Thank you for following our updates - we're now wrapping up the live page for today but before we go, here's a quick recap of Thursday's main developments:
And Dr Rick Bright, the ousted director of a US government vaccine agency, testified that unless virus planning steps up the country could be headed for "the darkest winter in modern history"
You've been kept up to date today (from morning in Asia to evening in the UK) by a team of writers and editors in Singapore, Sydney, Delhi and the UK. They are: Yvette Tan, Andreas Ilmer, Frances Mao, Krutika Pathi, Anna Jones, Owen Amos, Joel Gunter, Tom Spender, Georgina Rannard, Kevin Ponniah, Vicky Baker, Yaroslav Lukov, Tom Gerken, Alice Evans, Matt Henry, Michael Emons, Steve Sutcliffe, Matt Cannon and Ella Wills.
The UK's eighth clap for carers
Watch as people across the United Kingdom clapped for carers, NHS staff and other key workers earlier tonight.
Tracking the pandemic
Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world, with more than four million confirmed cases in 188 countries.
BBCCopyright: BBC
With more than 1.3 million cases, the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world. It has also recorded more than 80,000 deaths.
The state of New York has been particularly badly affected, with more than 27,000 deaths.
In the UK, another 428 deaths were announced on Thursday, bringing the official total number of deaths to 33,614.
But the average number of daily deaths reported has been trending downward for weeks now. Nonetheless, as experts have said, the curve shoots up quickly but takes a much longer time to come down.
Concern over pandemic taking hold in war-torn Yemen
There have been 385 deaths over the past week of people with "coronavirus-like symptoms" in Aden, Yemen, according to figures reported by the Save the Children organisation.
The group said such deaths in Aden appeared to have increased fivefold in a week.
Only 72 cases and 13 virus-related deaths have officially been confirmed in the war-ravaged country but Save the Children said it appeared the pandemic was "getting a grip" on Yemen. The testing rate is extremely low with only four labs nationwide able to carry out the diagnostics.
“Our teams on the ground are seeing how people are being sent away from hospitals, breathing heavily or even collapsing. People are dying because they can’t get treatment that would normally save their lives," the group said in a statement.
It added that there were only 500 ventilators in Yemen.
Bamboo shortage forces Canadian zoo to return pandas to China
Two giant pandas will be returned to China from a Canadian zoo because of a lack of bamboo to feed them.
Calgary Zoo said flight disruptions related to the coronavirus pandemic had caused delays in bamboo supplies, which were flown in directly from China.
The pandas consume about 40kg of bamboo each day.
McDonald's outlines guidelines for reopening US dining
McDonald's has released guidelines for how its restaurants should reopen dining areas in the US.
Staff will wear masks and gloves, child play areas will be closed, and some seating will be inaccessible to promote social distancing.
Some of the fast food restaurants will even offer masks to customers in cities where they are required.
Despite the guidelines, McDonald's has not said when it will reopen eating areas across the US.
In the UK, the fast food chain yesterday reopened 15 of its branches for delivery, and it plans to open some drive-thrus next week.
More than one in four patients who died in England had diabetes
Figures released by NHS England have provided a breakdown of specific pre-existing health conditions among those to have died with Covid-19.
It showed that more than one in four (26%) patients who died with Covid-19 in hospitals in England between 31 March and 12 May had diabetes.
Of the 22,332 patients who died, 5,873 had the condition.
Meanwhile, 18% of those who died had dementia, 15% had chronic pulmonary disease, and 14% had chronic kidney disease.
Church sues Zoom after Bible study porn 'zoombombing'
A church in the US is suing Zoom after a hacker allegedly hijacked a virtual Bible study class to post pornography and child abuse images.
Saint Paulus Lutheran Church in California said a person hacked into its Zoom video call and played "sick and disturbing videos".
The church's leaders contacted Zoom for help, but the company "did nothing", it claimed.
Zoom declined to comment.
The five countries with highest death tolls
More than 300,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded around the world, according to Johns Hopkins (JH) University.
The US university - which started compiling its data soon after the outbreak began in China late last year - says there have been more than 4.4 million confirmed cases, with 1.5 million people who have recovered.
The five nations with highest death tolls currently are:
the US - more than 85,000 (JH)
the UK - 33,614 (Department for Heath and Social Care)
Italy - 31,368 (Civil Protection Agency)
France - 27,425 (Health authorities)
Spain - more than 27,300 (JH)
However, scientists point out that global comparisons are difficult to make because every country counts deaths differently. They say a fuller picture may only emerge over a longer period of time.
Company warns of shortage of plastic for protection screens
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
There is a shortage of the plastic sheets used to make clear screens that employers have been advised to install for workplace safety, the BBC has learned.
Supermarkets have fitted screens at checkouts and government guidance has advised other workplaces, from labs to factories, to take a similar approach, but a spike in demand has led to shortages of plastic sheets.
Chris Marmion, managing director of Plastic Shop Screens, told the BBC's Wake up to Money: "It's quite simple. There isn't enough [plastic] coming into the country to meet the current demand. Come a couple of weeks, I think there may definitely be a shortage."
Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been criticised by opposition parties, after he visited a small Alpine community and a crowd of locals, disregarding social distancing rules.
Gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted under Austrian regulations.
It was Mr Kurz’s first official trip outside Vienna for weeks. He was visiting Kleinwalsertal, a remote Austrian valley that has been particularly isolated during lockdown, as it is only accessible via a road through Germany.
There has been widespread criticism of Mr Kurz on social media.
In a Facebook post, Mr Kurz said residents had “gathered spontaneously”.
He said that his chancellery would work to try to prevent such situations happening in future.
'It shows how much this nation can be united'
During the UK's applause for carers, NHS staff and other key workers earlier, the BBC spoke to Annemarie Plas, the founder of the weekly show of gratitude, outside her home in Streatham, south London.
She said: "Being inspired from what I saw back home in the Netherlands - and [seeing] it was happening in Spain and Italy - I thought if the Dutch can do it, then the Brits can do it as well.
"I feel very proud. It shows how much this nation can be united and be as one - we're all in this together."
Burundi expels WHO representative and the latest from Africa
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Here's a quick round-up of major developments from across Africa:
Mauritius has declared victory in the battle against coronavirus - but says it has not yet won the war
Burundi has expelled the World Health Organization representative in the country and three other health experts - reportedly because the government is unhappy about supposed "interference" in its virus response
Tanzania has rejected US criticism that it is not doing enough to halt the outbreak
Football club TP Mazembe are declared champions as the season is brought to an end in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Qatar: Fail to wear a mask, risk jail
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Qatar has made the wearing of face masks compulsory, warning that anyone defying the order could face up to three years in prison or be fined more than $50,000 (£41,000).
The Gulf state has currently more than 28,000 infections, with 14 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University's worldwide tally.
More than 2.5 million people live in Qatar, one of the world's richest countries.
Applause for carers, NHS staff and other key workers
Fears over first cases in Rohingya refugee camp
As we reported earlier (see our 15:48 post), the first cases of coronavirus have reached the world’s largest Rohingya refugee camp, in Bangladesh's Cox’s Bazar southern district.
A government doctor confirmed to the BBC that there have been two positive cases. Both people are now in health facilities run by non-governmental organisations.
It is believed some 1,900 other people came into contact with the two cases, and officials are now beginning the process of contact tracing.
There are significant fears of a wider outbreak.
“Health facilities are already crowded and overwhelmed, without the sufficient equipment, health staff or physical space necessary to treat cases," said Manish Agrawal, Bangladesh country director at global humanitarian organisation the International Rescue Committee.
What's the latest in sport?
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The sporting calendar is continuing to come to terms with the coronavirus crisis, with more cancellations announced and some sports taking steps to resume.
The 2020 Tour of Britain cycle race has been cancelled
The use of 'hub' stadiums to enable Scottish football to resume in front of fans is being considered. Stadiums would host a number of games over a weekend.
Feeling a little unsure about the latest coronavirus news and guidelines? These explainers we've put together might help answer some of your questions.
Live Reporting
Edited by Kevin Ponniah
All times stated are UK
-
It is estimated that one in 400 people in England currently has coronavirus, according to a survey of 11,000 people
-
The UK government has agreed to a £1.6bn bailout of Transport for London, which runs underground trains and buses in the capital
-
The first moves to ease lockdown in Northern Ireland will begin next week, with Arlene Foster announcing garden centres and recycling centres can reopen from Monday
-
The first cases of coronavirus have reached the world's largest refugee camp - in Bangladesh
-
In the US, Senate Intelligence Committee chairman Richard Burr has stepped aside amid an insider trading inquiry related to the pandemic
-
And Dr Rick Bright, the ousted director of a US government vaccine agency, testified that unless virus planning steps up the country could be headed for "the darkest winter in modern history"
BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC - the US - more than 85,000 (JH)
- the UK - 33,614 (Department for Heath and Social Care)
- Italy - 31,368 (Civil Protection Agency)
- France - 27,425 (Health authorities)
- Spain - more than 27,300 (JH)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images - For more on this story, click here.
View more on youtubeView more on youtube ReutersCopyright: Reuters -
Mauritius has declared victory in the battle against coronavirus - but says it has not yet won the war
-
Burundi has expelled the World Health Organization representative in the country and three other health experts - reportedly because the government is unhappy about supposed "interference" in its virus response
-
Tanzania has rejected US criticism that it is not doing enough to halt the outbreak
-
Football club TP Mazembe are declared champions as the season is brought to an end in the Democratic Republic of Congo
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images -
The UK government says it is "opening the door" for the return of professional football in England in June. The culture secretary held a "positive" meeting with football authorities on Thursday
- England cricketers will begin individual training next week in the first step to returning to action after the coronavirus shutdown. It is hoped their postponed series against West Indies can start in July
-
The 2020 Tour of Britain cycle race has been cancelled
-
The use of 'hub' stadiums to enable Scottish football to resume in front of fans is being considered. Stadiums would host a number of games over a weekend.
-
In Italy, officials say there is a "99%" chance the Italian government will allow top-flight football to resume on 13 June
- What progress is being made on a vaccine and when might we have one?
- Will I be able to go on holiday?
- Who am I allowed to meet under the UK's new guidelines?
Latest PostWe're pausing our live coverage
Thank you for following our updates - we're now wrapping up the live page for today but before we go, here's a quick recap of Thursday's main developments:
You've been kept up to date today (from morning in Asia to evening in the UK) by a team of writers and editors in Singapore, Sydney, Delhi and the UK. They are: Yvette Tan, Andreas Ilmer, Frances Mao, Krutika Pathi, Anna Jones, Owen Amos, Joel Gunter, Tom Spender, Georgina Rannard, Kevin Ponniah, Vicky Baker, Yaroslav Lukov, Tom Gerken, Alice Evans, Matt Henry, Michael Emons, Steve Sutcliffe, Matt Cannon and Ella Wills.
The UK's eighth clap for carers
Watch as people across the United Kingdom clapped for carers, NHS staff and other key workers earlier tonight.
Tracking the pandemic
Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world, with more than four million confirmed cases in 188 countries.
With more than 1.3 million cases, the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world. It has also recorded more than 80,000 deaths.
The state of New York has been particularly badly affected, with more than 27,000 deaths.
Here are our latest charts and other visuals tracking the global outbreak.
In the UK, another 428 deaths were announced on Thursday, bringing the official total number of deaths to 33,614.
But the average number of daily deaths reported has been trending downward for weeks now. Nonetheless, as experts have said, the curve shoots up quickly but takes a much longer time to come down.
All the latest data on the UK outbreak can be found here.
Concern over pandemic taking hold in war-torn Yemen
There have been 385 deaths over the past week of people with "coronavirus-like symptoms" in Aden, Yemen, according to figures reported by the Save the Children organisation.
The group said such deaths in Aden appeared to have increased fivefold in a week.
Only 72 cases and 13 virus-related deaths have officially been confirmed in the war-ravaged country but Save the Children said it appeared the pandemic was "getting a grip" on Yemen. The testing rate is extremely low with only four labs nationwide able to carry out the diagnostics.
“Our teams on the ground are seeing how people are being sent away from hospitals, breathing heavily or even collapsing. People are dying because they can’t get treatment that would normally save their lives," the group said in a statement.
It added that there were only 500 ventilators in Yemen.
Bamboo shortage forces Canadian zoo to return pandas to China
Two giant pandas will be returned to China from a Canadian zoo because of a lack of bamboo to feed them.
Calgary Zoo said flight disruptions related to the coronavirus pandemic had caused delays in bamboo supplies, which were flown in directly from China.
The pandas consume about 40kg of bamboo each day.
McDonald's outlines guidelines for reopening US dining
McDonald's has released guidelines for how its restaurants should reopen dining areas in the US.
Staff will wear masks and gloves, child play areas will be closed, and some seating will be inaccessible to promote social distancing.
Some of the fast food restaurants will even offer masks to customers in cities where they are required.
Despite the guidelines, McDonald's has not said when it will reopen eating areas across the US.
In the UK, the fast food chain yesterday reopened 15 of its branches for delivery, and it plans to open some drive-thrus next week.
More than one in four patients who died in England had diabetes
Figures released by NHS England have provided a breakdown of specific pre-existing health conditions among those to have died with Covid-19.
It showed that more than one in four (26%) patients who died with Covid-19 in hospitals in England between 31 March and 12 May had diabetes. Of the 22,332 patients who died, 5,873 had the condition.
Meanwhile, 18% of those who died had dementia, 15% had chronic pulmonary disease, and 14% had chronic kidney disease.
Church sues Zoom after Bible study porn 'zoombombing'
A church in the US is suing Zoom after a hacker allegedly hijacked a virtual Bible study class to post pornography and child abuse images.
Saint Paulus Lutheran Church in California said a person hacked into its Zoom video call and played "sick and disturbing videos".
The church's leaders contacted Zoom for help, but the company "did nothing", it claimed.
Zoom declined to comment.
The five countries with highest death tolls
More than 300,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded around the world, according to Johns Hopkins (JH) University.
The US university - which started compiling its data soon after the outbreak began in China late last year - says there have been more than 4.4 million confirmed cases, with 1.5 million people who have recovered.
The five nations with highest death tolls currently are:
However, scientists point out that global comparisons are difficult to make because every country counts deaths differently. They say a fuller picture may only emerge over a longer period of time.
Company warns of shortage of plastic for protection screens
There is a shortage of the plastic sheets used to make clear screens that employers have been advised to install for workplace safety, the BBC has learned.
Supermarkets have fitted screens at checkouts and government guidance has advised other workplaces, from labs to factories, to take a similar approach, but a spike in demand has led to shortages of plastic sheets.
Chris Marmion, managing director of Plastic Shop Screens, told the BBC's Wake up to Money: "It's quite simple. There isn't enough [plastic] coming into the country to meet the current demand. Come a couple of weeks, I think there may definitely be a shortage."
Austria's leader Kurz in social distancing row
Bethany Bell
BBC News, Vienna
Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been criticised by opposition parties, after he visited a small Alpine community and a crowd of locals, disregarding social distancing rules.
Gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted under Austrian regulations.
It was Mr Kurz’s first official trip outside Vienna for weeks. He was visiting Kleinwalsertal, a remote Austrian valley that has been particularly isolated during lockdown, as it is only accessible via a road through Germany.
There has been widespread criticism of Mr Kurz on social media.
In a Facebook post, Mr Kurz said residents had “gathered spontaneously”.
He said that his chancellery would work to try to prevent such situations happening in future.
'It shows how much this nation can be united'
During the UK's applause for carers, NHS staff and other key workers earlier, the BBC spoke to Annemarie Plas, the founder of the weekly show of gratitude, outside her home in Streatham, south London.
She said: "Being inspired from what I saw back home in the Netherlands - and [seeing] it was happening in Spain and Italy - I thought if the Dutch can do it, then the Brits can do it as well.
"I feel very proud. It shows how much this nation can be united and be as one - we're all in this together."
Burundi expels WHO representative and the latest from Africa
Here's a quick round-up of major developments from across Africa:
Qatar: Fail to wear a mask, risk jail
Qatar has made the wearing of face masks compulsory, warning that anyone defying the order could face up to three years in prison or be fined more than $50,000 (£41,000).
The Gulf state has currently more than 28,000 infections, with 14 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University's worldwide tally.
More than 2.5 million people live in Qatar, one of the world's richest countries.
Applause for carers, NHS staff and other key workers
Fears over first cases in Rohingya refugee camp
As we reported earlier (see our 15:48 post), the first cases of coronavirus have reached the world’s largest Rohingya refugee camp, in Bangladesh's Cox’s Bazar southern district.
A government doctor confirmed to the BBC that there have been two positive cases. Both people are now in health facilities run by non-governmental organisations.
It is believed some 1,900 other people came into contact with the two cases, and officials are now beginning the process of contact tracing.
There are significant fears of a wider outbreak.
“Health facilities are already crowded and overwhelmed, without the sufficient equipment, health staff or physical space necessary to treat cases," said Manish Agrawal, Bangladesh country director at global humanitarian organisation the International Rescue Committee.
What's the latest in sport?
The sporting calendar is continuing to come to terms with the coronavirus crisis, with more cancellations announced and some sports taking steps to resume.
Labour leader joins in national clapping
Answers to questions you might have
Feeling a little unsure about the latest coronavirus news and guidelines? These explainers we've put together might help answer some of your questions.
PM applauds from 10 Downing Street