by Summary for 22nd March
Cases pass 300,000 with more than 13,000 deaths around the world; 92,000 people have recovered
Sport and physical activity outside are banned in Italy's worst hit region of Lombardy
The move comes after Italy reported nearly 800 coronavirus deaths on Saturday
Britons are warned the spread of the virus is "accelerating" and they must avoid social contact
More than a billion people in India asked to observe a 14-hour long curfew to test the country's preparedness
Australia's biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are set to shut down non-essential services
A recap of the main points this Sunday.
Lombardy - the worst-hit region in the worst-hit country, Italy - is tightening the rules on what people can and cannot do. Sport and physical activity - even on your own - is forbidden. Even using vending machines is out. Italy suffered its highest daily rise in deaths on Saturday - 793.
Australia's two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, along with Canberra, will shut down non-essential services in the next 48 hours as coronavirus cases rise rapidly in the country. Australia's Prime Minister says the sight of hundreds of people on Sydney's famous Bondi beach should be a "wake-up call" to take advice on social distancing seriously.
India has been observing a 14-hour long curfew to test the country's ability to fight the virus. One of the main suburban lines in Mumbai has been shut down.
The number of cases globally has passed 300,000 with more than 13,000 deaths.
Boris Johnson made a plea on Saturday night for UK citizens not to visit loved ones on Mother's Day. Join a "heroic and collective national effort", he said, to ensure social distancing.
Trails in Snowdonia National Park could be closed after the authorities complained of "unprecedented scenes" with crowds flouting official advice on social distancing.
Mr Corbyn, who is stepping down from his role in two weeks, says the country has been made "vulnerable" to the effects of a pandemic by "10 years of austerity".
He also expresses concern for self-employed people in vulnerable groups, who are today being asked to stay at home for 12 weeks - he says this period will be “very, very difficult” for them.
He says he thinks the UK Parliament should stay in session so that MPs can hold ministers to account, but says party managers have agreed that the number of MPs in the chamber should be “greatly reduced”.
The 14-hour curfew saw cities across India deserted.
Domestic flights were halted and Indian railways have cancelled all passenger services till the end of the month, from Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the lockdown - not mandatory - would strengthen the fight against Covid-19. India has registered 341 cases, with five deaths.
Asked what that means, Mr Jenrick repeats that the UK can "turn the tide" in this period, but adds: "Nobody is pretending this will be over in 12 weeks".
He says the UK has taken the right steps so far to tackle the virus, but adds: "If there are further steps we need to take, we will take then".
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the measures after a national cabinet meeting.
Home delivery services will continue running and supermarkets will remain open.
Schools are not being closed nationwide but some states have suggested they might do so.
The number of confirmed cases has risen sharply in Australia in recent days, reaching 1,315.
He says Londoners should not leave their homes "unless you really have to", and public transport should not be used unless "essential".
Asked if the tube should be closed completely, Mr Khan says he is keen to keep some trains running so "critical workers" can get to work.
"Nobody else should be using public transport," he adds.
He says he has been lobbying ministers to make sure people aren't "confused" about the social distancing advice being given.
"This isn't advice as far as i'm concerned - these are instructions and these are rules that we should all obey to stop people dying," he adds
He says prototypes for the machines have been received, and he hopes some will come into hospitals "very quickly".
He also reveals that the government has ordered millions of antibody testing kits - which will be able to tell people if they have had the virus.
He says these will be made available "in the coming weeks".
It takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12 - all were in the high-risk category, either over 70 or with underlying health conditions.
Uganda reported its first case last night after testing a passenger who had returned home from Dubai.
The confirmation came hours after President Yoweri Museveni had announced several crowd control measures including banning of all flight operations starting midnight on Sunday.
In neighbouring Rwanda, the government has announced that it may extend its 14-day lockdown which was imposed last week on Thursday.
Rwanda has so far recorded 17 cases of Covid-19, the most in the east Africa region.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded its first Covid-19 related death after a doctor who had returned from France succumbed to the disease.
The Africa CDC has also announced 108 patients have recovered after contracting the virus.
Here is the full list of countries which have reported confirmed cases of Covid-19:
Student Tracy Landu, 24, says hours at her university library had been cut back completely as the coronavirus outbreak meant fewer people were on campus.
She submitted a brief online application for a temporary customer service role at a Tesco store in north London at 19:00 GMT on Friday.
"It was really quick, I didn't put too much detail - I didn't actually upload a full CV - I just thought 'no, I'm not going to upload it'. I just knew they were quite desperate so the main details should be good [enough]."
By 22:00 she was phoned back by the store and - after a two-minute telephone interview - asked to attend her induction on Saturday.
Tesco is far from alone in recruiting thousands of extra staff - Asda, Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons have all launched recruitment drives.
Over 3,600 new cases have also been confirmed. Officials say 28,572 have been infected since the outbreak began - 2,575 people have recovered.
Behind Italy and China, Spain has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world. The majority of deaths have been reported in the country's capital, Madrid.
The French are spending their first Sunday under a strict "confinement" regime: they can only leave their homes to go to work (if they can't work from home), buy food, seek medical care or on urgent family business.
But what about walking your dog? As this police form shows, you can do so by filling in the name of your pets and the time you went out. You are only allowed one outing per day.
Let's re-cap what UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said overnight.
In a warning to coincide with Mothering Sunday, Mr Johnson called for Britons not to visit their mothers in person this year.
"This time, the best thing is to ring her, video call her, Skype her, but to avoid any unnecessary physical contact or proximity," the PM said.
In a message to the country, Mr Johnson added that the numbers of coronavirus cases in the UK "are very stark, and they are accelerating".
He compared the country's situation to Italy.
"The Italians have a superb health care system. And yet their doctors and nurses have been completely overwhelmed by the demand," he said.
"The Italian death toll is already in the thousands and climbing. Unless we act together, unless we make the heroic and collective national effort to slow the spread - then it is all too likely that our own NHS will be similarly overwhelmed."
In a televised speech, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US was Iran's "most evil enemy" and hinted at a conspiracy theory, also voiced by some Chinese officials, that America was responsible for the pandemic.
“I do not know how real this accusation is but when it exists, who in their right mind would trust you to bring them medication?" Mr Khamenei said. "Possibly your medicine is a way to spread the virus more.”
Without offering any evidence, he also alleged that the virus “is specifically built for Iran using the genetic data of Iranians which they have obtained through different means”.
Other Iranian officials have also accused America of hypocrisy for offering aid while refusing to lift heavy sanctions.
Iran has become one of the worst-hit countries in the world since the coronavirus outbreak began, and it has recorded the highest number of cases in the Middle East - more than 21,600. The official death toll has also risen to 1,685. But there are concerns that the actual number of infections and deaths in Iran is higher.
Today, French medical charity MSF said it was establishing a 50-bed emergency centre in Iran's Isfahan province to assist with relief efforts. Alongside Britain and Germany, France is already contributing a medical aid package to Iran, amid rising political tensions.
British supermarket Sainsbury's has changed its new opening time policy for the elderly and vulnerable and NHS staff.
The chain now says it will open half an hour earlier for all NHS staff each day at 07:30 GMT - while special shopping times for the elderly or at-risk will continue to be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 08:00-09:00.
It follows feedback that allowing NHS staff to shop at the same time as those who are vulnerable from the coronavirus might put them at risk.
The hospital will be fitted with 5,500 beds, making it the biggest facility of its kind in Europe. Its director, Antonio Zapatero, told El Mundo newspaper that 300 people will be move there this weekend.
Earlier we reported on new figures from Spain, which has now seen over 1,700 disease-related deaths since the coronavirus epidemic began.
Its total number of confirmed cases now stands at 28,572, making it one of the worst-hit countries in the world.
To combat infection rates, Spain has closed all bars, shut its borders, and enforced a lockdown on its 46 million residents.
But despite sweeping restrictions, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Saturday that the worst is yet to come, comparing its impact to Spain's civil war in the 1930s.
"We have yet to receive the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," he said.
The virus has already claimed the life of a policeman, and health care workers now account for over 10% of infections. With so many frontline staff at risk, concerns have been raised about the ability of hospitals to cope with so many new patients.
As part of efforts to shore up the healthcare system, around 14,000 doctors and nurses have been brought out of retirement to help.
The borough council says the parks will be closing their gates at 19.00 GMT this evening until "further notice".
Current UK government advice on social distancing for the general population says people should avoid "large and small gatherings in public spaces" - but does not explicitly say parks should be closed.
It also says most people can go for a walk or exercise outdoors, if they stay more than two metres from others.
She says it is clear that everyone should consider everytime they are planning on coming into contact with others whether that contact is neccessary - she says if it is not neccessary they should not do it.
"If the shop is crowded my advice would be not to go in it," she adds. "I appeal to the public to follow the advice that is being given".
Ms Sturgeon says life should not feel normal right now and she asks the public to consider if their lives feel normal - and if it does, whether they need to make changes.
She reiterates advice for safe distancing of two metres (6ft) and says events such as a wedding receptions are among those which should not take place.
She says emergency powers will be activated in the coming days to force licenced premises to close.
She says the decision to close schools was taken for health reasons and that the number of children attending school this week must be kept to a minimum.
"The higher the number of children in childcare settings the higher the health risks for all of us," she says.
NHS staff will be prioritised and there are only so many places to go around, she adds.
Some of these people will be given strict instructions to self isolate, she adds.
She says the "extraordinary efforts this group will have to go through to protect themselves" should demonstrate to healthy people how serious the situation is.
So far, there have been 108 cases of coronavirus there.
Church leaders asked worshippers to stand metres apart and to wear face masks, the state news agency Yonhap said.
The country’s culture minister met church officials at a large Protestant church in the capital Seoul, and repeated an earlier call for religious leaders to move church services online.
South Korea’s leaders have warned several times that they will have to impose stricter quarantine orders if South Koreans ignore government advice to avoid large gatherings.
Seoul has recorded 98 new cases of the virus over the past 24 hours. This is down from a high of 909 new infections which were confirmed in one day in late February.
Other countries have also struggled to prevent religious gatherings taking place. The Georgian Orthodox Church held services on Sunday despite a state of emergency which banned gatherings of 10 or more people.
Ms Sturgeon also confirmed:
It takes the form of a voice note which has been spreading rapidly on WhatsApp.
In the past few hours dozens of audience members from around the world have sent the audio to the BBC.
There’s no way to tell how many people may have heard it, but it’s definitely going viral.
The person speaking in the note says she’s translating advice from a “colleague who has a friend” working at a hospital on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria.
The information itself is a mix of tips. Some are helpful: She encourages people to drink lots of hot drinks and wash surfaces thoroughly. It’s definitely a good idea to keep hydrated and clean.
But the voice memo includes misleading advice as well. The speaker suggests “sunlight … neutralises the virus” and that coronavirus can be killed by taking “a sip of warm water every 20 minutes”. There’s no scientific basis for either of these claims.
It’s the latest reminder that not everything you get forwarded from a “friend of a friend” is reliable.
The BBC has debunked some of the more common medical myths.
And we’ve traced how bad information goes viral.
Residents will only be allowed out of their homes for essential purposes. All offices and shops other than pharmacies and those selling food items have been ordered to close.
Karachi, the commercial heart of Pakistan, is normally a heaving metropolis of around 15 million people.
There have been more than 600 cases in Pakistan so far. The bulk of the country's coronavirus cases consist of people travelling back from neighbouring Iran, though there have been an increasing number of instances of community transmission in the city of Karachi.
Sindh province is controlled by an opposition party. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has opposed a nationwide lockdown saying it would cause too much harm to those on low incomes.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Afghanistan has reported the first coronavirus-related death - a 40-year-old patient in Balkh province.
But other European countries are also struggling. Here's the latest:
The UK broadcaster said enough episodes have been recorded to see both soaps through until "at least the early summer".
But it said it had now made the decision to halt production to protect the health and well-being of staff.
A reduced transmission schedule for both soaps will begin on 30 March.
People can take exercise and many are doing so - scenes at the Snowdonia National Park in Wales were described as "unprecedented" on Sunday as huge numbers travelled there to take in fresh air.
So what should you do if you go for a walk in a park and it is crowded?
Prof Robert Dingwall, a sociologist from Nottingham Trent University who is advising the UK government, said problems occur when people cannot maintain the recommended two metre (6ft) separation.
He says: "If that is the case, then it probably is better to go home and pick a quieter time or a quieter location."
Dr Robin Thompson, an epidemiologist at Oxford University, added: "The key thing is to exercise while minimising contacts.
"There are many walks all across the UK - so, where possible, individuals can research walks without main attractions such as viewpoints or other areas that represent likely gathering points for groups of people."
"Local footpaths are likely to be less crowded than walks through major parks. And we can all try and maintain at least two metres distance between ourselves and others while out exercising."
Emergency closure orders are being enforced on licensed premises which are in defiance of the UK prime minister's order to close last week, according to Police Scotland.
In a statement, the force said officers are visiting those premises to implement compulsory 24-hour closures, which it said can and will be repeated if neccessary.
It follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warning those pubs that have not closed that there would be emergency legislation brought in to force them to do so this week.
There are now 5,683 confirmed cases in the UK - a rise of 665 on Saturday.
"It is very important for people's mental and physical wellbeing that they should be able to get out and exercise," he says, adding not everyone has a private open space. "That is why parks and open spaces are absolutely crucial."
He says that - despite this - people must follow social distancing advice otherwise "there is no doubt" that the government will bring forward further measures.
Asked what the "further measures" relating to social distancing are and when they might be implemented, Mr Johnson says people "do not need to use their imagination to see where the government may have to go".
He mentions the kind of measures seen elsewhere. In Europe, governments have implemented lockdowns and restrictions on movement.
"I don't want to do that, I have tried to explain the public health benefits [from] the sense that you can go out," Mr Johnson says. He says the ability to go out can only be preserved if people act responsibly.
"If we can't do that I am afraid we are going to need to bring forward tougher measures."
"Our behaviour is the most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection, Chancellor Angela Merkel said of the nationwide measures.
Some exceptions will be allowed, including for people living under the same roof and going out together for fresh air.
The government has also ordered hairdressers and beauty, massage and tattoo parlours to close and restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeaway services.
The country had already closed schools and other non-essential shops.
She was told about the contact after a press conference on Sunday in which she announced further measures to try to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Her government banned meetings of more than two people outside work and home for two weeks.
If people aren't following the advice, what will the government do?
It is very clear from the prime minister that he is actively considering further measures.
We have seen in other countries people are being told not to leave their houses.
But Boris Johnson said he does not want to impose such restrictions.
He says he is very, very concerned with people's mental and physical health if they cannot leave the house.
The Republican from Kentucky is the first member of the upper chamber of Congress to announce he has Covid-19.
Several members of the House of Representatives have already tested positive for the virus.
Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and Utah Democrat Ben McAdams announced they were in self-quarantine earlier this week.
"It’s a mistake. It’s insensitive. It’s arrogant. It’s self-destructive," Mr Cuomo said on Sunday.
"This is not a joke, and I am not kidding," adding that he shared New Yorkers’ frustration at having to stay inside. "I’m even getting annoyed with the dog."
Mr Cuomo has cancelled all non-critical surgeries in the state as cases across New York continue to soar. There are at least 15,168 confirmed cases - a jump of 4,812 since Saturday - and 114 deaths, Mr Cuomo said.
At least 38 of New York City’s over 9,000 cases are those inside prisons, including 21 inmates. Activists have urged early releases to lower population densities within the facilities.
Already, prisons in Los Angeles and Ohio have allowed for hundreds of early releases and New York’s mayor has said the city will look to release “vulnerable” inmates.
In total 37 people with the virus died today in England, all in vulnerable groups including with underlying conditions.
There were another seven in Wales, three in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
The 79-year-old Spanish tenor wrote on his Facebook page that he was in self-isolation with his family, but remained "in good health".
"I experienced fever and cough symptoms therefore deciding to get tested and the result came back positive,"
He urged his followers to wash their hands frequently and keep their distance from one another.
"Together we can fight this virus and stop the current worldwide crisis," he continued.
"The virus kills and it is continuing to kill," said health official Jerome Salomon on Sunday.
A total of 16,018 cases have been recorded in France, but the figure is widely believed to be an "underestimate", Mr Salomon warned.
France has been in lockdown since Tuesday, with only essential trips outside permitted. Mr Salomon urged the people to show "patience".
It’s now at the epicentre of the outbreak, and the country's president has urged other countries to learn from its struggle to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The number of recorded deaths there recently overtook those in China, where the virus originated last year. Italy reported 651 coronavirus deaths on Sunday and saw its toll for the past month reach 5,476, the highest in the world.
So why has Italy been so badly affected? A number of possible reasons have been mooted.
Some studies point to the large number of elderly people in the worst affected regions, such as Lombardy in the north. Italy also has the oldest population in the world after Japan with some 23% of people there over the age of 65.
This matters because the virus is especially dangerous for older people.
The vast majority of Italy's fatal cases involved elderly people with at least one pre-existing condition, officials say. The average age of the first 3,200 people who died was 78.5.
Experts also say a large proportion of 18-34s live at home with these older people, which increases the risk of the virus spreading.
Another factor that may help explain Italy's crisis is the length of time the virus has been active.
Some health officials believe it arrived in Italy long before the first case was officially confirmed in late February. It likely spread undetected through northern Italy, possibly for several weeks.
The European Commission said it would finance 90% of the stockpile, which will distributed to countries that need most.
The announcement comes amid criticism that the EU is not doing enough to support the many states dealing with a rising death toll from Covid-19.
In addition, the EU continues to help members bring back their citizens who are stranded abroad because of the outbreak. Up to 75% of the cost of repatriation is covered by the EU, providing the flight repatriates citizens of more than one member state.
The fast food giant said the decision was "not taken lightly" and was made "with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind, as well as in the best interests of our customers".
In a post on Twitter, hey thanked their "brilliant employees for their hard work" and said the restaurants would re-open "as soon as it is safe".
Cases pass 300,000 with more than 13,000 deaths around the world; 92,000 people have recovered
Sport and physical activity outside are banned in Italy's worst hit region of Lombardy
The move comes after Italy reported nearly 800 coronavirus deaths on Saturday
Britons are warned the spread of the virus is "accelerating" and they must avoid social contact
More than a billion people in India asked to observe a 14-hour long curfew to test the country's preparedness
Australia's biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are set to shut down non-essential services
A recap of the main points this Sunday.
Lombardy - the worst-hit region in the worst-hit country, Italy - is tightening the rules on what people can and cannot do. Sport and physical activity - even on your own - is forbidden. Even using vending machines is out. Italy suffered its highest daily rise in deaths on Saturday - 793.
Australia's two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, along with Canberra, will shut down non-essential services in the next 48 hours as coronavirus cases rise rapidly in the country. Australia's Prime Minister says the sight of hundreds of people on Sydney's famous Bondi beach should be a "wake-up call" to take advice on social distancing seriously.
India has been observing a 14-hour long curfew to test the country's ability to fight the virus. One of the main suburban lines in Mumbai has been shut down.
The number of cases globally has passed 300,000 with more than 13,000 deaths.
Boris Johnson made a plea on Saturday night for UK citizens not to visit loved ones on Mother's Day. Join a "heroic and collective national effort", he said, to ensure social distancing.
Trails in Snowdonia National Park could be closed after the authorities complained of "unprecedented scenes" with crowds flouting official advice on social distancing.
Corbyn calls for UK to increase virus testing
Speaking on Sky News, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged the UK government to increase coronavirus testing, calling the current testing rate "far too low".Mr Corbyn, who is stepping down from his role in two weeks, says the country has been made "vulnerable" to the effects of a pandemic by "10 years of austerity".
He also expresses concern for self-employed people in vulnerable groups, who are today being asked to stay at home for 12 weeks - he says this period will be “very, very difficult” for them.
He says he thinks the UK Parliament should stay in session so that MPs can hold ministers to account, but says party managers have agreed that the number of MPs in the chamber should be “greatly reduced”.
Millions stay at home in India curfew
Hundreds of millions of people in India have stayed indoors in response to the government's call for a lockdown to combat the transmission of coronavirus.The 14-hour curfew saw cities across India deserted.
Domestic flights were halted and Indian railways have cancelled all passenger services till the end of the month, from Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the lockdown - not mandatory - would strengthen the fight against Covid-19. India has registered 341 cases, with five deaths.
What's the latest around Asia?
- Thailand's cases rose by a third to 600 sparking fears of an impending crisis. Most new cases are in the capital, Bangkok, which is now virtually shut down. Doctors are warning a lockdown might be needed
- Poorer neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Laos are still claiming to have zero cases - fueling worries about a hidden epidemic that could overwhelm their health systems
- Indonesia is turning an athlete's village built for the 2008 Asian Games into an emergency hospital that can hold more than 4,000 patients. The world's fourth most populous country has recorded more than 500 cases but many are believed to be going unrecorded
- South Asia - a region of 1.9bn people which includes countries like Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh - has reported fewer than 1,000 total cases but the rate of infection is increasing
- Singapore has banned all short-term visitors from entering or transiting after a spike in imported cases
'This won't be over in 12 weeks' - UK cabinet minister
UK Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is asked about the PM Boris Johnson's comment earlier this week that the country can "turn the tide" on the virus within 12 weeks.Asked what that means, Mr Jenrick repeats that the UK can "turn the tide" in this period, but adds: "Nobody is pretending this will be over in 12 weeks".
He says the UK has taken the right steps so far to tackle the virus, but adds: "If there are further steps we need to take, we will take then".
Australia to close pubs and restaurants
Australia is going to close pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs and places of worship from Monday, with cafes and restaurants having to switch to takeaway only.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the measures after a national cabinet meeting.
Home delivery services will continue running and supermarkets will remain open.
Schools are not being closed nationwide but some states have suggested they might do so.
The number of confirmed cases has risen sharply in Australia in recent days, reaching 1,315.
Only critical workers should use tube, says London mayor
The worst-affected part of the UK from the spread of the coronavirus outbreak is London - with the capital's Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, telling the BBC the city is "weeks ahead of the rest of the country".He says Londoners should not leave their homes "unless you really have to", and public transport should not be used unless "essential".
Asked if the tube should be closed completely, Mr Khan says he is keen to keep some trains running so "critical workers" can get to work.
"Nobody else should be using public transport," he adds.
He says he has been lobbying ministers to make sure people aren't "confused" about the social distancing advice being given.
"This isn't advice as far as i'm concerned - these are instructions and these are rules that we should all obey to stop people dying," he adds
UK 'has ordered millions of antibody tests'
Robert Jenrick is asked about efforts by the UK government to ramp up production of ventilators for hospitals.He says prototypes for the machines have been received, and he hopes some will come into hospitals "very quickly".
He also reveals that the government has ordered millions of antibody testing kits - which will be able to tell people if they have had the virus.
He says these will be made available "in the coming weeks".
Wales virus deaths rise by 7
A further seven patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total to 12, chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said.It takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12 - all were in the high-risk category, either over 70 or with underlying health conditions.
Africa cases top 1,000 amid more national curbs
Africa has seen its coronavirus cases pass the 1,000 mark this weekend. There are currently 1,198 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the continent's Centre for Disease Control has announced.Uganda reported its first case last night after testing a passenger who had returned home from Dubai.
The confirmation came hours after President Yoweri Museveni had announced several crowd control measures including banning of all flight operations starting midnight on Sunday.
In neighbouring Rwanda, the government has announced that it may extend its 14-day lockdown which was imposed last week on Thursday.
Rwanda has so far recorded 17 cases of Covid-19, the most in the east Africa region.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded its first Covid-19 related death after a doctor who had returned from France succumbed to the disease.
The Africa CDC has also announced 108 patients have recovered after contracting the virus.
Here is the full list of countries which have reported confirmed cases of Covid-19:
- Algeria (102), Angola (2), Benin (2), Burkina Faso (75), Cameroon (27), Cape Verde (1), Central African Republic(3), Chad(1), Congo(2), Côte d'Ivoire (17), Djibouti (1), DRC (18)
- Egypt (294), Equatorial Guinea (4), Eswatini (4), Ethiopia (9), Gabon (4), Gambia (1), Ghana (21), Guinea (2), Kenya (7), Liberia (3), Madagascar (3), Mauritius (14), Mauritania (2), Morocco (96), Namibia (3), Niger (1), Nigeria (25), Rwanda (17), Senegal (56), Seychelles (7), Somalia (1)
- South Africa (240), Sudan (2), Tanzania (6), Togo (9), Tunisia (60), Uganda (1), Zambia (2), Zimbabwe (2). Territories (2) with cases: Mayotte (4), Reunion (47). Countries (10) with deaths (37): Algeria (15)
- Burkina Faso (3), DRC (1), Egypt (10), Gabon (1), Ghana (1), Mauritius (1), Morocco (3), Sudan (1), Tunisia (1), Countries (11) with recoveries (108): Algeria (32), Burkina Faso (5), Cameroon (2), Côte d’Ivoire (1), Egypt (41), Ethiopia (4), Morocco (3), Nigeria (2), Senegal (5), South Africa (12), Tunisia (1)
'I applied at 7pm and was hired by 10pm'
While many firms have announced job cuts due to the coronavirus in recent days, UK supermarkets have been bucking the trend and have gone on a hiring spree to recruit tens of thousands more staff - and quickly.Student Tracy Landu, 24, says hours at her university library had been cut back completely as the coronavirus outbreak meant fewer people were on campus.
She submitted a brief online application for a temporary customer service role at a Tesco store in north London at 19:00 GMT on Friday.
"It was really quick, I didn't put too much detail - I didn't actually upload a full CV - I just thought 'no, I'm not going to upload it'. I just knew they were quite desperate so the main details should be good [enough]."
By 22:00 she was phoned back by the store and - after a two-minute telephone interview - asked to attend her induction on Saturday.
Tesco is far from alone in recruiting thousands of extra staff - Asda, Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons have all launched recruitment drives.
Disease-related deaths rise to over 1,700 in Spain
Spanish authorities have reported 394 new virus-related deaths since yesterday, bringing the national total to 1,720. The rise compares with 324 new deaths on Saturday.Over 3,600 new cases have also been confirmed. Officials say 28,572 have been infected since the outbreak began - 2,575 people have recovered.
Behind Italy and China, Spain has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world. The majority of deaths have been reported in the country's capital, Madrid.
Life under lockdown for French dog owners
The French are spending their first Sunday under a strict "confinement" regime: they can only leave their homes to go to work (if they can't work from home), buy food, seek medical care or on urgent family business.But what about walking your dog? As this police form shows, you can do so by filling in the name of your pets and the time you went out. You are only allowed one outing per day.
Let's re-cap what UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said overnight.
In a warning to coincide with Mothering Sunday, Mr Johnson called for Britons not to visit their mothers in person this year.
"This time, the best thing is to ring her, video call her, Skype her, but to avoid any unnecessary physical contact or proximity," the PM said.
In a message to the country, Mr Johnson added that the numbers of coronavirus cases in the UK "are very stark, and they are accelerating".
He compared the country's situation to Italy.
"The Italians have a superb health care system. And yet their doctors and nurses have been completely overwhelmed by the demand," he said.
"The Italian death toll is already in the thousands and climbing. Unless we act together, unless we make the heroic and collective national effort to slow the spread - then it is all too likely that our own NHS will be similarly overwhelmed."
Iran refuses US offer of aid
Iran's Supreme Leader has rejected America's offer of aid to help the country with its battle against coronavirus.In a televised speech, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US was Iran's "most evil enemy" and hinted at a conspiracy theory, also voiced by some Chinese officials, that America was responsible for the pandemic.
“I do not know how real this accusation is but when it exists, who in their right mind would trust you to bring them medication?" Mr Khamenei said. "Possibly your medicine is a way to spread the virus more.”
Without offering any evidence, he also alleged that the virus “is specifically built for Iran using the genetic data of Iranians which they have obtained through different means”.
Other Iranian officials have also accused America of hypocrisy for offering aid while refusing to lift heavy sanctions.
Iran has become one of the worst-hit countries in the world since the coronavirus outbreak began, and it has recorded the highest number of cases in the Middle East - more than 21,600. The official death toll has also risen to 1,685. But there are concerns that the actual number of infections and deaths in Iran is higher.
Today, French medical charity MSF said it was establishing a 50-bed emergency centre in Iran's Isfahan province to assist with relief efforts. Alongside Britain and Germany, France is already contributing a medical aid package to Iran, amid rising political tensions.
Sainsbury's amends special opening times
British supermarket Sainsbury's has changed its new opening time policy for the elderly and vulnerable and NHS staff.The chain now says it will open half an hour earlier for all NHS staff each day at 07:30 GMT - while special shopping times for the elderly or at-risk will continue to be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 08:00-09:00.
It follows feedback that allowing NHS staff to shop at the same time as those who are vulnerable from the coronavirus might put them at risk.
Spain sets up hospital in Madrid conference centre
A makeshift hospital has been set up a a conference centre in the capital Madrid, a city that is bearing some of the highest infection rates.The hospital will be fitted with 5,500 beds, making it the biggest facility of its kind in Europe. Its director, Antonio Zapatero, told El Mundo newspaper that 300 people will be move there this weekend.
Earlier we reported on new figures from Spain, which has now seen over 1,700 disease-related deaths since the coronavirus epidemic began.
Its total number of confirmed cases now stands at 28,572, making it one of the worst-hit countries in the world.
To combat infection rates, Spain has closed all bars, shut its borders, and enforced a lockdown on its 46 million residents.
But despite sweeping restrictions, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Saturday that the worst is yet to come, comparing its impact to Spain's civil war in the 1930s.
"We have yet to receive the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," he said.
The virus has already claimed the life of a policeman, and health care workers now account for over 10% of infections. With so many frontline staff at risk, concerns have been raised about the ability of hospitals to cope with so many new patients.
As part of efforts to shore up the healthcare system, around 14,000 doctors and nurses have been brought out of retirement to help.
London borough to close parks
Hammersmith and Fulham has become the first London borough to announce it will be closing its parks to combat coronavirus.The borough council says the parks will be closing their gates at 19.00 GMT this evening until "further notice".
Current UK government advice on social distancing for the general population says people should avoid "large and small gatherings in public spaces" - but does not explicitly say parks should be closed.
It also says most people can go for a walk or exercise outdoors, if they stay more than two metres from others.
Scotland confirms three more deaths
Three more patients in Scotland have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths to 10, the Scottish government confirms.Sturgeon tells people: Follow the advice
Nicola Sturgeon's news briefing is now over. She was also asked why she was not pursuing a policy of complete lockdown, and said the government would keep "under review" different powers and steps.She says it is clear that everyone should consider everytime they are planning on coming into contact with others whether that contact is neccessary - she says if it is not neccessary they should not do it.
"If the shop is crowded my advice would be not to go in it," she adds. "I appeal to the public to follow the advice that is being given".
Ms Sturgeon says life should not feel normal right now and she asks the public to consider if their lives feel normal - and if it does, whether they need to make changes.
She reiterates advice for safe distancing of two metres (6ft) and says events such as a wedding receptions are among those which should not take place.
Pubs in Scotland 'will be forced to close'
Nicola Sturgeon says some pubs and bars chose to stay open on Saturday night, telling those establishments: "Close now".She says emergency powers will be activated in the coming days to force licenced premises to close.
Sturgeon tells hotels: Do not accept guests
The first minister says hotels and B&Bs "should not be accepting visitors" and she warns against visitors flocking to the Scottish Highlands for walks.She says the decision to close schools was taken for health reasons and that the number of children attending school this week must be kept to a minimum.
"The higher the number of children in childcare settings the higher the health risks for all of us," she says.
NHS staff will be prioritised and there are only so many places to go around, she adds.
200,000 Scots to be shielded
Ms Sturgeon says the most clinically vulnerable people in Scotland - around 200,000 people including cancer patients - will be contacted and offered a range of support.Some of these people will be given strict instructions to self isolate, she adds.
She says the "extraordinary efforts this group will have to go through to protect themselves" should demonstrate to healthy people how serious the situation is.
Northern Ireland confirms second death
A second coronavirus-related death has been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health says.So far, there have been 108 cases of coronavirus there.
South Korean churches defy restrictions
Hundreds of churches across South Korea appeared to go ahead with religious services on Sunday, despite a government request to cancel them.Church leaders asked worshippers to stand metres apart and to wear face masks, the state news agency Yonhap said.
The country’s culture minister met church officials at a large Protestant church in the capital Seoul, and repeated an earlier call for religious leaders to move church services online.
South Korea’s leaders have warned several times that they will have to impose stricter quarantine orders if South Koreans ignore government advice to avoid large gatherings.
Seoul has recorded 98 new cases of the virus over the past 24 hours. This is down from a high of 909 new infections which were confirmed in one day in late February.
Other countries have also struggled to prevent religious gatherings taking place. The Georgian Orthodox Church held services on Sunday despite a state of emergency which banned gatherings of 10 or more people.
Ms Sturgeon also confirmed:
- The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland has risen to 10 - the country's 416 confirmed positive cases was described as a "significant underestimate"
- The military has helped transport a coronavirus patient from a Scottish island to the mainland for treatment
- Ferry services to Scottish islands will only be open to islanders and freight
- Some 200,000 Scots will be "shielded" by the government and told not to leave their homes for at least 12 weeks
- NHS staff will be prioritised for the reduced number of school places from Monday
Misleading info spreads on WhatsApp
Misleading coronavirus information is rife online. One particular post with a mix of accurate and inaccurate info is catching on fast.It takes the form of a voice note which has been spreading rapidly on WhatsApp.
In the past few hours dozens of audience members from around the world have sent the audio to the BBC.
There’s no way to tell how many people may have heard it, but it’s definitely going viral.
The person speaking in the note says she’s translating advice from a “colleague who has a friend” working at a hospital on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria.
The information itself is a mix of tips. Some are helpful: She encourages people to drink lots of hot drinks and wash surfaces thoroughly. It’s definitely a good idea to keep hydrated and clean.
But the voice memo includes misleading advice as well. The speaker suggests “sunlight … neutralises the virus” and that coronavirus can be killed by taking “a sip of warm water every 20 minutes”. There’s no scientific basis for either of these claims.
It’s the latest reminder that not everything you get forwarded from a “friend of a friend” is reliable.
The BBC has debunked some of the more common medical myths.
And we’ve traced how bad information goes viral.
Karachi residents ordered to stay at home
In Pakistan, the entire province of Sindh, which includes the country’s largest city Karachi, is going into lockdown from midnight for two weeks in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Residents will only be allowed out of their homes for essential purposes. All offices and shops other than pharmacies and those selling food items have been ordered to close.
Karachi, the commercial heart of Pakistan, is normally a heaving metropolis of around 15 million people.
There have been more than 600 cases in Pakistan so far. The bulk of the country's coronavirus cases consist of people travelling back from neighbouring Iran, though there have been an increasing number of instances of community transmission in the city of Karachi.
Sindh province is controlled by an opposition party. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has opposed a nationwide lockdown saying it would cause too much harm to those on low incomes.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Afghanistan has reported the first coronavirus-related death - a 40-year-old patient in Balkh province.
What's the latest around Europe?
Although the virus first originated in China last year, it has spread rapidly around the world and now Italy is at the epicentre of the pandemic.But other European countries are also struggling. Here's the latest:
- Italy's worst-hit region, Lombardy, announced stricter measures as part of its lockdown. Sport and physical activity outside are banned as is the use of vending machines
- The country's president, Sergio Mattarella, said he hoped the rest of the world could learn from Italy's troubles. He said citizens across the European Union needed to feel the bloc was taking concrete action to combat the virus
- Mr Mattarella also thanked Germany for agreeing to send medical equipment. Meanwhile, Russia began sending military doctors, disinfection vehicles and other medical equipment to Italy
- Spain registered its worst figures yet after almost 400 people died in a single day. It brought the national total there to 1,720 making it one of the worst-hit countries in the world
- A makeshift hospital has been set up in a conference centre in the capital Madrid, a city that is bearing some of the highest infection rates
- And the country's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said he was seeking to extend by 15 days a state of emergency which bars people from leaving home for non-essential reasons
- The Netherlands, Greece, France and Germany all reported a surge in the number of deaths and cases. Romania reported its first death from the virus
Production suspended for Coronation Street and Emmerdale
Production of TV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be suspended on Monday, ITV has announced.The UK broadcaster said enough episodes have been recorded to see both soaps through until "at least the early summer".
But it said it had now made the decision to halt production to protect the health and well-being of staff.
A reduced transmission schedule for both soaps will begin on 30 March.
What to do if you go for a walk and it's crowded?
We're being told that - for most of us - maintaining social distance doesn't neccesarily mean we must stay indoors permanently.People can take exercise and many are doing so - scenes at the Snowdonia National Park in Wales were described as "unprecedented" on Sunday as huge numbers travelled there to take in fresh air.
So what should you do if you go for a walk in a park and it is crowded?
Prof Robert Dingwall, a sociologist from Nottingham Trent University who is advising the UK government, said problems occur when people cannot maintain the recommended two metre (6ft) separation.
He says: "If that is the case, then it probably is better to go home and pick a quieter time or a quieter location."
Dr Robin Thompson, an epidemiologist at Oxford University, added: "The key thing is to exercise while minimising contacts.
"There are many walks all across the UK - so, where possible, individuals can research walks without main attractions such as viewpoints or other areas that represent likely gathering points for groups of people."
"Local footpaths are likely to be less crowded than walks through major parks. And we can all try and maintain at least two metres distance between ourselves and others while out exercising."
Key UK developments
Ahead of the latest UK government news conference, let's re-cap the latest developments:- The number of deaths related to the coronavirus outbreak rises to 244 - but the latest figures for England are yet to be published
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says people should avoid seeing relatives in person and warns the NHS could be "overwhelmed" by coronavirus patients
- Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tells pubs and bars that continue to trade that she will use emergency powers activated this week to force them to close
- Letters are being sent to 1.5 million people in England most at risk of coronavirus, urging them to stay home
- The military will help organise food deliveries for those told to stay at home for an extended period
Germany bans meetings of more than two people
Germany has announced further measures to try to curb the spread of coronavirus, banning meetings of more than two people outside work and home for at least two weeks.Police Scotland begins shutting down pubs
Police in Scotland have begun forcing pubs and clubs to close.Emergency closure orders are being enforced on licensed premises which are in defiance of the UK prime minister's order to close last week, according to Police Scotland.
In a statement, the force said officers are visiting those premises to implement compulsory 24-hour closures, which it said can and will be repeated if neccessary.
It follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warning those pubs that have not closed that there would be emergency legislation brought in to force them to do so this week.
UK death toll rises to 281
The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the UK now stands at 281 - a rise of 48 - the government has said.There are now 5,683 confirmed cases in the UK - a rise of 665 on Saturday.
Italy reports 651 new deaths
Italy has reported 651 new deaths from coronavirus, taking the total number of dead to 5,476, the government says.'No doubt' UK will enforce distancing rules if they aren't followed, PM says
Asked by the BBC's Vicki Young why he is not imposing social distancing measures, Mr Johnson says the government has already taken "draconian" steps such as closing schools and pubs, bars and restaurants."It is very important for people's mental and physical wellbeing that they should be able to get out and exercise," he says, adding not everyone has a private open space. "That is why parks and open spaces are absolutely crucial."
He says that - despite this - people must follow social distancing advice otherwise "there is no doubt" that the government will bring forward further measures.
Asked what the "further measures" relating to social distancing are and when they might be implemented, Mr Johnson says people "do not need to use their imagination to see where the government may have to go".
He mentions the kind of measures seen elsewhere. In Europe, governments have implemented lockdowns and restrictions on movement.
"I don't want to do that, I have tried to explain the public health benefits [from] the sense that you can go out," Mr Johnson says. He says the ability to go out can only be preserved if people act responsibly.
"If we can't do that I am afraid we are going to need to bring forward tougher measures."
Merkel: Our behaviour is best way to fight virus
More on the new restrictions imposed by the German government moments ago, banning gatherings of more than two people outside work and home."Our behaviour is the most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection, Chancellor Angela Merkel said of the nationwide measures.
Some exceptions will be allowed, including for people living under the same roof and going out together for fresh air.
The government has also ordered hairdressers and beauty, massage and tattoo parlours to close and restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeaway services.
The country had already closed schools and other non-essential shops.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel quarantined
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in quarantine after meeting a doctor on Friday who has since tested positive for the virus, her spokesman said.She was told about the contact after a press conference on Sunday in which she announced further measures to try to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Her government banned meetings of more than two people outside work and home for two weeks.
Strict lockdown not wanted - but may come if needed
It was a pretty stark warning - and a question everyone wants to know.If people aren't following the advice, what will the government do?
It is very clear from the prime minister that he is actively considering further measures.
We have seen in other countries people are being told not to leave their houses.
But Boris Johnson said he does not want to impose such restrictions.
He says he is very, very concerned with people's mental and physical health if they cannot leave the house.
Recap: UK coronavirus news conference
The latest UK government news conference on its coronavirus response has come to an end. Here’s what happened:- PM Boris Johnson warned the government would take "further measures" to enforce social distancing advice if it is not respected
- He said he would think "very actively" about this over the next 24 hours
- He said he wanted people to continue to be able to go to parks, but people should stay 2m (6f) away from others
- Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick pledged the government would support 1.5m vulnerable people advised to stay at home for 12 weeks
- He said he hoped food deliveries to them would begin at the end of next week, and would become more "sophisticated" over time
- He added that councils would join up with supermarkets to ensure food deliveries are made
First US senator tests positive
US Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for the virus, his office has announced.The Republican from Kentucky is the first member of the upper chamber of Congress to announce he has Covid-19.
Several members of the House of Representatives have already tested positive for the virus.
Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and Utah Democrat Ben McAdams announced they were in self-quarantine earlier this week.
'It’s insensitive. It’s arrogant': NY governor berates residents
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo chastised New York City residents for defying official health guidance and continuing to socialise in large groups."It’s a mistake. It’s insensitive. It’s arrogant. It’s self-destructive," Mr Cuomo said on Sunday.
"This is not a joke, and I am not kidding," adding that he shared New Yorkers’ frustration at having to stay inside. "I’m even getting annoyed with the dog."
Mr Cuomo has cancelled all non-critical surgeries in the state as cases across New York continue to soar. There are at least 15,168 confirmed cases - a jump of 4,812 since Saturday - and 114 deaths, Mr Cuomo said.
At least 38 of New York City’s over 9,000 cases are those inside prisons, including 21 inmates. Activists have urged early releases to lower population densities within the facilities.
Already, prisons in Los Angeles and Ohio have allowed for hundreds of early releases and New York’s mayor has said the city will look to release “vulnerable” inmates.
18-year-old with underlying conditions dies in England
The latest figures for coronavirus-related deaths in England included a person as young as 18, the NHS says.In total 37 people with the virus died today in England, all in vulnerable groups including with underlying conditions.
There were another seven in Wales, three in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
Placido Domingo tests positive for coronavirus
Opera singer Placido Domingo has tested positive for coronavirus.The 79-year-old Spanish tenor wrote on his Facebook page that he was in self-isolation with his family, but remained "in good health".
"I experienced fever and cough symptoms therefore deciding to get tested and the result came back positive,"
He urged his followers to wash their hands frequently and keep their distance from one another.
"Together we can fight this virus and stop the current worldwide crisis," he continued.
French death toll rises by 112 to 674
The death toll from coronavirus in France has increased to 674, after another 112 people were confirmed to have died over the past 24 hours."The virus kills and it is continuing to kill," said health official Jerome Salomon on Sunday.
A total of 16,018 cases have been recorded in France, but the figure is widely believed to be an "underestimate", Mr Salomon warned.
France has been in lockdown since Tuesday, with only essential trips outside permitted. Mr Salomon urged the people to show "patience".
Why has Italy been so badly affected?
You’ve probably heard by now that Italy has been hit hard by the virus.It’s now at the epicentre of the outbreak, and the country's president has urged other countries to learn from its struggle to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The number of recorded deaths there recently overtook those in China, where the virus originated last year. Italy reported 651 coronavirus deaths on Sunday and saw its toll for the past month reach 5,476, the highest in the world.
So why has Italy been so badly affected? A number of possible reasons have been mooted.
Some studies point to the large number of elderly people in the worst affected regions, such as Lombardy in the north. Italy also has the oldest population in the world after Japan with some 23% of people there over the age of 65.
This matters because the virus is especially dangerous for older people.
The vast majority of Italy's fatal cases involved elderly people with at least one pre-existing condition, officials say. The average age of the first 3,200 people who died was 78.5.
Experts also say a large proportion of 18-34s live at home with these older people, which increases the risk of the virus spreading.
Another factor that may help explain Italy's crisis is the length of time the virus has been active.
Some health officials believe it arrived in Italy long before the first case was officially confirmed in late February. It likely spread undetected through northern Italy, possibly for several weeks.
EU to stockpile masks and ventilators for member states
The EU has decided to create a stockpile of medical equipment such as masks and ventilators to help those member countries who are struggling to secure supplies in the battle against coronavirus.The European Commission said it would finance 90% of the stockpile, which will distributed to countries that need most.
The announcement comes amid criticism that the EU is not doing enough to support the many states dealing with a rising death toll from Covid-19.
In addition, the EU continues to help members bring back their citizens who are stranded abroad because of the outbreak. Up to 75% of the cost of repatriation is covered by the EU, providing the flight repatriates citizens of more than one member state.
McDonalds restaurants to close across UK and Ireland
All McDonalds restaurants across the UK and Ireland will close by 19:00 GMT on Monday 23 March.The fast food giant said the decision was "not taken lightly" and was made "with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind, as well as in the best interests of our customers".
In a post on Twitter, hey thanked their "brilliant employees for their hard work" and said the restaurants would re-open "as soon as it is safe".
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