Coronavirus latest: at a glance
Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Dubai goes into lockdown
Dubai has entered a two-week lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus. The new measures, introduced at 8pm on Saturday (1600 GMT), will see mobility restricted, with just one person per residence able to leave home for “essential needs” such as food and medicine. Supermarkets and pharmacies, alongside food and drug delivery services, will continue to work as normal and those working in “vital sectors” will be allowed to go out.
US cases pass 300,000 as Trump warns next two weeks will be hardest
Donald Trump has warned American citizens that the next two weeks will be the toughest, as the number of cases in the US pass 300,000. He also announced that thousands of military personnel would be deployed to states to help them tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with 1,000 directed to New York City.
Deaths in New York pass 3,000
The death toll in the state of New York increased by 630 in the last day, governor Andrew Cuomo announced, bringing its number of coronavirus-related deaths to 3,565. This was the largest daily increase in deaths in the state, which has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the US and has accounted for almost a quarter of the US’s 8,291 deaths.
Tehran could see virus resurgence
A senior health official in Iran has warned that the area in and around the capital city of Tehran could see a resurgence of coronavirus cases after residents flouted restrictions. The warning came after many people ignored advice to stay at home, with crowding and traffic jams on the city’s streets as the country’s New Year holidays ended on Saturday.
Tunisia government gets new powers
The Tunisian parliament has given the government new powers to combat the spread of coronavirus and the expected economic fallout. These will allow the government to issue decrees, make purchasing agreements and seek finance without consulting parliament. The decision was backed by all political parties.
Malawi government takes 10% pay cut to fund virus fight
The president and ministers of Malawi will take a 10% cut to their salary and redirect the money to the country’s efforts to fight coronavirus, president Peter Mutharika has said. The announcement came in a national address on state television which also unveiled a number of measures to protect businesses, including tax breaks, reduction in fuel allowances and an increase in the risk allowances for health workers.
