday after an Italian tourist was hospitalised with a suspected case of coronavirus, health officials in the Canary Islands said.

"Hundreds of hotel clients are being monitored for health reasons and the degree of supervision will be assessed during the day, but so far, we're not talking about quarantine," health authority spokeswoman Veronica Martin told AFP, confirming that the Italian tourist "was staying at this hotel while on holiday in Tenerife".
Spanish health authorities have identified a case of coronavirus in Catalonia on Tuesday, the first case in mainland Spain, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.

The case is the country's fourth after three infected tourists from Germany, Italy and Britain were detected in the Canary Islands and in Mallorca.

In the middle east, Oman has identified two new cases of coronavirus, while Bahrain has confirmed nine new cases, the two countries health ministries reported.

Both Bahrain and Oman reported their first cases on Monday.

Earlier in Spain, hundreds of people were confined to their rooms at a Tenerife hotel Tuesday after an Italian tourist was hospitalised with a suspected case of coronavirus, health officials in the Canary Islands said.

"Hundreds of hotel clients are being monitored for health reasons and the degree of supervision will be assessed during the day, but so far, we're not talking about quarantine," health authority spokeswoman Veronica Martin told AFP, confirming that the Italian tourist "was staying at this hotel while on holiday in Tenerife".

Spain's World Mobile Congress says cancelled over virus fears

Spain's World Mobile Congress says cancelled over virus fears

The world's largest mobile phone showcase, Mobile World Congress (MWC), has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, organisers have confirmed. BBC reported.
The GSM Association (GSMA) said it had become "impossible" for the event to go ahead as planned in Barcelona.

BT, Facebook, LG, Nokia, Sony and Vodafone were among the high-profile exhibitors to have pulled out of the annual event, citing coronavirus fears.

But Spain's health minister, Salvador Illa, urged people to remain calm.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Illa said people should "trust in the Spanish health system" and "take decisions based on scientific evidence".

MWC was due to be held in Barcelona on 24-27 February. More than 100,000 people usually attend the annual event, about 6,000 of whom travel from China.

Thousands of companies exhibit their latest innovations, giving a huge lift to the local economy.

But earlier this week, Amazon, Sony, LG Electronics, Ericsson, Facebook, and chipmakers Intel and Nvidia said they would not attend the conference.

French telecoms group Orange also pulled out, despite the fact its chief executive, Stephane Richard, chairs the GSMA.

Deutsche Telekom had said it would be "irresponsible" to send its staff to a large gathering with so many international guests.

In a statement, GSMA chief executive John Hoffman said: "With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020."

He said "global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances" had made it impossible to hold the event.

Industry analyst Ben Wood, from the CCS Insight consultancy, said the GSMA had been a "victim of circumstances out of its control".

"It's a huge disappointment the show will not go ahead this year," he said.

"The impact on small companies who have invested a disproportionate amount of their budgets and time on this event should not be under-estimated. MWC is an anchor event for many and now they face the challenge of having to figure out the best way to salvage something from this difficult situation."

A report by technology news site Wired suggested the GSMA had urged Spanish authorities to declare a health emergency so that it could cancel the event.

The report suggested its insurance policies would not cover the GSMA's losses, if the organisation chose to cancel the event, rather than being required to do so by authorities declaring a health emergency.

BBC
The world's largest mobile phone showcase, Mobile World Congress (MWC), has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, organisers have confirmed. BBC reported.
The GSM Association (GSMA) said it had become "impossible" for the event to go ahead as planned in Barcelona.

BT, Facebook, LG, Nokia, Sony and Vodafone were among the high-profile exhibitors to have pulled out of the annual event, citing coronavirus fears.

But Spain's health minister, Salvador Illa, urged people to remain calm.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Illa said people should "trust in the Spanish health system" and "take decisions based on scientific evidence".

MWC was due to be held in Barcelona on 24-27 February. More than 100,000 people usually attend the annual event, about 6,000 of whom travel from China.

Thousands of companies exhibit their latest innovations, giving a huge lift to the local economy.

But earlier this week, Amazon, Sony, LG Electronics, Ericsson, Facebook, and chipmakers Intel and Nvidia said they would not attend the conference.

French telecoms group Orange also pulled out, despite the fact its chief executive, Stephane Richard, chairs the GSMA.

Deutsche Telekom had said it would be "irresponsible" to send its staff to a large gathering with so many international guests.

In a statement, GSMA chief executive John Hoffman said: "With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020."

He said "global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances" had made it impossible to hold the event.

Industry analyst Ben Wood, from the CCS Insight consultancy, said the GSMA had been a "victim of circumstances out of its control".

"It's a huge disappointment the show will not go ahead this year," he said.

"The impact on small companies who have invested a disproportionate amount of their budgets and time on this event should not be under-estimated. MWC is an anchor event for many and now they face the challenge of having to figure out the best way to salvage something from this difficult situation."

A report by technology news site Wired suggested the GSMA had urged Spanish authorities to declare a health emergency so that it could cancel the event.

The report suggested its insurance policies would not cover the GSMA's losses, if the organisation chose to cancel the event, rather than being required to do so by authorities declaring a health emergency.

BBC

China's Coronavirus: United States, UAE, Spain confirm new cases

China's Coronavirus: United States, UAE, Spain confirm new cases

Beijing Tasks EU on urgent procurement of medical supplies 


The United States of America has confirmed its eighth case, the first in Massachusetts.

In the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed its fifth case in a Chinese national who came from Wuhan, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection said in a statement posted on Twitter. Adding that his condition is stable and he is under observation, the statement said.

Spain's National Centre for Microbiology has confirmed the country's first case of coronavirus after a man was diagnosed with the virus on the remote island of La Gomera in the Canaries, the Health Ministry said. The patient is part of a group of five people taken under observation on the island and isolated after it was found they had come into contact with a German man diagnosed with the virus.

In US, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said the patient was a man who had recently traveled to Wuhan. He had been isolated since returning to the US and will continue to remain isolated, the DPH said in a statement on its website.

Cases have been previously confirmed in the US states of California, Illinois, Arizona and Washington.

As the deadly virus keep ravaging China and spreading globally to other nations, China's Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday asked the European Union to facilitate China's urgent procurement of medical supplies from member countries, the Chinese government said.

At least 259 people have died and 11,791 people have been infected in China by the new coronavirus, according to new figures from China's health officials, with thousands more suspected of having the virus, according to Chinese state media.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which has commended the China's timely response to contain the SARS-like killer virus declares the new coronavirus outbreak in China as a public health emergency of international concern
Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised Washington's order barring entry to most foreigners who visited China in the past two weeks, and "unfriendly comments" that its government is failing to cooperate in the crisis.

The Chinese government said the decision contradicted the WHO's appeal to avoid travel bans.

Trump Administration took drastic steps that temporarily bar foreign nationals who have travelled in China within the last 14 days.

Also, Americans returning from China will be allowed into the country but will face screening at select ports of entry and required to undertake 14 days of self-screening to ensure they do not pose a health risk.

Those returning from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine.

Beginning on Sunday, the US will also begin funnelling all flights to the US from China to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for the illness.

Earlier, three US airlines - American, Delta and United - said they would soon suspend all flights to China.

Beijing Tasks EU on urgent procurement of medical supplies 


The United States of America has confirmed its eighth case, the first in Massachusetts.

In the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed its fifth case in a Chinese national who came from Wuhan, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection said in a statement posted on Twitter. Adding that his condition is stable and he is under observation, the statement said.

Spain's National Centre for Microbiology has confirmed the country's first case of coronavirus after a man was diagnosed with the virus on the remote island of La Gomera in the Canaries, the Health Ministry said. The patient is part of a group of five people taken under observation on the island and isolated after it was found they had come into contact with a German man diagnosed with the virus.

In US, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said the patient was a man who had recently traveled to Wuhan. He had been isolated since returning to the US and will continue to remain isolated, the DPH said in a statement on its website.

Cases have been previously confirmed in the US states of California, Illinois, Arizona and Washington.

As the deadly virus keep ravaging China and spreading globally to other nations, China's Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday asked the European Union to facilitate China's urgent procurement of medical supplies from member countries, the Chinese government said.

At least 259 people have died and 11,791 people have been infected in China by the new coronavirus, according to new figures from China's health officials, with thousands more suspected of having the virus, according to Chinese state media.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which has commended the China's timely response to contain the SARS-like killer virus declares the new coronavirus outbreak in China as a public health emergency of international concern
Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised Washington's order barring entry to most foreigners who visited China in the past two weeks, and "unfriendly comments" that its government is failing to cooperate in the crisis.

The Chinese government said the decision contradicted the WHO's appeal to avoid travel bans.

Trump Administration took drastic steps that temporarily bar foreign nationals who have travelled in China within the last 14 days.

Also, Americans returning from China will be allowed into the country but will face screening at select ports of entry and required to undertake 14 days of self-screening to ensure they do not pose a health risk.

Those returning from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine.

Beginning on Sunday, the US will also begin funnelling all flights to the US from China to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for the illness.

Earlier, three US airlines - American, Delta and United - said they would soon suspend all flights to China.

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