Fears of prolonged coronavirus downturn and second wave of US cases
Business chiefs expect lengthy period before recovery as CDC chief warns of worse to come during US winter
The prospect of a prolonged worldwide impact from the coronavirus pandemic has hardened after business leaders warned of a drawn-out recession and US health chiefs highlighted the prospect of a second wave of US cases in winter.
As financial markets staggered under fresh blows to the global oil industry on Wednesday, a survey of thousands of bosses revealed that they fear many companies will not survive the onslaught.
Related: CDC chief warns of 'even more difficult' wave of coronavirus next winter
Donald Trump issued a 60-day ban on immigrants seeking to live and work in America permanently, and said he could extend it depending on the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Taiwanese authorities are trying to track down thousands of people who might have come into contact with more than 700 sailors who were allowed to disembark after a "goodwill" mission to the Pacific Islands, despite several reporting fevers and respiratory problems while on board. So far 27 sailors have been diagnosed with Covid-19, prompting accusations of "serious lapses" in a country that has been internationally lauded for its successful virus response.
Authorities in China's north-eastern border province of Heilongjiang announced strict new curbs on movement after reporting seven new locally transmitted coronavirus cases and one imported case.
London's newly opened Nightingale hospital has turned away patients because of a shortage of nurses, according to NHS documents seen by the Guardian. The British government remains under severe pressure for its response to the crisis, with No 10 forced to defend the health secretary, Matt Hancock.
The US state of Missouri is suing the Chinese government for failing to do enough to prevent the spread of the virus. Also in the US, Republicans in Wisconsin are taking legal action to challenge the lockdown laws imposed on the state by its Democratic governor.
Netflix has doubled its tally of expected new subscribers during the lockdown period.
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