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Russia Cases Jump; U.K. Lockdown Needed, Gove Says: Virus Update

(Bloomberg) -- German coronavirus cases rose by the least in four days as the nation prepares to loosen some of the restrictions on public life. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the situation is “completely under control” as the country reported a 27% daily increase in cases.The U.K. shouldn’t be thinking about lifting restrictions yet, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said after the Sunday Times reported schools could reopen as soon as May 11.President Donald Trump said signs “keep showing” the virus has passed its peak in the U.S., praising several governors for steps to reopen their states. The U.S. president raised the prospect that China deliberately caused the Covid-19 outbreak.Key DevelopmentsVirus Tracker: Cases top 2.3 million; deaths exceed 160,000Germany set to reopen stores in step toward post-virus eraStates don’t share Trump’s confidence in a quick reopeningWhat a return to work will look like in officesA month of lockdowns and small-business aid has run outRussians hoarded cash ahead of lockdownSubscribe to a daily update on the virus from Bloomberg’s Prognosis team here. Click VRUS on the terminal for news and data on the coronavirus.Russian Infection Rate Surges on Orthodox Easter 4:30 p.m. HK)Russia identified 6,060 new infections in 24 hours, setting another daily record with an increase of 27%. The total number of cases rose to 42,853, with 48 new deaths bringing the number of fatalities to 361, Russia’s coronavirus information center reported. The pace of new cases was 17.6% on Saturday and less than 15% in the preceding two days.“The situation is completely under control,” President Vladimir Putin said in a Russian Orthodox Easter address focused on the impact of coronavirus. “We have everything we need: a healthy, strong economy, scientific potential, medical resources and a highly professional health-care system.”Conte Won’t Accelerate Loosening of Rules (4:20 p.m. HK)Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country will stick to its plan to start easing a nationwide lockdown no earlier than May 4. The government won’t change its timeline despite signs that measures to contain and treat Covid-19 are bearing fruit, Conte said in a statement on Facebook following a meeting with national and regional leaders and medical and scientific professionals.Conte’s cabinet is focusing on a reopening plan that will be applied consistently across the country, with an emphasis on guaranteeing safe conditions at workplaces and on public transportation, according to his statement.German Minister Wants Clarity From China (4:15 p.m. HK)German Development Minister Gerd Mueller has urged China to clarify how the coronavirus originated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the nation may have deliberately caused the outbreak.“The Chinese must show complete openness during this global crisis, especially when it comes to origin of the virus, otherwise a lot of trust will disappear,” Mueller said in an interview with the Funke media group published Sunday.Mueller, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc, criticized Trump’s decision to halt funding for the World Health Organization, calling it “absolutely wrong” and praising the WHO’s “important role” in fighting the virus.Too Soon to Ease U.K. Restrictions:...

(Bloomberg) —

German coronavirus cases rose by the least in four days as the nation prepares to loosen some of the restrictions on public life. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the situation is “completely under control” as the country reported a 27% daily increase in cases.

The U.K. shouldn’t be thinking about lifting restrictions yet, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said after the Sunday Times reported schools could reopen as soon as May 11.

President Donald Trump said signs “keep showing” the virus has passed its peak in the U.S., praising several governors for steps to reopen their states. The U.S. president raised the prospect that China deliberately caused the Covid-19 outbreak.

Key Developments

Virus Tracker: Cases top 2.3 million; deaths exceed 160,000Germany set to reopen stores in step toward post-virus eraStates don’t share Trump’s confidence in a quick reopeningWhat a return to work will look like in officesA month of lockdowns and small-business aid has run outRussians hoarded cash ahead of lockdown

Subscribe to a daily update on the virus from Bloomberg’s Prognosis team here. Click VRUS on the terminal for news and data on the coronavirus.

Russian Infection Rate Surges on Orthodox Easter 4:30 p.m. HK)

Russia identified 6,060 new infections in 24 hours, setting another daily record with an increase of 27%. The total number of cases rose to 42,853, with 48 new deaths bringing the number of fatalities to 361, Russia’s coronavirus information center reported. The pace of new cases was 17.6% on Saturday and less than 15% in the preceding two days.

“The situation is completely under control,” President Vladimir Putin said in a Russian Orthodox Easter address focused on the impact of coronavirus. “We have everything we need: a healthy, strong economy, scientific potential, medical resources and a highly professional health-care system.”

Conte Won’t Accelerate Loosening of Rules (4:20 p.m. HK)

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country will stick to its plan to start easing a nationwide lockdown no earlier than May 4. The government won’t change its timeline despite signs that measures to contain and treat Covid-19 are bearing fruit, Conte said in a statement on Facebook following a meeting with national and regional leaders and medical and scientific professionals.

Conte’s cabinet is focusing on a reopening plan that will be applied consistently across the country, with an emphasis on guaranteeing safe conditions at workplaces and on public transportation, according to his statement.

German Minister Wants Clarity From China (4:15 p.m. HK)

German Development Minister Gerd Mueller has urged China to clarify how the coronavirus originated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the nation may have deliberately caused the outbreak.

“The Chinese must show complete openness during this global crisis, especially when it comes to origin of the virus, otherwise a lot of trust will disappear,” Mueller said in an interview with the Funke media group published Sunday.

Mueller, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc, criticized Trump’s decision to halt funding for the World Health Organization, calling it “absolutely wrong” and praising the WHO’s “important role” in fighting the virus.

Too Soon to Ease U.K. Restrictions: Gove (3:32 p.m. HK)

The U.K. shouldn’t be thinking about lifting restrictions yet, as that could put the National Health Service at risk, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove told Sky News. Some restrictions will still be needed after the lockdown is eased, he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “recovering well” a week after he was treated in the hospital for Covid-19, Gove said. He said the government’s first priority is to protect NHS staff and the greatest shortage in protective equipment is currently gowns. More than 15,000 people have died in the outbreak in the U.K., including 888 announced Saturday.

India Virus Cases Surge in Fourth Week of Lockdown (3:08 p.m. HK)

India recorded its largest daily spike in coronavirus cases, adding 1,400 new infections to its tally of more than 16,000 amid a nationwide lockdown that’s about to enter its fourth week.

The South Asian nation’s cases have been surging over the last week as it gradually scales up its testing capacity. Confirmed infections are up 78% to 16,365 on Sunday, from 9,200 on April 12, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

States in Myanmar Impose Night Curfews to Curb Spread (2:35 p.m. HK)

Some states in Myanmar, including its capital Naypyidaw, imposed night curfews, bringing the country into a semi-lockdown as authorities implement tighter measures to curb the spread.

People aren’t allowed to go out from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. in cities such as Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing, with the new rule taking effect indefinitely from Saturday evening. Authorities didn’t elaborate on enforcement actions.

Japan Mobile Carriers Delay iPhone SE Launch to May (2:28 p.m. HK)

Japanese mobile carriers NTT Docomo Inc. and SoftBank Corp. said they will delay their launches of Apple Inc.’s new iPhone SE model until May 11 instead of the scheduled April 27 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

German Cases Rise by Least in 4 Days Before Curbs Eased (2:13 p.m. HK)

The number of coronavirus cases in Germany increased by the least in four days as the nation prepares for a cautious loosening of some restrictions on public life.

There were 2,327 new infections in the 24 hours through Sunday, taking the total to 143,724, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The number of fatalities rose by 186, the fewest in five days, to 4,538, while 85,400 people have recovered, more than in any other country, including China where the outbreak originated.

Germany Needs as Many as 12 Billion Masks Annually (2 p.m. HK)

Germany will need between 8 billion and 12 billion medical face masks a year and the government is moving ahead with steps to boost domestic production, according to Economy Minister Peter Altmaier.

“Our goal is to be able to produce millions of surgical masks in Germany by the second half of the summer,” Altmaier said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper. The government can’t force companies to make masks but will look to spur production with subsidies and purchase guarantees, Altmaier said.

Some of Germany’s 16 states have already decided masks should be mandatory in public places and others are expected to follow.

Malaysia’s Sabah State Shuts Some Palm Estates (1:37 p.m. HK)

Malaysia has suspended some palm oil operations in its top-producing state of Sabah as authorities intensify lockdown restrictions after infections spiked in farming villages, Bernama news agency reported.

China Coal Miners Call for 10% Production Cut Amid Glut (12:19 p.m. HK)

A dozen Chinese anthracite coal miners have called on the industry to slash production by 10% from current levels amid weak demand caused by the virus outbreak.

While anthracite coal output is now back at last year’s levels, demand recovery has lagged, leading to a “severe mismatch” in market fundamentals, according to a statement published Saturday on the website of the China Coal Transport & Distribution Association.

Hormel’s Rochelle Foods Pauses Production for 14 Days (12:04 p.m. HK)

Rochelle Foods LLC, an Illinois, U.S.-based unit of Hormel Foods Corp., will suspend production for 14 days following a closure notice from local health authorities because of coronavirus spread in the area, the company said in a statement.

“Team members are working diligently to minimize the impact on operations and the products made there such as bacon products and microwave meals,” the company said.

World’s Biggest Container Port Reopens in China (10:16 a.m. HK)

The world’s biggest automated container terminal resumed full operations, according to a video posted on Xinhua News Agency’s official Twitter account. The Shanghai Yangshan port was on partial lockdown during the worst of the pandemic outbreak in China.

More than 260 cargo ships entered and departed from the port between April 1 and April 13, a slight increase from the same period last year, according to Xinhua.

U.K. Taps Former London 2012 Chief to Lead PPE Effort (10:08 a.m. HK)

Lord Paul Deighton, the former chief of the London 2012 Olympics, was appointed by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock to lead the U.K.’s effort to produce essential personal protective equipment for frontline health and social care staff, according to a statement.

Australian Cases Rise Less Than 1% for 7th Day (9:58 a.m. HK)

The rate of increase in new cases of the coronavirus in Australia has stayed below 1% over the past seven days, as the nation holds tight on restrictive measures.

There were 53 new cases recorded in Australia in the 24 hours since 6 a.m. Saturday. Of the 6,586 confirmed cases, 69 have died and 4,163 have been reported as recovered. More than 411,000 tests have been conducted nationally.

South Korea Reports Fewest Cases Since Surge Started (9:21 a.m. HK)

South Korea posted the fewest number of new coronavirus cases since an outbreak at a religious sect in late February spiked daily infections to nearly 1,000 and set off a massive testing and tracing regime credited with curbing the virus’s spread.

South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it confirmed eight new cases in a 24-hour period, the lowest since Feb. 20 when the number of infections began rising exponentially after a parishioner of the 212,000-member Shincheongji church was confirmed with the virus. Prior to what has been labeled “patient no. 31,” South Korea had been averaging about three new cases a day.

Maduro Says Elections in Venezuela Not a Priority (9:10 a.m. HK)

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said it would be “irresponsible” to call for National Assembly elections amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“At this point I really don’t know if there will be elections this year,” he said in an interview on state television. “Because we have this priority and it would be irresponsible of me to say that there must be elections either way.”

Legislative elections are due to be held in 2020 by law, but High Court deliberations could rule them out.

China Praises WHO, Willing to Boost Support (9 a.m. HK)

China is willing to increase support to the World Health Organization as the world needs the group to eliminate Covid-19, a top Chinese diplomat said in a phone call with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

China’s government is in “firm support” of the WHO and criticisms are “groundless,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Ghebreyesus in a phone call on Saturday.

Trump Suggests Consequences for China (7:15 a.m. HK)

President Donald Trump raised the prospect that China deliberately caused the Covid-19 outbreak and said there should be consequences if the country is found to be “knowingly responsible.”

“Let’s see what happens with their investigation. But we’re doing investigations also,” Trump said. “If it was a mistake, a mistake is a mistake. But if they were knowingly responsible, yeah, then there should be consequences.”

Trump’s campaign sent a fundraising email last week that accused China of “lying” about the outbreak. But the president hasn’t been as harsh, and praised China for its handling of the pandemic.

Read the full story.

Liner Heads to Genoa to End Journey (6 a.m. HK)

Carnival Corp. will dock one of its last remaining ships at sea in Genoa, Italy, next week, allowing almost 2,000 travelers to return home and ending a dramatic series of weeks for the cruise line.

Once the Costa Deliziosa reaches port, only one other ship is seeking a port to unload passengers. Carnival has struggled to find places to dock after suspending sailing in mid-March amid the outbreak.

The cruise liner set sail in early January from Venice with 1,814 guests and 898 crew members on an around-the-world journey. There are no Covid-19 cases reported on the ship, Carnival said in a statement.

Trump Cites Positive Trends (5:15 p.m. NY)

Trump said signs keep showing the coronavirus has passed its peak, noting the U.S. has “produced better health outcomes” than most other counties.

The president said the mortality rate is lower than for much of Western Europe except for Germany. He said Spain — which has more than 20,000 fatalities — has a mortality rate four times higher than the U.S., which has more than 37,000 deaths.

Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Vermont have taken “concrete steps” to reopen their economies, the president said at his daily White House briefing.

U.K. Draws Up Schools Plan (5:10 p.m. NY)

Senior U.K. government ministers have drawn up a three-phase plan that would allow schools to reopen as early as May 11, the Sunday Times reported.

The proposal, to be presented to Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he returns to work, also envisages reopening clothing stores and garden centers, and the resumption of full bus and rail services.

A second phase, beginning in late May or early June, would see more businesses reopen, while pubs and stadium events wouldn’t be allowed until at least July.

California Not Close to Reopening: Governor (4:20 p.m. NY)

California reported 87 deaths, one of the highest daily counts so far, as Governor Gavin Newsom said the state may not be close to loosening measures imposed to curb the spread. Total deaths rose to 1,072, Newsom said. The number of cases climbed 5.3%, while patients in intensive care fell by a “modest” 0.1%, he said.

“For those that think we’re out of the woods, those who think we’ve turned the page, those who think we can go back to the way things used to be, I caution you on the basis of that 87 number,” Newsom said.

Los Angeles County, the state’s biggest by population, reported a record 81 deaths as it added 642 new cases, county officials said, calling it “a sad milestone.”

South Africa Has Biggest Rise in Cases (4:15 p.m. NY)

South Africa reported 251 new infections on Saturday, its biggest daily increase, bringing the total to 3,034. That’s as community screening is rolled out, increasing the number of tests. About 7,194 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters one person is testing positive for every 38 checked. Deaths climbed by two to 52.

U.S. Cases Climb at Slower Pace (4 p.m. NY)

U.S. confirmed cases rose 3.4% from Friday, below the average daily increase of the past week, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and Bloomberg News. The national daily increase has been 4.9% in the past week.

New York’s cases jumped 5.2% from the previous day, data showed. Delaware had a 12% increase in cases. Fatalities almost doubled to 37,079 from 18,769 a week ago, according to the data.

Deaths rose by more than 20% in West Virginia and Montana, and by more than 10% in New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Mexico, according to data as of 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

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