by Summary for 28th March
- The city where the coronavirus pandemic began has partially re-opened after two months of isolation
- People are being allowed to enter but not leave Wuhan, in China
- Italy's death toll rose by more than 900 on Friday - the sharpest hike in fatalities of any country
- President Trump has signed into law a $2tn stimulus bill to kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy
- Britain's PM Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, as has Health Secretary Matt Hancock
8:10
Mr Johnson has "mild symptoms" and is one of 14,543 confirmed cases in the country, along with England's health secretary, Matt Hancock.
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK rose by 181 to 759 on Friday - that's the biggest day-on-day rise in deaths since the outbreak began.
Deaths and confirmed cases in the UK have been doubling every three days, so how does that compare with other countries? You can read some analysis here
People are now allowed to enter Wuhan, but not leave.
The city in Hubei province was placed under lockdown back in January, with travel blocked and drastic restrictions on daily life.
State media showed images of the first officially sanctioned passenger train arriving in the city just after midnight.
Most of Wuhan's subway network has also restarted, while some shopping centres will open their doors next week.
Officials in the city of 11 million people first confirmed they were dealing with cases of a mysterious pneumonia-like illness in December.
Some 3,299 deaths have been confirmed in Hubei province, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
The UK government has been facing criticism over a lack of testing for health workers. Until now only seriously ill patients in hospital with flu-like symptoms were being routinely tested for Covid-19.
The move means workers with symptoms, or those who live with people who have symptoms, will be checked - starting with critical care doctors and nurses.
In Wales, frontline NHS staff are already being screened for the virus .
They are allowed to take "one form of exercise a day" - the official guidelines list running, walking and cycling as examples.
But there was confusion over whether people could drive somewhere to go walking, running, or cycling.
Well, the government has now clarified that people should use open spaces near to home, where possible - although the new advice does not explicitly define what counts as "local", and whether or not people can use cars.
The figures were reported by national broadcaster NHK, which said there are now more than 300 cases in the capital.
The increase came as Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike urged citizens of the city and surrounding areas to stay indoors.
Japan has reported almost 1,500 coronavirus cases and 49 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Tokyo was due to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, but they have been postponed until 2021 because of the outbreak
Prof Sarah Gilbert, who is leading a team developing a UK vaccine at the University of Oxford, says they are looking at ways to speed up the process, which usually takes 12-18 months.
She has told the BBC they are trying to "go much faster than that" by overlapping phases of the trials, but adds: "It’s very important to know that the vaccine is both safe and that it really does work before we start planning to roll it out on a wider scale.”
"Unfortunately vaccine development does take some time. With this pandemic, vaccine development is going faster than it ever has before but we can’t miss steps out," she said.
The university is also looking at expanding its ability “to make large quantities of the vaccine” when it becomes available.
9:21
For a two-week period until Easter Sunday, everyone must stay at home unless their work is essential or they go out to buy food.
People have been told they should only travel further than 2km (1.2 miles) from their home when it is absolutely necessary.
Health Minister Simon Harris told national broadcaster RTE that he hoped the country would be in a position in two weeks to tweak or remove some of the highly restrictive measures.
However, he added: "Will we be in a position on 12 April where life in Ireland can return to normal? Absolutely not."
Twenty two people with coronavirus have died in the country.
There are currently 2,121 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland.
It reported 146 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 9,478 - of whom 4,811 have been released from hospital.
South Korea has been praised for its response to the epidemic, which has involved tracing the infection, testing large numbers of people and isolating patients quickly.
Read more about what it has been doing here.
Lidl says it is donating thousands of bags of fresh fruit and vegetables to hospital sites across the country.
In a statement, it said it was a "small gesture to say thank you" and help NHS staff "who may not be able to get into store regularly for basic groceries".
Meanwhile, Aldi says health workers, along with police officers and firefighters, will take priority in queues at its stores if they show a valid ID. Other UK supermarkets have also taken steps to prioritise UK health workers.
The equipment is usually made in China and is then purchased by middlemen who offer it on.
The market price for one particular type of ventilator increased in a week from $27,000 (£21,700) to $96,000 (£77,100) - a sign of just how intense the demand is.
But the UK has so far tried to avoid purchasing from some of the intermediaries offering equipment.
UK government sources say they are procuring ventilators from abroad. They deny that red tape is holding this up and say they are trying to procure directly from suppliers - rather than through middlemen.
As we mentioned earlier, Japan has reported almost 1,500 coronavirus cases and 49 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Mr Abe said the unprecedented package would include cash payouts to households and small firms that have been hit by the fallout from the pandemic.
The government is now beginning work on a "supplementary budget" to fund the package.
The death toll now stands at 5,690, while a total of 72,248 people have been infected.
Spain is currently the second-worst-hit country after Italy, in terms of fatalities.
A state of emergency is in place until at least 12 April, with most shops and businesses closed and people's movements severely restricted.
The army has been deployed to deep-clean hospitals and other facilities. Hospitals have been under intense pressure and, like in many other countries, health workers have complained of inadequate protective equipment.
Experts advise that we should stay away from grandparents or other older relatives right now. But that doesn’t mean they should be alone. Families can stay in touch by phone, post, or using online tools like WhatsApp, Zoom or Google Hangout.
Read this for more tips about how to look after the elderly people in your life.
Gloria Lisi, Rimini's deputy mayor, said that his "truly extraordinary" recovery gave "hope for the future".
"Mr. P made it," she added. "The family brought him home, to teach us that even at 101 years the future is not written."
His company has doubled production and hopes to double again this year. But demand is 10 times what his firm can produce. And he has to decide who gets the life-saving machines.
The US alone has ordered 100,000 ventilators - which is the total number manufactured every year globally. And the German government has placed an order for 10,000 additional machines for German hospitals.
But components come from all over the world and Mr Dräger warns that export bans could limit supplies and hamper production.
The number of those infected also rose to 72,248 from 64,059 on Friday, an increase of 12.8%.
But on a positive note, the number of people recovering from coronavirus is also increasing. A further 2,928 people have recovered from the virus, making a total of 12,285, an increase of 31%.
Here's a look at some of the latest measures that have come into force:
The figure, announced on Friday, has nearly doubled since 24 March when it stood at 5,400.
A plane carrying 1.2 million face masks arrived in Madrid on Saturday morning.
And a military aircraft took off from Zaragoza to Shanghai where it will pick up a shipment of medical equipment, according to El Pais.
The Spanish government has extended the state of emergency until at least 12 April. People's movements are severely restricted and most shops and businesses closed.
The Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, who is the Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, says he has not been tested for the virus and his symptoms are a mild temperature and a cough.
“In the past 24 hours, I have developed mild symptoms associated with coronavirus," he said.
“In line with medical guidance, I am self-isolating and working from home.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England's health secretary, Matt Hancock, both confirmed that they had tested positive on Friday, while England's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has shown symptoms.
Health Minister Nadine Dorries was the first UK MP to test positive for the virus earlier this month.
Two others on board the Zaandam cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus according to its owners, Holland America.
More than 130 people onboard have “flu-like symptoms” and respiratory issues.
Holland America wants to transfer healthy passengers to a sister ship, the Rotterdam, which is also off the coast of Panama.
The Zaandam had been hoping to sail to Florida but authorities in Panama said the vessel could not pass through the Panama Canal with coronavirus cases onboard.
Authorities have however given the go-ahead for the transfer of healthy passengers between the two ships.
Read more about the current situation here
- The city where the coronavirus pandemic began has partially re-opened after two months of isolation
- People are being allowed to enter but not leave Wuhan, in China
- Italy's death toll rose by more than 900 on Friday - the sharpest hike in fatalities of any country
- President Trump has signed into law a $2tn stimulus bill to kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy
- Britain's PM Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, as has Health Secretary Matt Hancock
8:10
How does the UK's epidemic compare to other countries?
Good morning to all of you joining us from around the world and across the UK, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues his period of self-isolation following Friday's announcement that he had tested positive for the virus.Mr Johnson has "mild symptoms" and is one of 14,543 confirmed cases in the country, along with England's health secretary, Matt Hancock.
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK rose by 181 to 759 on Friday - that's the biggest day-on-day rise in deaths since the outbreak began.
Deaths and confirmed cases in the UK have been doubling every three days, so how does that compare with other countries? You can read some analysis here
Chinese city at centre of outbreak eases restrictions
Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus first emerged last year, has partly reopened after more than two months in isolation.People are now allowed to enter Wuhan, but not leave.
The city in Hubei province was placed under lockdown back in January, with travel blocked and drastic restrictions on daily life.
State media showed images of the first officially sanctioned passenger train arriving in the city just after midnight.
Most of Wuhan's subway network has also restarted, while some shopping centres will open their doors next week.
Officials in the city of 11 million people first confirmed they were dealing with cases of a mysterious pneumonia-like illness in December.
Some 3,299 deaths have been confirmed in Hubei province, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Testing rolled out for frontline health service staff in England
This weekend staff working on the frontline in the National Health Service in England will begin being tested to see if they have coronavirus.The UK government has been facing criticism over a lack of testing for health workers. Until now only seriously ill patients in hospital with flu-like symptoms were being routinely tested for Covid-19.
The move means workers with symptoms, or those who live with people who have symptoms, will be checked - starting with critical care doctors and nurses.
In Wales, frontline NHS staff are already being screened for the virus .
People in UK asked to exercise locally
Various countries have different restrictions on exercise. Ireland has just imposed a limit of 2km (1.2 miles) from home while in France it is 1km. Exercise is one of the few reasons that people in the UK are allowed to leave their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.They are allowed to take "one form of exercise a day" - the official guidelines list running, walking and cycling as examples.
But there was confusion over whether people could drive somewhere to go walking, running, or cycling.
Well, the government has now clarified that people should use open spaces near to home, where possible - although the new advice does not explicitly define what counts as "local", and whether or not people can use cars.
Tokyo reports record daily increase in cases
Tokyo has reported more than 50 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours - a record daily increase for the Japanese capital.The figures were reported by national broadcaster NHK, which said there are now more than 300 cases in the capital.
The increase came as Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike urged citizens of the city and surrounding areas to stay indoors.
Japan has reported almost 1,500 coronavirus cases and 49 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Tokyo was due to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, but they have been postponed until 2021 because of the outbreak
Russians are not in lockdown, they're just not working
The Kremlin's spokesman has insisted that Russia has "de facto no epidemic" and yet President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "non-working week" starting on Saturday. Latest reports suggest a rise of 228 new cases in the past 24 hours, so that means 1,264 reported cases and at least three deaths. What exactly does a "non-working week" mean? Read Sarah Rainsford's story here.'Vaccine development' faster than ever
A question on many people's minds is how long until a vaccine for coronavirus can be developed.Prof Sarah Gilbert, who is leading a team developing a UK vaccine at the University of Oxford, says they are looking at ways to speed up the process, which usually takes 12-18 months.
She has told the BBC they are trying to "go much faster than that" by overlapping phases of the trials, but adds: "It’s very important to know that the vaccine is both safe and that it really does work before we start planning to roll it out on a wider scale.”
"Unfortunately vaccine development does take some time. With this pandemic, vaccine development is going faster than it ever has before but we can’t miss steps out," she said.
The university is also looking at expanding its ability “to make large quantities of the vaccine” when it becomes available.
9:21
Further restrictions in Ireland
People in the Republic of Ireland are this morning waking up to stricter restrictions to their movements - after new rules came in at midnight .For a two-week period until Easter Sunday, everyone must stay at home unless their work is essential or they go out to buy food.
People have been told they should only travel further than 2km (1.2 miles) from their home when it is absolutely necessary.
Health Minister Simon Harris told national broadcaster RTE that he hoped the country would be in a position in two weeks to tweak or remove some of the highly restrictive measures.
However, he added: "Will we be in a position on 12 April where life in Ireland can return to normal? Absolutely not."
Twenty two people with coronavirus have died in the country.
There are currently 2,121 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland.
Where are we at 09:45 GMT?
If you're just joining us, here a look at some of the biggest recent developments from around the world:- Donald Trump signed the largest-ever US financial stimulus package , worth $2tn (£1.7tn). He also ordered General Motors to make ventilators for coronavirus patients. The US has seen some 104,000 cases and almost 1,700 fatalities.
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 48,582 - an increase of more than 6,000 in 24 hours, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases; Johns Hopkins University in the US - which has been maintaining a database of coronavirus cases since the outbreak - shows there are 53,340 cases in the country
- Meanwhile, Germany's air force is flying another six patients from Bergamo in Italy for treatment in German hospitals
- And France's military has evacuated two patients out of the eastern city of Metz via helicopter for treatment in Germany. Eastern France has been the country's worst-hit area and many hospitals there are over capacity
- Ireland introduced new restrictions, with everyone ordered to stay at home - except when going out for essential work or to buy food
- Russia is beginning what President Vladimir Putin called a "non-working week"
- A woman in her 80s has become the first person in Jordan to die from coronavirus, according to state media
- Mexico's president urged people to stay inside their homes to prevent an "overwhelming" spread of coronavirus, in what was dubbed his strongest stance so far against the pandemic
- Thailand has reported another death and 109 new cases. This brings the total there to 1,245 infections and six deaths, officials say
South Korea offers hope
South Korea says that for the first time it now has more people who have recovered from the virus than are still infected.It reported 146 new cases on Saturday, taking the total to 9,478 - of whom 4,811 have been released from hospital.
South Korea has been praised for its response to the epidemic, which has involved tracing the infection, testing large numbers of people and isolating patients quickly.
Read more about what it has been doing here.
UK supermarkets offer help to health workers
Supermarkets Aldi and Lidl are the latest businesses to offer extra help to NHS staff.Lidl says it is donating thousands of bags of fresh fruit and vegetables to hospital sites across the country.
In a statement, it said it was a "small gesture to say thank you" and help NHS staff "who may not be able to get into store regularly for basic groceries".
Meanwhile, Aldi says health workers, along with police officers and firefighters, will take priority in queues at its stores if they show a valid ID. Other UK supermarkets have also taken steps to prioritise UK health workers.
UK wary of international market for ventilators
A frenetic international market in ventilators and medical supplies has gathered pace in recent weeks as governments scramble to purchase equipment.The equipment is usually made in China and is then purchased by middlemen who offer it on.
The market price for one particular type of ventilator increased in a week from $27,000 (£21,700) to $96,000 (£77,100) - a sign of just how intense the demand is.
But the UK has so far tried to avoid purchasing from some of the intermediaries offering equipment.
UK government sources say they are procuring ventilators from abroad. They deny that red tape is holding this up and say they are trying to procure directly from suppliers - rather than through middlemen.
Japan promises unprecedented economic stimulus
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just promised to introduce the country's "boldest-ever" financial stimulus package in a bid to address the economic impact of coronavirus.As we mentioned earlier, Japan has reported almost 1,500 coronavirus cases and 49 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Mr Abe said the unprecedented package would include cash payouts to households and small firms that have been hit by the fallout from the pandemic.
The government is now beginning work on a "supplementary budget" to fund the package.
Spain death toll tops 5,000
The death toll from coronavirus in Spain has now exceeded 5,000, after 832 more fatalities were reported there in the past 24 hours.The death toll now stands at 5,690, while a total of 72,248 people have been infected.
Spain is currently the second-worst-hit country after Italy, in terms of fatalities.
A state of emergency is in place until at least 12 April, with most shops and businesses closed and people's movements severely restricted.
The army has been deployed to deep-clean hospitals and other facilities. Hospitals have been under intense pressure and, like in many other countries, health workers have complained of inadequate protective equipment.
How can I stay in touch with my grandparents?
It’s human instinct to turn to loved ones in a difficult time, but what’s the best way to help elderly people in your life during this pandemic, when you know coronavirus is more dangerous for people aged over 70?Experts advise that we should stay away from grandparents or other older relatives right now. But that doesn’t mean they should be alone. Families can stay in touch by phone, post, or using online tools like WhatsApp, Zoom or Google Hangout.
Read this for more tips about how to look after the elderly people in your life.
A 101-year-old survivor in Italy
The situation remains bleak in Italy, but it's not all bad news. In the north-eastern city of Rimini a man aged 101, identified publicly as only "Mr P", was released from hospital on Thursday after being admitted last week and testing positive for Covid-19.Gloria Lisi, Rimini's deputy mayor, said that his "truly extraordinary" recovery gave "hope for the future".
"Mr. P made it," she added. "The family brought him home, to teach us that even at 101 years the future is not written."
Demand for German ventilators outstrips supplies
A manufacturing firm in northern Germany is now having to make life and death decisions. Governments from all over the globe are ordering ventilators, says Stefan Dräger, the head of the world’s biggest producer of respirators that can keep intensive care patients alive.His company has doubled production and hopes to double again this year. But demand is 10 times what his firm can produce. And he has to decide who gets the life-saving machines.
The US alone has ordered 100,000 ventilators - which is the total number manufactured every year globally. And the German government has placed an order for 10,000 additional machines for German hospitals.
But components come from all over the world and Mr Dräger warns that export bans could limit supplies and hamper production.
Recovery rate increases in Spain
As we mentioned earlier, the death toll in Spain has surpassed 5,600, an increase of just over 17% in 24 hours.The number of those infected also rose to 72,248 from 64,059 on Friday, an increase of 12.8%.
But on a positive note, the number of people recovering from coronavirus is also increasing. A further 2,928 people have recovered from the virus, making a total of 12,285, an increase of 31%.
What are some of the latest restrictions?
More and more countries around the world are introducing measures to try to stop the spread of coronavirus, ranging from relatively minor restrictions to country-wide lockdowns.Here's a look at some of the latest measures that have come into force:
- Ireland has entered a two-week period in which everyone must stay at home unless leaving for essential work, to get food or medicine, or for brief exercise. Police will ensure that people adhere to the new measures, which mirror restrictions introduced in the UK
- Russia has begun a "non-working week with pay". Bars, restaurants and non-essential shops have been closed but there has been some confusion over whether people are actually obliged to stay at home. There was a rush to book holidays after the measure was announced and officials had to clarify that it was "not a week of extra leave"
- People over the age of 65 and those from high-risk groups are now required to stay at home in Malta. The measure applies to pregnant women and anyone with a chronic illness. They may leave their houses to attend medical appointments, buy food and attend to "absolutely essential or urgent" needs
- Under new restrictions in Hungary people are allowed to go to work, do basic errands and exercise in the open, but not gather in large groups. The measures will last for at least two weeks
- Finland has restricted movement into and out of most populous province of Uusimaa, which includes the capital Helsinki. The province has the most coronavirus cases in the country. The measures - initially in force until 19 April - stop people travelling unless they have a "very good reason". The military is supporting the police in enforcing the measures.
Protective equipment for Spain health workers
As we've been reporting, Spain has the second-highest number of deaths from coronavirus in the world - after Italy. And those who look after patients have themselves been infected in large numbers - more than 9,444 are confirmed to have the virus.The figure, announced on Friday, has nearly doubled since 24 March when it stood at 5,400.
A plane carrying 1.2 million face masks arrived in Madrid on Saturday morning.
And a military aircraft took off from Zaragoza to Shanghai where it will pick up a shipment of medical equipment, according to El Pais.
The Spanish government has extended the state of emergency until at least 12 April. People's movements are severely restricted and most shops and businesses closed.
Drone police slammed for 'shaming' walkers
A police force in England's Peak District has been accused of "nanny policing" after it shared aerial shots of walkers. Derbyshire Police is among several forces trying to stop what they consider unnecessary journeys. Cumbria Police have warned drivers they could face fines. Read moreScottish Secretary Alister Jack self-isolating
Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, has developed mild symptoms associated with coronavirus and is self-isolating.The Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, who is the Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, says he has not been tested for the virus and his symptoms are a mild temperature and a cough.
“In the past 24 hours, I have developed mild symptoms associated with coronavirus," he said.
“In line with medical guidance, I am self-isolating and working from home.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England's health secretary, Matt Hancock, both confirmed that they had tested positive on Friday, while England's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has shown symptoms.
Health Minister Nadine Dorries was the first UK MP to test positive for the virus earlier this month.
Cruise ship race to offload healthy passengers
A cruise ship carrying more than 1,800 people off the coast of Panama is racing to move healthy passengers to another ship after four people died - even though the cause is unconfirmed.Two others on board the Zaandam cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus according to its owners, Holland America.
More than 130 people onboard have “flu-like symptoms” and respiratory issues.
Holland America wants to transfer healthy passengers to a sister ship, the Rotterdam, which is also off the coast of Panama.
The Zaandam had been hoping to sail to Florida but authorities in Panama said the vessel could not pass through the Panama Canal with coronavirus cases onboard.
Authorities have however given the go-ahead for the transfer of healthy passengers between the two ships.
Read more about the current situation here
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