Covid–19 Headlines Mar 28, 2020

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Covid-19 Headlines

Coronavirus: Baby dies after testing positive for Covid-19 in US

Officials in Illinois have revealed that a baby that tested positive for Covid-19 has died, the first known death of an infant in the US with coronavirus.

In news that will reverberate across the nation, and even likely beyond, governor Jay Pritzker revealed that among 13 more deaths reported in the state, were a government employee and a young child.

“Today I have some terribly sad news to announce. Among the fatalities over the last 24 hours was a state employee, a member of our team at the Department of Human Services and an infant.

‘Off the charts’: Virus hotspots grow in middle America

DETROIT (AP) — The coronavirus continued its unrelenting spread across the United States with fatalities doubling in two days and authorities saying Saturday that an infant who tested positive had died. It pummeled big cities like New York, Detroit, New Orleans and Chicago, and made its way, too, into rural America as hotspots erupted in small Midwestern towns and Rocky Mountain ski havens.

More than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in the US

More than 2,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the United States as of 7:45 p.m. EST Saturday, according to a CNN count compiled through data on state health department websites.

There are 2,010 deaths reported as of Saturday. The US reached 1,000 deaths on Thursday.

Covid-19 mothers and babies in Wuhan study off to better start than those during Sars outbreak, doctors report in Lancet

Early Wuhan study finds only one of seven infants returns positive result soon after birth

More research needed to assess mother-to-baby transmission of coronavirus

Pope and closest aides do not have coronavirus: Vatican

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – The Vatican said on Saturday that tests carried out in the building where Pope Francis lives after one resident tested positive for coronavirus showed that the pontiff and his closest aides do not have the disease.

‘Officers are scared out there’: Coronavirus hits US police

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) — More than a fifth of Detroit’s police force is quarantined; two officers have died from coronavirus and at least 39 have tested positive, including the chief of police.

For the 2,200-person department, that has meant officers working doubles and swapping between units to fill patrols. And everyone has their temperature checked before they start work.

7 pm update. An increase of 37,731 cases and 1,817 deaths. Case fatality rate 4.6%

ice_screenshot_20200328-185140 — JHU CSSE

Spanish PM announces stricter lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus

MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced stricter lockdown measures that will force all non-essential workers to stay at home for the next two weeks, as the government reported 832 new coronavirus deaths overnight.

Swiss virus death toll hits 235 as official says worst case scenario `not yet materialised’

ZURICH: The death toll in Switzerland from coronavirus had climbed to 235 while total cases stand at 13,213, the health ministry said on Saturday (Mar 28), though officials said their worst fears have so far not materialised.

The fatalities were up from 197 on Friday, with the number of confirmed infections increasing from 12,161.

Spain orders all non-essential workers to stay at home for two weeks

Tightening of national lockdown comes as record single-day death toll of 832 is announced

30% of coronavirus patients hospitalized in Canada are under 40

“Please note that 30% of those hospitalized are under 40 years of age. We continue to keep a close eye on the severity of the disease because although there will be day to day fluctuations, a sustained trend of increased severity could point to a higher rate of infection in vulnerable populations or that the health system is being overwhelmed,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer.

U.S. Data: All ADULTS can have Serious Covid-19

Italy coronavirus deaths rise by 889 in a day to 10,023

MILAN (Reuters) – The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has surged by 889, the Civil Protection Agency said on Saturday, the second highest daily tally since the epidemic emerged on Feb. 21.

U.S. hotspots grow as virus cases surpass 640,000 globally

DETROIT (AP) — As the United States led the world with confirmed coronavirus cases, cities such as Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans grew as hotspots Saturday, while the virus continued to pummel New York City and made its way into rural America.

Elsewhere, Russia said its borders would be fully closed as of Monday, while in parts of Africa, pandemic prevention measures took a violent turn, with Kenyan police firing tear gas and officers elsewhere seen on video hitting people with batons.

UK coronavirus death toll under 20,000 would be ‘good result’, says health chief

LONDON (Reuters) – The United Kingdom will do well if it manages to keep the coronavirus death toll below 20,000, a senior health official said on Saturday after the deadliest day so far of the outbreak saw the number of fatalities rise to more than 1,000.

Trump and Cuomo clash as president weighs New York quarantine

Andrew Cuomo and Donald Trump once again clashed in their handling of the coronavirus outbreak on Saturday, with New York’s governor saying he was unaware the president was weighing a regional quarantine.

New York City hospital develops way to use one ventilator to support two patients-CNN

New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center physicians have developed and implemented a strategy to enable a single mechanical ventilator to fully support two patients simultaneously in carefully selected patients under the right conditions, according to a statement from a spokesperson.

Iran coronavirus death toll tops 2,500-CNA

TEHRAN: Iran announced on Saturday (Mar 28) that 139 more people had died from the novel coronavirus, raising the official death toll to 2,517 in one of the world’s worst-affected countries.

Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told a news conference that 3,076 more cases had been confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 35,408.

Covid-19 patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rate

The mortality rate for patients put in intensive care after being infected with Covid-19 is running at close to 50%, a report has revealed.

Data from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) showed that of 165 patients treated in critical care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the end of February, 79 died, while 86 survived and were discharged.

France orders 1 billion face masks from China

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, Véran said the country could produce 8 million face masks a week but consumed 40 million each week.

Trump considering quarantine for NY, NJ and Connecticut-AP

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump said he was considering a quarantine as early as Saturday for coronavirus hotspots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to stop the spread from reaching states with fewer infections. It was unclear whether he has the power to order residents of a state to stay put.

Trump told reporters at the White House that he had spoken with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, among others, and that “a lot of the states that are infected but don’t have a big problem, they’ve asked me if I’ll look at it so we’re going to look at it.”

Coronavirus deaths in Italy pass 10,000 with 889 new fatalities-Guardian

The 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.

Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases-CNA

ROME: Italy recorded 919 deaths from coronavirus on Friday (Mar 27), the highest daily toll anywhere in the world, while the number of confirmed cases eclipsed the total in China where the virus first emerged.

My NHS colleagues are committed but we are at maximum stretch-Guardian

Psychiatrist and former minister Dan Poulter says the crisis is unprecedented, but his fellow health workers will see it through

Ohio governor asks manufacturers to help produce personal protection equipment

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has asked for any manufacturers who can help produce critically needed personal protection equipment for the state’s healthcare workers to contact his office.

DeWine said “it should be a no secret to anyone that we have a real, real shortage” of these healthcare items.

12 noon EST. An increase of 20,158 cases and 796 deaths since 5 am. Case fatality rate 4.6%

ice_screenshot_20200328-120145 — JHU CSSE

Brazil’s Bolsonaro questions coronavirus deaths, says ‘sorry, some will die’-Reuters

RIO DE JANEIRO/SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday cast doubt on Sao Paulo’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak and accused the state governor of manipulating the numbers for political ends, without giving evidence for his claims.

The number of coronavirus deaths in UK rise above 1,000-CNN

The number of people hospitalized in the United Kingdom with coronavirus who have died is now 1,019, according to the latest figures released by the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care on Saturday.

States impose new restrictions on travelers from New York-AP

BOSTON (AP) — States are pulling back the welcome mat for travelers from the New York area, which is the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, and some say at least one state’s measures are unconstitutional.

Governors in Texas, Florida and Maryland this week ordered people arriving by plane from the New York area —including New Jersey and Connecticut — to self-quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival.

Connecticut officials have also pleaded with New Yorkers and others from out of state to avoid visiting unless absolutely necessary.

Coronavirus: New Yorkers made to feel unwelcome in other US states over infection fears-SCMP

New York is one of the hardest hit US states, accounting for 44,000 of the country’s more than 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases

Neighbouring Rhode Island went so far as to post state troopers at its border to stop cars with New York number plates and enforce quarantine measures

4 passengers die on cruise ship grappling with coronavirus off Panama-CNA

PANAMA CITY: Four passengers have died on a cruise ship off the Pacific coast of Panama with more than 130 others aboard suffering from influenza-like symptoms, at least two of whom have coronavirus, the vessel’s operator said on Friday (Mar 27).

Tokyo coronavirus cases rise by daily record, residents urged to stay home-Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters) – Tokyo has confirmed more than 50 new coronavirus infections, a record daily increase, public broadcaster NHK reported on Saturday as the governor of Japan’s capital urged citizens to stay indoors.

Coronavirus-struck aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt could hamstring US Navy’s readiness-SCMP

The Roosevelt may be sidelined for days, sitting pier side in Guam as the entire crew – more than 5,000 – is tested

The setback has limited impact on the balance of power in Asia, but it will not go unnoticed in China, which is developing its own carrier fleet

France reports new spike in coronavirus deaths, bringing total to almost 2,000-CNA

PARIS: French health authorities reported 299 new deaths from coronavirus on Friday (Mar 27), taking the total to 1,995, as the government has decided to extend by two weeks the national lockdown, now due to end on Apr 15 at the earliest.

The climb in the number of deaths represents a daily rise of 18 per cent, a less-marked increase from the previous day.

Migrant caregivers, domestic workers in Taiwan subject to centralized quarantine-Taiwan News

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan on Friday (March 27) announced it is adjusting its quarantine policy regarding foreign migrant workers as part of its efforts to stem the coronavirus.

According to the Ministry of Labor (MOL), foreign nationals working in the field of social welfare are now required to be kept in isolation at government-designated facilities, with employers paying the bills. These include caregivers at institutions, domestic carers, and home care workers.

Germany will not ease shutdown until at least April 20: paper-CNN

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Germany will not ease measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus before at least April 20, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff told a German newspaper.

Venezuela’s doctors fear the worst as the coronavirus pandemic approaches-CNN

Bogota (CNN)In the seventh straight year of Venezuela’s bitter economic downfall, local doctors warn that this once-wealthy country has few defenses against the global coronavirus pandemic.

According to the administration of embattled President Nicolas Maduro, only 107 diagnosed cases of the coronavirus have been officially recognized so far; however the country’s testing capacity is likely low, considering that its crippled healthcare system cannot even guarantee electricity in all facilities.

Number of coronavirus cases in Germany rises to 48,582: RKI

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany has risen to 48,582 and 325 people have died of the disease, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.

Coronavirus: German embassy criticises Japan’s case figures as expats question Tokyo’s approach-SCMP

Japan’s official numbers on those infected by the novel coronavirus ‘cannot be believed’, according to the embassy

The foreign ministry declined to comment on the matter, but foreigners in the country are worried about potential government misinformation

Tokyo confirms more than 50 new coronavirus cases, record daily increase: NHK

TOKYO (Reuters) – Tokyo has confirmed more than 50 new coronavirus cases, which is a record daily increase, national broadcaster NHK reported on Saturday.

Mexican governor claims poor people are ‘immune’ from coronavirus-CNN

(CNN)The governor of the central Mexican state of Puebla told reporters Wednesday that poor people “are immune” from the coronavirus.

During his remarks, which broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, Gov. Luis Miguel Barbosa posed a question, asking reporters which people were infected at the moment.
“The majority are wealthy people, you know,” he said, answering his own question. “If you’re rich you’re at risk, but if you’re poor, no, well us poor, we are immune.”

US, Taiwan team up to debunk coronavirus rumors on Facebook-Taiwan News

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The American Institute in Taipei (AIT) on Friday (March 27) announced a collaboration with the Taiwan Fact-Check Center to combat disinformation amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The project, entitled “COVID-19: Just the Facts,” will feature a series of Facebook posts aimed to debunk misinformation surrounding the pandemic. The non-profit Taiwan Fact-Check Center has already joined hands with social media in removing accounts found to be distributing erroneous narratives.

Coronavirus: after deaths on cruise ship MS Zaandam, guests clamour to leave-SCMP

Four older passengers have died on the liner and more than 130 others aboard are suffering from flu-like symptoms

The Zaandam, with 1,243 guests on board, is currently in Panamanian waters, after it was prevented from docking in several ports due to Covid-19 fears

Mexico registers 717 coronavirus cases, and 12 total deaths-Reuters

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico’s health ministry on Friday said it had registered 717 cases of coronavirus in the country, up from 585 the day before.

THESE ARE THE ONLY COUNTRIES STILL NOT REPORTING ANY CORONAVIRUS CASES-Newsweek

The remaining nations without a known single novel coronavirus case, according to a review by Newsweek, are located primarily on the continent of Africa and isolated Pacific island states, but others were much closer to major outbreaks.

In Iraq, coronavirus terrifies even doctors hardened by conflict-Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Through decades of conflict, Dr Haidar Hantoush has watched wounded soldiers and civilians flood into Iraq’s emergency wards. But he’s never been so scared.

“Violence we can just about handle. Patients stream into hospitals for hours at a time – but you can see how many there are. You get a lull to prepare for the next round,” said Hantoush, public health director for southern province Dhi Qar.

“With coronavirus, there’s no safe place. We don’t know when the number of cases will explode…. Even the world’s best healthcare systems can’t cope.”

Coronavirus: Vietnam stockpiles rice as outbreak spreads and food security concerns grow-SCMP

Traders believe the world has enough rice but transport disruptions due to India’s lockdown and Vietnam’s stockpiling could affect global supply

Prices could also rise if there is more demand, as Thailand is producing less rice due to a drought, says a Bangkok-based trader

Milan hospital coronavirus squad battles the odds to save a life-CNA

MILAN: There was no room for error at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Friday as medical staff moved an 18-year-old patient from the coronavirus ward for urgent tests in another unit.

It took an eight-member team, all wearing protective gear, to do it right – holding on to tubes, sensors, braces and other medical gear as the young man held on for dear life.

South Africa struggles with lockdown as it records first coronavirus death

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Bustling streets and long queues at supermarkets highlighted South Africa’s struggle to adapt to a new lockdown on Friday, as the country recorded its first coronavirus death.

Singapore threatens prison for close encounters in stringent virus measures-Reuters

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Getting within a metre of another person at a restaurant or a shopping queue in Singapore can now land you in prison under some of the toughest punishments seen worldwide to implement social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rebel-held Syria braces for coronavirus ‘tsunami’ — without soap, running water or the prospect of social distancing-CNN

Idlib, Syria (CNN)Everything Fatima Um Ali needs to protect herself and her family from the novel coronavirus is out of reach. There is no running water, soap is expensive and hand sanitizer is an unaffordable luxury. She cannot even imagine what social distancing for her family of 16 would look like in the three tents they share in a makeshift camp near the Turkish-Syrian border.

“We try with our limited capabilities to keep clean. All those sanitizers, cleaning materials that you are talking about, we can’t get,” Um Ali tells CNN.

Coronavirus: deadliest day in Italy and Spain shows worst not over yet-SCMP

Italy reported 969 deaths in 24 hours while Spain reported 769, bringing toll to 9,134 and 4,858, respectively

Italy now has 86,498 cases, becoming second country after US to overtake China

Number of coronavirus cases in Germany rises to 42,288: RKI-Reuters

BERLIN (Reuters) – The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany has risen to 42,288 and 253 people have died of the disease, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Friday.

China sends medical help to Pakistan-AP

ISLAMABAD — The foreign ministry says China is sending a plane containing medical personnel and supplies to aid Pakistan in the fight to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Pakistan is a key link in China’s ambitious multi-billion dollar, one-road project linking South and Central Asia to China.

China is also a key military supplier for Pakistan, having supplied the country with missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Amid pandemic, Ecuador removes 100 corpses from homes in its biggest city-Reuters

QUITO/GUAYAQUIL (Reuters) – Ecuadorean authorities have removed 100 corpses from homes in the city of Guayaquil in three days, the interior minister said on Friday, following residents’ complaints that they have no way to dispose of relatives’ remains amid the coronavirus pandemic.

China dialing back coronavirus conspiracy claims, US says-CNA

WASHINGTON: China has retreated from spreading conspiracy theories online in the developing world alleging US involvement in the coronavirus pandemic after finding limited traction, a US official said on Friday (Mar 27).

The State Department’s Global Engagement Center, which is in charge of analyzing and countering foreign propaganda, said China has shifted to praising its own successes in containing the virus and highlighting its delivery of aid abroad.

Coronavirus: why so few infections in Singapore’s health workers?-SCMP

Throughout the world, overworked health care professionals are being infected with Covid-19, yet the Lion City has kept numbers low

Preparation, planning, patient ratios and protective equipment have all played a part. Still, even the best gear cannot guard against discrimination

5 am EST update. An increase of 9,676 cases and 866 deaths since 7 pm last night. Death rate of 4.6%

ice_screenshot_20200328-051406 — Table from JHU CSSE

Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes-AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress to support businesses, rush resources to overburdened health care providers and help struggling families during the deepening coronavirus epidemic.

Acting with unity and resolve unseen since the 9/11 attacks, Washington moved urgently to stem an economic free fall caused by widespread restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus that have shuttered schools, closed businesses and brought American life in many places to a virtual standstill.

US class action suits filed against China-NHK

US citizens and businesses have filed class action suits against the Chinese government, seeking compensation for damages caused by the new coronavirus outbreak.

In the southern state of Florida, a group of individuals and businesses filed a lawsuit with a federal district court on March 12.

The plaintiffs argue that they are suffering huge damages resulting from the Chinese government’s mishandling of the outbreak.

New York medical workers decry ‘abysmal’ lack of coronavirus protection-CNA

NEW YORK: Medical staff in America’s coronavirus hotbed New York are struggling with long hours and a dire need for protective equipment – and as infections surge, they increasingly fear for their own safety.

Doctors and nurses are working around the clock caring for patients hit by the fast-spreading infection, risking their lives on the front lines of the global crisis.

World Health Organisation warns countries not to treat Covid-19 patients with unproven medicine amid scramble for a cure-SCMP

History of medicine abounds with ‘examples of drugs that worked on paper or in a test tube but were actually harmful’, WHO chief says

Warning comes as cases of the respiratory ailment caused by the coronavirus surge worldwide

Don’t Get Sick!

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