Covid-19 - Falklands confirms first case of coronavirus

Falklands confirms first case of coronavirus. President appears to undermine guidance. Infection rate slows in Italy. Spain records first drop in daily death toll in four days.

At least 58,773 people across the world have now died as a result of the pandemic, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University.

The UK has endured its deadliest day so far, with 684 more people dying in UK hospitals. This brings the total number of UK fatalities to 3,605. The country’s Department of Health and Social Care says 173,784 people have been tested; of whom 38,168 were positive.

Americans should cover their faces when outside, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending. But the US president Donald Trump has undermined the guidance, saying: “I’m choosing not to do it.”

Italy has recorded 766 more deaths, but the infection rate has continued to slow. Some 85,388 people are currently infected, with an increase of 2,339 new cases; 138 fewer than Thursday.

The Falklands Islands has confirmed its first case. The patient has been hospitalised since 31 March and developed a range of Covid-19 symptoms, tested positive for the virus, and is now in a stable condition.

The number of cases detected in Egypt jumped to 985, the country’s health ministry said.
A large-scale public inquiry into the UK response is now inevitable, a former head of the country’s civil service has said.

There are demands for better protection for the UK’s healthcare workers following the deaths of two nurses in their 30s, while another frontline worker quit her job after being forbidden from wearing a face mask.

Albania reported 27 new cases – its second biggest daily increase – and ordered a third 40-hour lockdown over the weekend.