Coronavirus latest: at a glance
Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Biggest daily rise in UK coronavirus deaths
The UK has again recorded its biggest daily rise in coronavirus deaths. In the last 24 hours, 181 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19. 115 deaths were recorded the day before. The UK death toll stands at 759, with 14,579 confirmed cases.
Matt Hancock, the UK’s health secretary, tests positive
Following the news that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, had tested positive for Covid-19, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, confirmed that he too has coronavirus. Both are experiencing mild symptoms and are in self-isolation.
Italy records highest daily rise in deaths and has not yet reached peak, experts say
Italy also recorded its highest daily rise in Covid-19 deaths, with 919 new fatalities, taking the total to 9,134. The update follows a warning from the head of the country’s national health institute that infections have not yet reached their peak and that lockdown measures will have to be extended.
France extends lockdown by a fortnight
France has extended its lockdown until 15 April, the prime minister announced in a speech. Edouard Philippe said it was clear that the country was “just at the beginning of this epidemic wave”.
Four dead on cruise ship after outbreak
Four people have died on a cruise ship stranded off the coast of Panama after a Covid-19 outbreak on board, the boat’s owners have confirmed.
US approves $2.2tn economic stimulus package
Congress has given final approval for a $2.2tn financial package designed to rush federal aid to workers, businesses and a healthcare system ravaged by the virus, after politicians united to overcome a last-minute attempt to delay its passage.
Death toll in the Netherlands and Switzerland rises
In the Netherlands, the death toll has risen to 546 after 112 new deaths. The number of confirmed cases of infection increased by 1,172 to 8,603 – a 16% rise. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the death toll had reached 197, the health ministry said, up from 161 on Thursday.
UK doctors are crowdfunding for protective equipment
A group of doctors has set up a crowdfunder to get vital protective equipment to medics who are dealing with coronavirus cases, amid concerns that NHS trusts are struggling to protect frontline workers because of a lack of supplies.
