ZCZC
BFF-05
VIRUS-WORLD-DEVELOPMENT
Coronavirus: latest global developments
PARIS, April 14, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
– French lockdown extended –
President Emmanuel Macron announces that France’s lockdown will be extended to May 11.
He acknowledges that the country was not prepared for a crisis that has killed nearly 15,000 people in the country.
– Nigeria extends lockdown –
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announces a two-week extension to a lockdown in largest city Lagos, neighbouring Ogun state and capital Abuja.
– White House ridicules talk of firing health chief –
The White House dismisses speculation that President Donald Trump wants to fire coronavirus pointman Anthony Fauci as “ridiculous”.
Rumours began circulating on Sunday after Trump retweeted criticism of Fauci with the hashtag #FireFauci.
– Spain eases lockdown –
Spain reopens parts of its economy, with some factory and construction staff returning to work within strict safety guidelines.
But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warns Spain is “far from victory” and lockdown restrictions in place since March 14 remain for much of the nation’s 47 million people.
– Over 118,000 dead worldwide –
Over 118,OOO people have died worldwide from the coronavirus in 193 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally based on official sources.
There have been 1,889,410 reported infections since the virus emerged in China in December.
The United States has the most deaths of any country with 23,529. It also has the highest number of reported infections with 568,176.
Italy has 20,465 deaths, Spain 17,489, France 14,967 and Britain 11,329.
– New rise of infections in China –
Officials in China report 108 new cases, 98 of which came in from abroad, the country’s highest number of confirmed infections in a single day in more than a month.
– Oil rally fizzles –
An oil price rally sparked by an international deal to slash production fizzles out, with traders doubtful the agreement will help shore up energy markets.
– Moscow’s digital travel passes –
Moscow authorities launch a digital permit system to control people’s movements.
A website to apply for the passes launches on Monday for people travelling by car or public transport and the permit system will be operational from Wednesday.
– US eyes gradual reopening in May –
The US government’s top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci says parts of the country could begin easing restrictions in May, but remains cautious.
South Korean firms will make their first shipment of tests to the US this week after a request by US President Donald Trump.
– Turkey rejects minister resignation –
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces a fresh lockdown for the coming weekend in a bid to stop people tempted by spring weather from leaving their homes.
– Ecuador chaos –
Ecuador says police have removed some 800 bodies in recent weeks from homes in the port city of Guayaquil, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, after the disease overwhelmed emergency services, hospitals and funeral parlours.
– Hidden victims –
Pope Francis, in his livestreamed Easter Monday prayer, expresses concern for the growing number of women subjected to domestic abuse while living under lockdown.
BSS/AFP/MMA/0925HRS