Coronavirus crisis: COVID-19 death toll hits 30,000 worldwide

Overnight the worldwide death toll from coronavirus has surpassed 30,000 according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

However in China, where the virus first appeared, there has been no new locally transmitted coronavirus infections reported.

Widespread lockdowns helped bring domestic transmissions under control, and the country temporarily suspended the entry of foreign nationals to curb the virus. Those techniques are being used globally now.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced stricter lockdown measures that will force all non-essential workers to stay at home for the next two weeks, as the government reported 832 new coronavirus deaths overnight - a new high.

Thousands of Spanish health workers have contracted the coronavirus - nearly 15 per cent of the total number of cases.

In the US, doctors and nurses are pleading for more protective gear and equipment to treat waves of patients. President Trump Trump said yesterday he is considering imposing an "enforceable" quarantine on New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

Physicians say they're scared for their own safety, but have called particular attention to a desperate need for additional ventilators, machines that help severely affected patients breathe.

In the United Kingdom, the government has asked local authorities in England to house all rough sleepers in a "landmark moment", the charity Crisis said.

An email sent to homelessness managers and rough sleeping co-ordinators in every local authority, is quoted by the charity as saying: "As you know, this is a public health emergency.

"We are all redoubling our efforts to do what we possibly can at this stage to ensure that everybody is inside and safe by this weekend, and we stand with you in this."

The charity said the email was sent by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

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