Coronavirus live updates: Russia reports record daily rise in deaths; Spain calls for EU border rules

FAN Editor

The number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. topped more than 1.6 million as deaths rose to more than 97,000, a tally from Johns Hopkins University shows. President Donald Trump threatened to pull the Republican convention out of North Carolina if the governor’s coronavirus restrictions impose a limit on the number of people who can be in attendance in August.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu announced that the agency is temporarily suspending its trial of hydroxycholoroquine, the drug backed by Trump to combat the deadly coronavirus, over safety concerns. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Singapore slashed its growth forecast for the third time this year. 

This is CNBC’s live blog covering all the latest news on the coronavirus outbreak. This blog will be updated throughout the day as the news breaks. 

  • Global cases: More than 5.4 million
  • Global deaths: More than 346,200
  • U.S. cases: More than 1.6 million
  • U.S. deaths: More than 98,000

The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Russia reports record one-day rise in coronavirus deaths

Russia said on Tuesday 174 people with the coronavirus had died in the past 24 hours, a record one-day amount, according to Reuters. The total death toll now stands at 3,807, Russia’s crisis response center said.

It reported 8,915 new cases on Tuesday, giving a total number of cases of 362,342. — Holly Ellyatt 

Employees of the Republican Clinical Hospital treating patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infection.

Yegor Aleyev

Spain calls for EU to set up rules on cross-border movement

Spain has urged fellow EU countries to set up common rules to reopen borders as coronavirus lockdowns are lifted.

“We have to work with our European partners to define the common rules that will allow us retake freedom of movement on European territory,” Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez said on Cadena Ser radio station, Reuters reported.

She added that EU countries must have common rules throughout the Schengen Area — an area comprising 26 European states that enables citizens to cross internal borders without being subjected to border checks — to open internal borders and set up rules for external borders, she said. — Holly Ellyatt

Australia won’t open its borders ‘any time soon’

2:58 p.m. (Singapore time) – Australia will not open its borders “any time soon,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters at the National Press Club on Tuesday. 

He added that his government will continue to have discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s government about a trans-Tasman safe travel zone where restrictions between the neighboring countries would be eased once the necessary protocols are in place.

Australia has a little over 7,000 reported cases of infection and most of the patients are said to have recovered while 102 of them died from complications. States and territories are slowly easing restrictions that were imposed to tackle the outbreak. – Saheli Roy Choudhury

Saudi Arabia will end curfew in June, except in Mecca

10:48 a.m. (Singapore time) — The Saudi state news agency said the kingdom will lift curfew everywhere starting June 21 except in the holy city of Mecca, Reuters reported. Curfew times are set to be revised starting this week and bans on domestic travel, going to workplaces and holding prayers in mosques will be lifted at the end of the month, according to the news wire. Curfew time in Mecca will be adjusted from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. and prayers would be allowed to be held in mosques from June 21, Reuters said. — Saheli Roy Choudhury

Singapore slashes 2020 growth forecast for the third time

8:50 a.m. (Singapore time) — In its third official projection downgrade, Singapore now expects its economy to shrink between 4% and 7% this year. The Southeast Asian country saw growth decline by 0.7% in the first three months, which was less severe than expectations. Singapore imposed partial lockdown measures in April as the number of infections climbed rapidly and as of Monday, there were close to 32,000 confirmed cases. To mitigate the economic fallout from the virus outbreak, the country announced three stimulus packages. — Yen Nee Lee, Saheli Roy Choudhury

Novavax begins clinical trial of coronavirus vaccine

6:30 pm ET — Novavax said it has started clinical trial for a novel coronavirus vaccine and is targeting July to announce preliminary results. The Maryland-based biotechnology company said that phase 2 of the trial will be conducted after successful completion of phase 1. 

“Administering our vaccine in the first participants of this clinical trial is a significant achievement, bringing us one step closer toward addressing the fundamental need for a vaccine in the fight against the global COVID‑19 pandemic,” Novavax CEO said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing the clinical results in July and, if promising, quickly initiating the Phase 2 portion of the trial.” 

The phase 2 portion of the trial is expected to be conducted in several countries, including the U.S. —Riya Bhattacharjee, Reuters

WHO warns of ‘second peak’ in areas where coronavirus is declining

World Health Organization (WHO) health emergencies programme Michael Ryan speaks during a press conference following an emergency committee meeting over the new SARS-like virus spreading in China and other nations, in Geneva on January 22, 2020.

Pierre Albouy | AFP | Getty Images

5:20 pm ET — The World Health Organization warned that countries where coronavirus was declining could still see an “immediate second peak” if they didn’t stick to following coronavirus restrictions. 

“When we speak about a second wave classically what we often mean is there will be a first wave of the disease by itself, and then it recurs months later. And that may be a reality for many countries in a number of months’ time,” WHO emergencies head Dr Mike Ryan said.

“But we need also to be cognizant of the fact that the disease can jump up at any time. We cannot make assumptions that just because the disease is on the way down now it is going to keep going down and we are get a number of months to get ready for a second wave. We may get a second peak in this wave.” —Riya Bhattacharjee, Reuters

Trump says he is no longer taking hydroxychloroquine

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to make a statement to reporters about reopening churches in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, May 22, 2020.

Leah Millis | Reuters

5:10 pm ET — President Donald Trump said he is no longer taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that he has touted as a potential cure for the coronavirus, NBC News reported.

“Finished, just finished,” Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday. “And by the way, I’m still here.” There is no evidence that the drug cures or prevents the coronavirus, but numerous clinical trials are looking to see if it’s effective in fighting the disease. —Yelena Dzhanova

Pro fisherman Casey Scanlon navigating through sport during Covid-19

Courtesy Casey Scanlon.

4: 30 pm ET — Like millions of other Americans, pro fisherman Casey Scanlon will take a hit to his income this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Five months into the year, nearly 38.5 million fishing licenses, tags, permits and stamps have been issued across the country, according to figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

That’s just 2.9 million below the total for all of 2019 and months before peak fishing season in most areas. Several states — Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Texas — already have surpassed the number of licenses issued in 2019. But Covid-19 has hurt the pro bass fishing circuit. Though, tournaments are scheduled to resume in late June, there’s still some question about whether these remaining tournaments will occur. And the economic slowdown could put sponsorship deals that supplement winnings of anglers like Scanlon at risk. And a revised schedule means anglers will forgo earning money as a fishing guide. Here’s how this professional fisherman is navigating choppy waters in his sport during Covid-19. —Jabari Young

California opens up in-store retail shopping

A framing art gallery is closed in Venice Beach, California’ during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

APU GOMES/AFP via Getty Images

4 pm ET — The California Department of Public Health announced Monday that in-store retail shopping can resume with modifications put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“Subject to approval by county public health departments, all retail stores can reopen for in-store shopping under previously issued guidelines,” a press release from the CDPH said. Retail stores and shoppers are still expected to follow social distancing guidelines, like maintaining and encouraging physical distance and wearing face coverings. —Yelena Dzhanova

Family doctors face pay cuts, furloughs and supply shortages

Dr Greg Gulbransen performs a medical checkup on a 72-year-old man with Leukemia who is presumed to have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while at his pediatric practice in Oyster Bay, New York, U.S., April 13, 2020.

Lucas Jackson | Reuters

3:30 pm ET — Family doctors are struggling to make ends meet and keep their practices open as the coronavirus pandemic squeezes already tight budgets.

Primary-care physicians are increasingly concerned that some small, independent practices could close for good, leaving communities unequipped for a second coronavirus outbreak and triggering a wave of other public health crises as chronically ill patients forgo treatment and vaccination levels fall among children.

Insurers pay doctors primarily by patient visit — when appointments fall revenue dwindles, squeezing already tight profit margins. Many patients have been avoiding the doctor as they shelter in place and telemedicine has not been able to make up for the shortfall.

Doctors offices are responding by furloughing staff and slashing pay. Many physicians have applied for the Paycheck Protection Program, while some have received money from a federal relief fund for health-care providers. However, no dedicated federal money has been set aside to support primary care during the pandemic.

One recent survey found that 51% of primary-care physicians are uncertain about the financial future of their practice, while 13% may close their doors over the next month. —Spencer Kimball

California issues new guidance for reopening places of worship

Ed and Maxine Czisny of Newport Beach hold up signs directing church-goers what radio station to tune-in and where to park at a drive-in church service lead by the Rev. Robert A. Schuller in Santa Ana on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Southern California churches are considering drive-in ministry as church buildings remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leonard Ortiz | Orange County Register | Getty Images

3 pm ET — State officials in California have issued new social distancing guidelines to follow in places of worship to ensure the safety of employees, volunteers and visitors, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The guidelines, according to the public health department report, do not require places of worship to do in-person services. Rather, these places are encouraged to continue to offer remote services, the reports indicates.

The new guidelines say that places of worship offering in-person services must limit attendance to 25% of the building’s total capacity or allow in only up to 100 people, depending on which figure is lower. “This limitation will be in effect for the first 21-days of a county public health department’s approval of religious services and cultural ceremonies activities at places of worship within their jurisdictions,” the report says. On the 21-day mark, the CDPH will evaluate the outcomes of these limitations and will provide further guidance.

Additionally, places of worship in California are encouraged to screen employees and visitors by providing temperature checks and requiring personal protective equipment. Houses of worships can also make sure to wash religious garments and linens after each service and find ways to “introduce” fresh air by opening doors and windows regularly.

To continue practicing appropriate social distancing guidelines, places of worship are also encouraged to shorten services to limit the amount of time visitors spend indoors or consider the implementation of a reservation system. Some places of worships may also consider discontinuing singing, group recitation and other activities during which there is “increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled droplets.” Read the full guidelines here. —Yelena Dzhanova

As summer kicks off, a new way to get your kids off devices and enjoying the outdoors

2:30 pm ET — As shelter-in-place guidelines force Americans to stay home to avoid possibly contracting and spreading the coronavirus, many parents are turning to a new app that promises to encourage kids to go outside.

Activate Fitness allows a child to earn screen time by completing various activities and challenges. A child can earn five minutes of screen time, for example, if they walk 1,000 steps.

Parents have the ability to set activity goals like performing jumping jacks or walking up a flight of stairs, and daily activity levels are tracked by wearable fitness devices like a Fitbit. —Yelena Dzhanova

Korean baseball is in full swing — here’s what you need to know

Players in action during a baseball game between SK Wyverns and Hanwha Eagles at SK Wyverns club’s Happy Dream Ballpark without spectators due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 7, 2020 in Incheon, South Korea.

Jong Hyun Kim | Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

2 pm ET — With Covid-19 fears shutting down live sporting events around the world, baseball-deprived fans have looked to South Korea, where that country’s professional baseball league, the Korean Baseball Organization, has resumed its games.

ESPN currently airs six live KBO games per week, with one game airing on either ESPN or ESPN2 each day from Tuesday through Sunday. This Tuesday, ESPN will air the game between the KBO’s Samsung Lions and the Lotte Giants at 5:30 a.m. ET. 

Though games have been played without fans in the stands, due to restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic, there are still some elements of KBO baseball that stand out. Here’s what you need to know about the league. —Jabari Young

WHO suspends hydroxycholoroquine trial over safety concerns

Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during a news conference on the situation of the coronavirus (COVID-2019), in Geneva, Switzerland, February 28, 2020.

Denis Balibouse | Reuters

1 pm ET — The World Health Organization announced a temporary suspension of its hydroxycholoroquine trial, citing safety concerns.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure for the coronavirus, but no evidence has yet emerged suggesting it’s a proven treatment. Hydroxycholoroquine is normally regarded as an anti-malarial drug that can also treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Despite the lack of evidence that suggests the drug can be used to treat or prevent the coronavirus, Trump told reporters earlier this month that he has been taking it to avoid contracting the disease. —Yelena Dzhanova

Here are the top 10 cities for summer staycations

12 pm ET — As summer nears, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing many Americans to opt for a “staycation” in lieu of a getaway to protect against the possibility of contracting or spreading the disease.

Personal finance website WalletHub compiled a 2020 Best & Worst Cities for Staycations report that ranks which cities offer the best conditions for a staycation.

WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities using 15 key metrics like number of parks per capita to average home square footage and type of weather in the summer.

The top 10 cities that made the list are: Plano, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Tampa, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Lincoln, Nebraska; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Grand Prairie, Texas; Austin, Texas; and Orlando, Florida. —Yelena Dzhanova

Lufthansa and German government agree on $9.8 billion rescue package

Lufthansa aircraft stand side by side at Munich Airport.

Peter Kneffel | picture alliance | Getty Images

11:30 pm ET — German airline Lufthansa announced that it has been approved for a $9.8 billion “stabilization package” to ensure that the company can continue operating as the coronavirus outbreak brings on economic devastation.

But the European Commission has not yet signed off on the deal.

If the deal goes through, the government fund offering the financial support would take a 20% stake in the airline and two seats on Lufthansa’s board of directors. The stake is below the level needed to block major decisions. —Yelena Dzhanova

Why the coronavirus might change dating forever

11 am ET — With the coronavirus keeping people indoors, singles aren’t just meeting online. They’re holding virtual dates over video chat services like Zoom and FaceTime.

Five tips to protect yourself from coronavirus fraud

11 am ET — More than 50,000 Americans have filed complaints this year with the Federal Trade Commission claiming they have been defrauded of $39.6 million related to Covid-19 scams.

Of those submitting complaints through May 21, about 45% reported falling victim to fraudsters, losing about $470 on average. Scammers use methods such as text messaging and robocalls to lure victims.

And there’s a new, highly sophisticated robotext scam that could trip up a lot of consumers, said Bill Versen, chief product officer at Transaction Network Services, a global provider of data communications that tracks robocalls. It starts with a text purportedly from the IRS asking to confirm information for a stimulus payment through a link.

If you click on it, the link takes you to a realistic-looking IRS web page where you’re prompted to provide your name, contact information and Social Security number. Beyond those common ways to protect yourself, here are five additional steps you can take to safeguard against common scam tactics. —Jabari Young

Going to the movies will be a different experience during coronavirus 

An employee fills a bag of popcorn in the concessions area inside a Cineplex Cinemas movie theater.

Bloomberg

10:30 am ET — The experience of going out to the movies is certainly going to be a little different and the new strategies that theater owners are implementing in order to be able to reopen safely could change the way movie theaters operate altogether.

While a number of smaller movie chains have reopened in some states, the majority of the big players are waiting to reopen their doors in late June or early July.

To start, expect to wear a mask. While health guidelines will vary state by state in the U.S., common Covid-19 measures have included the use of face masks by patrons and staff. Some venues may provide a disposable mask at the front door, but it’s more likely that you will be expected to bring your own mask. Temperature checks could also be part of the entrance process at theaters.

“We really had to change the way that we operate our business,” Jason Ostrow, vice president of development at dine-in-theater Star Cinema Grill in Texas, said during a panel hosted by technology solutions company Influx Worldwide in mid-May. Star Cinema Grill was able to reopen locations on May 8 and its decisions offer a blueprint for what consumers can expect once their local theaters are able to reopen. —Jabari Young

Amazon investors want the company to address worker safety

Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com Inc., speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019.

Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

10 am ET — Amazon shareholders will urge the company’s board of directors to release more information on worker protection amid the coronavirus outbreak.

They will address these concerns, raised by warehouse workers who have sounded the alarm, during Wednesday’s shareholders meeting.

The call for action comes as tensions continue to grow between Amazon and its warehouse workers. Confirmed cases and the number of deaths at Amazon facilities have risen as the outbreak spreads. But the company has repeatedly declined to disclose the number of deaths.

Warehouse workers have been calling on the company to provide paid sick leave and close down facilities where there are confirmed cases to disinfect the spaces. —Yelena Dzhanova

Trump threatens to move GOP convention over North Carolina coronavirus restrictions

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2020.

Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images

9:34 am ET — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to move the Republican National Convention from North Carolina if the governor’s coronavirus restrictions impose a limit on the number of people who can be in attendance in August.

In a series of rapid-fire tweets, Trump railed against Gov. Roy Cooper over North Carolina’s social distancing restrictions, which would prohibit full-scale attendance at the GOP Convention, scheduled for the week of Aug. 24 in Charlotte.

“Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August,” Trump tweeted.

“They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do.” —Yelena Dzhanova

Read CNBC’s previous coronavirus live coverage here: Coronavirus live updates: Japan seeks to end state of emergency for Tokyo; Trump suspends travel from Brazil

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