After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday.&nbsp;

Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478. The figure is the third highest in the world after the United States and Italy.

The government has issued revised guidelines overnight for reporting deaths to homogenise data from the country's 17 autonomous regions in an apparent move to eliminate any deaths where the patient had not been tested for COVID-19.

But this methodology has stirred controversies between Madrid and Catalonia, which is also the worst-hit regions, they insist that there are thousands of more victims than the official counts.

"It must be recognised that that number of dead is much higher," Ignacio Aguado, vice-president of Madrid's regional government, told Spain's RNE radio.&nbsp;

"We're only talking about those who have died in hospital after testing positive, but people are also dying in old people's residences and at home without having being tested, so we will never know the real number (of deaths) in this tragedy."&nbsp;

After a downward spiral of the death rates, Friday's toll was the highest since Sunday's 619 death-mark.&nbsp;

A total of 72,963 have recovered from the deadly coronavirus in the country.&nbsp;

Spain reported 5,252 new cases for the coronavirus bringing the overall total to 188,068.

After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday. Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478.

After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday. Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478. The figure is the third highest in the world after the United States and Italy. The government has issued revised guidelines overnight for reporting deaths to homogenise data from the country's 17 autonomous regions in an apparent move to eliminate any deaths where the patient had not been tested for COVID-19. But this methodology has stirred controversies between Madrid and Catalonia, which is also the worst-hit regions, they insist that there are thousands of more victims than the official counts. "It must be recognised that that number of dead is much higher," Ignacio Aguado, vice-president of Madrid's regional government, told Spain's RNE radio. "We're only talking about those who have died in hospital after testing positive, but people are also dying in old people's residences and at home without having being tested, so we will never know the real number (of deaths) in this tragedy." After a downward spiral of the death rates, Friday's toll was the highest since Sunday's 619 death-mark. A total of 72,963 have recovered from the deadly coronavirus in the country. Spain reported 5,252 new cases for the coronavirus bringing the overall total to 188,068.

Spain nears 19,500 coronavirus deaths making it third highest in the world

French President Emmanuel Macron has questioned China's methods of tackling the coronavirus pandemic by calling it ''naive'' to suggest&nbsp;that China had dealt better with the crisis.

In an interview, Macron said that&nbsp;"things happened that we don't know about".

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The comments came after&nbsp;an article on the Chinese embassy's website sparked a row sparked. It had claimed&nbsp;that Western countries had ''left the elderly to die in care homes''.

However, China dismissed the row as a "misunderstanding".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-once-chinas-coronavirus-epicentre-raises-death-toll-by-50-293040" hreflang="en">Wuhan, once China's coronavirus epicentre raises death toll by 50%</a>

Government spokesman Zhao Lijian said China had never made any negative comments about how France was coping with the epidemic "and has no intention of making any".

The foreign ministry summoned China's ambassador to "express disapproval".

France has recorded&nbsp;141,000 cases of Covid-19 and nearly 18,000 deaths.

Whereas, China has recorded 4,632 deaths - including an extra 1,290 deaths announced on Friday in the city of Wuhan, where the pandemic started and where a strict lockdown has only recently been lifted.

Countries including the US, the UK and France have questioned China's transparency over the outbreak.

French President Emmanuel Macron has questioned China's methods of tackling the coronavirus pandemic by calling it ''naive'' to suggest that China had dealt better with the crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron has questioned China's methods of tackling the coronavirus pandemic by calling it ''naive'' to suggest that China had dealt better with the crisis. In an interview, Macron said that "things happened that we don't know about". Also read: COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug The comments came after an article on the Chinese embassy's website sparked a row sparked. It had claimed that Western countries had ''left the elderly to die in care homes''. However, China dismissed the row as a "misunderstanding". Also read: Wuhan, once China's coronavirus epicentre raises death toll by 50% Government spokesman Zhao Lijian said China had never made any negative comments about how France was coping with the epidemic "and has no intention of making any". The foreign ministry summoned China's ambassador to "express disapproval". France has recorded 141,000 cases of Covid-19 and nearly 18,000 deaths. Whereas, China has recorded 4,632 deaths - including an extra 1,290 deaths announced on Friday in the city of Wuhan, where the pandemic started and where a strict lockdown has only recently been lifted. Countries including the US, the UK and France have questioned China's transparency over the outbreak.

'Naive' to suggest China dealt well with coronavirus, says Macron

Philippine President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital.

Duterte&nbsp;spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

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"I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said in a televised speech late Thursday.

"The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added.&nbsp;

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Duterte&nbsp;has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.

The closest&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi.

As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March,&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;ordered a&nbsp;quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people.

Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules.

In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches.

Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons.

The Philippines has detected some 5,660&nbsp;coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people. Also read: COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug "I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over," Duterte said in a televised speech late Thursday. "The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added. Also read: Hand-holding in coronavirus pandemic: Wealth managers grapple with new reality Duterte has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. The closest Duterte has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi. As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March, Duterte ordered a quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people. Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules. In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches. Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons. The Philippines has detected some 5,660 coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown

April 16 in history: 'Cold War' term coined, Michael Jordan's last game and more

British street artist Banksy has revealed his first rat infested&nbsp;painting which he&nbsp;made from the confines of his toilet during a lockdown in his country.

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The artist took to social media to unveil sharing a series of images of his bathroom covered in his infamous rat sketches with the caption&nbsp;''My wife hates it when I work from home''.&nbsp;

<img alt="Banksy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c18b6a42-76e0-4edc-9ca8-bc2435267175" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/27237690-8223057-image-m-24_1586979231508.jpg" />

The artwork shows rodents knocking the bathroom mirror and creating a mess.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-regrets-us-move-to-halt-funding-urges-unity-against-pandemic-292772">WHO chief regrets US move to halt funding, urges unity against pandemic</a>

The latest creation by the elusive artist from Bristol comes as the UK continues to control the spread of Covid-19 which has now claimed the lives of 12,868.

The comical scene, showed one rat skipping on a roll of toilet paper, causing the tissue to roll down and across the floor. While another rat was seen urinating against the toilet seat.

British street artist Banksy has revealed his first rat infested painting which he made from the confines of his toilet during a lockdown in his country. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The artist took to social media to unveil sharing a series of images of his bathroom covered in his infamous rat sketches with the caption ''My wife hates it when I work from home''.

British street artist Banksy has revealed his first rat infested painting which he made from the confines of his toilet during a lockdown in his country. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The artist took to social media to unveil sharing a series of images of his bathroom covered in his infamous rat sketches with the caption ''My wife hates it when I work from home''. The artwork shows rodents knocking the bathroom mirror and creating a mess. Also read: WHO chief regrets US move to halt funding, urges unity against pandemic The latest creation by the elusive artist from Bristol comes as the UK continues to control the spread of Covid-19 which has now claimed the lives of 12,868. The comical scene, showed one rat skipping on a roll of toilet paper, causing the tissue to roll down and across the floor. While another rat was seen urinating against the toilet seat.

Banksy unveils first rat infested painting made inside his bathroom during lockdown

President Donald Trump said he will announce Thursday the first plans for lifting coronavirus lockdowns across the United States after the country passed the pandemic's "peak," mirroring a gradual easing in Europe.

His comments came shortly before the number of US fatalities, already the world's highest, reached a new daily record and became the heaviest one-day death toll of any nation.

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"It is clear that our aggressive strategy is working," he told a news conference late Wednesday in Washington. "The battle continues but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases."

Trump said he would be announcing guidelines for a reduction in the lockdown in some states, possibly taking effect before the end of this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-likely-passed-the-peak-of-coronavirus-cases-292764" hreflang="en">Trump says US likely 'passed the peak' of coronavirus cases</a>

Earlier, Germany also unveiled its plans for cautious reopening, becoming the first major European nation to take on the delicate task of restarting its economy without triggering a new wave of infections before a vaccine can be developed.

Facing a difficult reelection in November, Trump predicted that the US economy, the world's largest, would "come back quickly" from the paralysis induced by measures taken to slow the virus.

Around the world, the total number of COVID-19 cases soared past two million, according to an AFP tally, and the death toll topped 134,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The US saw 2,569 deaths over a 24-hour period, data from Johns Hopkins showed, with total US deaths above 28,300

President Donald Trump said he will announce Thursday the first plans for lifting coronavirus lockdowns across the United States after the country passed the pandemic's "peak," mirroring a gradual easing in Europe.

President Donald Trump said he will announce Thursday the first plans for lifting coronavirus lockdowns across the United States after the country passed the pandemic's "peak," mirroring a gradual easing in Europe. His comments came shortly before the number of US fatalities, already the world's highest, reached a new daily record and became the heaviest one-day death toll of any nation. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hrs "It is clear that our aggressive strategy is working," he told a news conference late Wednesday in Washington. "The battle continues but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases." Trump said he would be announcing guidelines for a reduction in the lockdown in some states, possibly taking effect before the end of this month. Also read: Trump says US likely 'passed the peak' of coronavirus cases Earlier, Germany also unveiled its plans for cautious reopening, becoming the first major European nation to take on the delicate task of restarting its economy without triggering a new wave of infections before a vaccine can be developed. Facing a difficult reelection in November, Trump predicted that the US economy, the world's largest, would "come back quickly" from the paralysis induced by measures taken to slow the virus. Around the world, the total number of COVID-19 cases soared past two million, according to an AFP tally, and the death toll topped 134,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. The US saw 2,569 deaths over a 24-hour period, data from Johns Hopkins showed, with total US deaths above 28,300

US to ease lockdown after virus passes 'peak'

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is past the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and that he will announce guidelines for reopening the economy on Thursday.

"It is clear that our aggressive strategy is working," he told a news conference. "The battle continues but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-deceived-who-chief-tedros-over-coronavirus-292722">How China deceived WHO chief Tedros over coronavirus</a>

Trump added that "these encouraging developments have put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for states on reopening the country."&nbsp;

He said he would discuss this in a news conference on Thursday, "announcing guidelines."

Facing a tough re-election in November, the Republican president has been bullish on reopening the world's largest economy as soon as possible.

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On Monday, he threatened to invoke his "total" power to force state governors to follow his directives on reopening, prompting an outcry.

He backpedaled on the comment the following day, saying he was not going to put "any pressure" on governors to reopen.

"We'll be opening up states, some states much sooner than others," Trump said during his Wednesday briefing. "We think some of the states can open up before the deadline of May 1."

"We'll be the comeback kids, all of us."

Anthony Fauci, the veteran US pandemic expert, said in a televised interview Sunday that parts of the country could begin easing restrictions in May, but cautioned that reopening would not work like a "light switch."

The US has been battered by the coronavirus, with nearly 633,000 confirmed cases, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest number in the world.

The virus has claimed almost 28,000 lives throughout the country -- also the world's highest.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is past the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and that he will announce guidelines for reopening the economy on Thursday.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is past the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and that he will announce guidelines for reopening the economy on Thursday. "It is clear that our aggressive strategy is working," he told a news conference. "The battle continues but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases." Also read: How China deceived WHO chief Tedros over coronavirus Trump added that "these encouraging developments have put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for states on reopening the country." He said he would discuss this in a news conference on Thursday, "announcing guidelines." Facing a tough re-election in November, the Republican president has been bullish on reopening the world's largest economy as soon as possible. Also read: No time to waste, singular focus stopping the coronavirus pandemic: WHO On Monday, he threatened to invoke his "total" power to force state governors to follow his directives on reopening, prompting an outcry. He backpedaled on the comment the following day, saying he was not going to put "any pressure" on governors to reopen. "We'll be opening up states, some states much sooner than others," Trump said during his Wednesday briefing. "We think some of the states can open up before the deadline of May 1." "We'll be the comeback kids, all of us." Anthony Fauci, the veteran US pandemic expert, said in a televised interview Sunday that parts of the country could begin easing restrictions in May, but cautioned that reopening would not work like a "light switch." The US has been battered by the coronavirus, with nearly 633,000 confirmed cases, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest number in the world. The virus has claimed almost 28,000 lives throughout the country -- also the world's highest.

Trump says US likely 'passed the peak' of coronavirus cases

A COVID-19 vaccine may be the only thing that can bring back "normalcy," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday, hoping for just that before the end of the year.&nbsp;

"A safe and effective vaccine may be the only tool that can return the world to a sense of 'normalcy,' saving millions of lives and countless trillions of dollars," he added during a video conference with the 50 or so African countries that are members of the United Nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-deceived-who-chief-tedros-over-coronavirus-292722">How China deceived WHO chief Tedros over coronavirus</a>

He called for its accelerated development and accessibility to all, adding it must have a "universal global benefit" and "allow us to control the pandemic."&nbsp;

"We need an ambitious effort to ensure that international stakeholders operate through a harmonized, integrated and leveraged approach to maximize the speed and scale needed for the universal deployment of such a vaccine by the end of 2020," he insisted.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-19-cases-dip-in-wuhan-another-city-in-china-on-coronavirus-alert-292735">As COVID-19 cases dip in Wuhan, another city in China on coronavirus alert</a>

Guterres said his appeal on March 25 for $2 billion in donations for a comprehensive UN humanitarian response to the pandemic had so far raised about 20 percent of that amount.&nbsp;

Through the World Health Organization, the United Nations has been able to equip 47 African countries with COVID-19 tests, he said.&nbsp;

The UN chief also praised the efforts of several African governments to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic.

He cited Uganda, which has given businesses more time to file their tax returns; Namibia, which provides emergency income for workers who have lost their jobs; Cape Verde, which provides food aid; and Egypt, which has reduced taxation on industries.

A COVID-19 vaccine may be the only thing that can bring back "normalcy," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday, hoping for just that before the end of the year.

A COVID-19 vaccine may be the only thing that can bring back "normalcy," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday, hoping for just that before the end of the year. "A safe and effective vaccine may be the only tool that can return the world to a sense of 'normalcy,' saving millions of lives and countless trillions of dollars," he added during a video conference with the 50 or so African countries that are members of the United Nations. Also read: How China deceived WHO chief Tedros over coronavirus He called for its accelerated development and accessibility to all, adding it must have a "universal global benefit" and "allow us to control the pandemic." "We need an ambitious effort to ensure that international stakeholders operate through a harmonized, integrated and leveraged approach to maximize the speed and scale needed for the universal deployment of such a vaccine by the end of 2020," he insisted. Also read: As COVID-19 cases dip in Wuhan, another city in China on coronavirus alert Guterres said his appeal on March 25 for $2 billion in donations for a comprehensive UN humanitarian response to the pandemic had so far raised about 20 percent of that amount. Through the World Health Organization, the United Nations has been able to equip 47 African countries with COVID-19 tests, he said. The UN chief also praised the efforts of several African governments to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic. He cited Uganda, which has given businesses more time to file their tax returns; Namibia, which provides emergency income for workers who have lost their jobs; Cape Verde, which provides food aid; and Egypt, which has reduced taxation on industries.

Only a COVID-19 vaccine will allow return to 'normalcy': UN chief

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday.&nbsp;

An attack that took place on November 11 during a live performance in Riyadh. Four members of the group were wounded in the attack. The attack convict's name was Imad al-Mansouri and the state media linked the attack to Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

The ministry released a statement confirming the execution, it read: "The death sentence was carried out... in Riyadh."&nbsp;

The convict was accused of going on a stabbing spree during the "Riyadh Season" entertainment festival. Saudi has been easing their restrictions on entertainment and this was the first-ever onslaught since the move.&nbsp;

According to the local media, the assailant was following orders from an Al-Qaeda leader but the militant group has not claimed the responsibility on this attack.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda has been present on the Arabian peninsula carrying out various attacks, the group is currently operating in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Al-Qaeda have been in a war. Saudi along with the Yemeni government has been in a fight with the Huthi rebels and Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

The Kingdom of Saudi endeavors to diversify the economy by holding special sports events, entertainment concerts to ease their dependency on oil.&nbsp;

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday.

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday. An attack that took place on November 11 during a live performance in Riyadh. Four members of the group were wounded in the attack. The attack convict's name was Imad al-Mansouri and the state media linked the attack to Al-Qaeda. The ministry released a statement confirming the execution, it read: "The death sentence was carried out... in Riyadh." The convict was accused of going on a stabbing spree during the "Riyadh Season" entertainment festival. Saudi has been easing their restrictions on entertainment and this was the first-ever onslaught since the move. According to the local media, the assailant was following orders from an Al-Qaeda leader but the militant group has not claimed the responsibility on this attack. Al-Qaeda has been present on the Arabian peninsula carrying out various attacks, the group is currently operating in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Al-Qaeda have been in a war. Saudi along with the Yemeni government has been in a fight with the Huthi rebels and Al-Qaeda. The Kingdom of Saudi endeavors to diversify the economy by holding special sports events, entertainment concerts to ease their dependency on oil.

Yemeni man convicted for attacking Spanish theatre group executed by Saudi Arabia

The coronavirus crisis will cause Finland's economy to shrink by 5.5 percent this year and its government deficit to increase tenfold, the country's finance ministry forecast on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-17000-292751" hreflang="en">France coronavirus death toll crosses 17,000</a>

Every month of the current lockdown measures, which have so far seen 100,000 workers temporarily laid off, is negatively impacting Finland's gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 2.0 percent, the ministry said, warning of a contraction of up to 12 percent if the restrictions end up lasting six months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ease-lockdown-after-virus-passes-peak-292769" hreflang="en">US to ease lockdown after virus passes 'peak'</a>

The impossibility of predicting the spread of the virus makes the current economic outlook "extremely uncertain", the ministry said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-a-covid-19-vaccine-will-allow-return-to-normalcy-un-chief-292763" hreflang="en">Only a COVID-19 vaccine will allow return to 'normalcy': UN chief</a>

"The danger is that the longer the economy suffers, the greater the difficulty in reviving it," Mikko Spolander of Finland's finance ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also said it expects unemployment to rise to 8 percent from its current 6.9 percent this year, after employment ministry figures suggested&nbsp;almost 400,000 jobs are in danger of being laid off in the country of 5.5 million people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Finance Minister Katri Kulmuni has said the government expects to release a total rescue package of 15 billion euros ($16.3 billion) during 2020.

The ministry forecast a return to 1.3 percent growth in each of the following two years as two key drivers of Finland's economy, the forestry and construction sectors, start to recover.&nbsp;

But it predicted that any recovery would be slow to fix the hole in government finances, with the budget deficit rising almost tenfold to 16.6 billion euros this year, or 7.2 percent of GDP.

Government finances "will remain substantially in deficit in the coming years," the ministry said in a statement.

The coronavirus crisis will cause Finland's economy to shrink by 5.5 percent this year and its government deficit to increase tenfold, the country's finance ministry forecast on Thursday.

The coronavirus crisis will cause Finland's economy to shrink by 5.5 percent this year and its government deficit to increase tenfold, the country's finance ministry forecast on Thursday. Also read: France coronavirus death toll crosses 17,000 Every month of the current lockdown measures, which have so far seen 100,000 workers temporarily laid off, is negatively impacting Finland's gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 2.0 percent, the ministry said, warning of a contraction of up to 12 percent if the restrictions end up lasting six months. Also read: US to ease lockdown after virus passes 'peak' The impossibility of predicting the spread of the virus makes the current economic outlook "extremely uncertain", the ministry said. Also read: Only a COVID-19 vaccine will allow return to 'normalcy': UN chief "The danger is that the longer the economy suffers, the greater the difficulty in reviving it," Mikko Spolander of Finland's finance ministry said in a statement. The ministry also said it expects unemployment to rise to 8 percent from its current 6.9 percent this year, after employment ministry figures suggested almost 400,000 jobs are in danger of being laid off in the country of 5.5 million people. Finance Minister Katri Kulmuni has said the government expects to release a total rescue package of 15 billion euros ($16.3 billion) during 2020. The ministry forecast a return to 1.3 percent growth in each of the following two years as two key drivers of Finland's economy, the forestry and construction sectors, start to recover. But it predicted that any recovery would be slow to fix the hole in government finances, with the budget deficit rising almost tenfold to 16.6 billion euros this year, or 7.2 percent of GDP. Government finances "will remain substantially in deficit in the coming years," the ministry said in a statement.

Finland's economy shrinking 2% per month of lockdown: ministry

Ethiopia plans to shutter a camp for Eritrean refugees and resettle thousands of its inhabitants in other camps that the UN considers already full, an official said, despite concerns this could make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

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Hitsats camp is one of four in the northern Tigray region that together house nearly 100,000 people from Eritrea, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, out of more than 170,000 Eritrean refugees nationwide.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-and-italy-begin-to-ease-coronavirus-lockdown-rules-but-move-warily-292887" hreflang="en">Germany and Italy begin to ease coronavirus lockdown rules, but move warily</a>

In early March, Ethiopian officials informed UNHCR they intended to close Hitsats as part of a consolidation scheme, but it was delayed after Ethiopia confirmed its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-could-have-considerable-impact-on-mental-health-experts-292899">COVID-19</a> cases in mid-March.

Yet preparations for the closure have continued, and Eyob Awoke, deputy director general of Ethiopia's Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs, told AFP this week that relocations could begin by the end of April.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-remains-in-eye-of-the-storm-who-on-coronavirus-pandemic-292901" hreflang="en">Europe remains in eye of the storm: WHO on coronavirus pandemic</a>

"We are ready to start. But we cannot start with a big number. We can start with a small number," Eyob said. "We can even start before the end of this month."

Hitsats residents will have the option of resettling in one of two other camps or being granted a permit to live and work independently in Ethiopia.

The decision to close Hitsats -- which the government says houses 13,022 refugees -- is partly linked to funding cuts from UNHCR, Eyob said.

The government also believes it can better serve refugees by consolidating the camps in Tigray, he said.&nbsp;

Ann Encontre, UNHCR's Ethiopia representative, told AFP that Ethiopia began the year with a 14-percent reduction in funding from the organisation but that this would not justify a camp closure.

Moving Hitsats residents to other camps would "definitely" make them more vulnerable to COVID-19, she said.&nbsp;

"The situation in the other two camps -- there's not enough water, there's not enough sanitation, there's not enough medical and health services," Encontre said.&nbsp;

"There's not enough facilities and shelter for an influx as big as that."

There are 1,600 unaccompanied children in the camp, according to UNHCR.&nbsp;

Ethiopia has so far reported 92 COVID-19 cases, but none in refugee camps.

Eritrea's system of compulsory national service has led to descriptions of the nation as an "open-air prison" akin to North Korea.

A border war erupted between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998, killing tens of thousands and leading to a two-decade stalemate. &nbsp;

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed struck a surprise peace deal in 2018, but there has been no sign of political reform within Eritrea since and asylum seekers continue to stream over the border into Ethiopia.

The decision to close Hitsats is the latest of several moves by Ethiopia that the UN and human rights groups fear could deprive Eritrean asylum seekers of needed protections.&nbsp;

In January, Ethiopia reversed a longstanding policy of automatically granting all Eritrean asylum seekers refugee status, instead evaluating cases individually.

The earlier policy frequently drew criticism from the Isaias regime.&nbsp;

Eyob said the change was necessary because some Eritreans were coming to Ethiopia even though they didn't have a reasonable fear of persecution back home.

"Some of them are just coming to live in Ethiopia because they feel that living in Eritrea is somehow very difficult," he said.&nbsp;

Encontre said the policy had led to a drop in the number of Eritrean refugees being registered even before Ethiopia shut its land borders last month to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The changes in how Ethiopia treats Eritrean asylum seekers are "creating fear and confusion", said Laetitia Bader, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch (HRW).

"The government needs to make sure that it publicly announces and explains any shifts in policy and properly consults with the affected refugee communities as well as with humanitarian actors," she said.

Ethiopia plans to shutter a camp for Eritrean refugees and resettle thousands of its inhabitants in other camps that the UN considers already full, an official said, despite concerns this could make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Ethiopia plans to shutter a camp for Eritrean refugees and resettle thousands of its inhabitants in other camps that the UN considers already full, an official said, despite concerns this could make them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Also read: Hundreds test positive to COVID-19 on French aircraft carrier Hitsats camp is one of four in the northern Tigray region that together house nearly 100,000 people from Eritrea, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, out of more than 170,000 Eritrean refugees nationwide. Also read: Germany and Italy begin to ease coronavirus lockdown rules, but move warily In early March, Ethiopian officials informed UNHCR they intended to close Hitsats as part of a consolidation scheme, but it was delayed after Ethiopia confirmed its first COVID-19 cases in mid-March. Yet preparations for the closure have continued, and Eyob Awoke, deputy director general of Ethiopia's Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs, told AFP this week that relocations could begin by the end of April. Also read: Europe remains in eye of the storm: WHO on coronavirus pandemic "We are ready to start. But we cannot start with a big number. We can start with a small number," Eyob said. "We can even start before the end of this month." Hitsats residents will have the option of resettling in one of two other camps or being granted a permit to live and work independently in Ethiopia. The decision to close Hitsats -- which the government says houses 13,022 refugees -- is partly linked to funding cuts from UNHCR, Eyob said. The government also believes it can better serve refugees by consolidating the camps in Tigray, he said. Ann Encontre, UNHCR's Ethiopia representative, told AFP that Ethiopia began the year with a 14-percent reduction in funding from the organisation but that this would not justify a camp closure. Moving Hitsats residents to other camps would "definitely" make them more vulnerable to COVID-19, she said. "The situation in the other two camps -- there's not enough water, there's not enough sanitation, there's not enough medical and health services," Encontre said. "There's not enough facilities and shelter for an influx as big as that." There are 1,600 unaccompanied children in the camp, according to UNHCR. Ethiopia has so far reported 92 COVID-19 cases, but none in refugee camps. Eritrea's system of compulsory national service has led to descriptions of the nation as an "open-air prison" akin to North Korea. A border war erupted between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998, killing tens of thousands and leading to a two-decade stalemate. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed struck a surprise peace deal in 2018, but there has been no sign of political reform within Eritrea since and asylum seekers continue to stream over the border into Ethiopia. The decision to close Hitsats is the latest of several moves by Ethiopia that the UN and human rights groups fear could deprive Eritrean asylum seekers of needed protections. In January, Ethiopia reversed a longstanding policy of automatically granting all Eritrean asylum seekers refugee status, instead evaluating cases individually. The earlier policy frequently drew criticism from the Isaias regime. Eyob said the change was necessary because some Eritreans were coming to Ethiopia even though they didn't have a reasonable fear of persecution back home. "Some of them are just coming to live in Ethiopia because they feel that living in Eritrea is somehow very difficult," he said. Encontre said the policy had led to a drop in the number of Eritrean refugees being registered even before Ethiopia shut its land borders last month to curb the spread of COVID-19. The changes in how Ethiopia treats Eritrean asylum seekers are "creating fear and confusion", said Laetitia Bader, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch (HRW). "The government needs to make sure that it publicly announces and explains any shifts in policy and properly consults with the affected refugee communities as well as with humanitarian actors," she said.

Coronavirus: Ethiopia moves to close Eritrean refugee camp despite virus fears

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June. The games will be held behind closed doors only if get a green light from the UK government.&nbsp;

This plan will also be followed by the top-flight league of Britain.&nbsp;

Parry has written to the clubs talking about a 56-day window in which the league could be completed so that the next season does not face major turbulence due to the halted season.&nbsp;

The EFL has made pressure funds of £50m available to clubs to help them through the crisis, and the Premier League has offered savings of £125m.

The EFL is plodding towards an initial three-week mini pre-season starting on May 16 - if the government says it is safe to do so.

Preston North End advisor and former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, said: "We have worked out a timetable based on being back on May 16.

"The individual fitness programmes players have been doing will be ramped up to make sure they are not coming back cold.&nbsp;

"Coming back on May 16 is with an assumption that games will start on the first weekend of June.

"If we are working towards a start in the first weekend of June, coming back on May 16 would give the players three weeks to get match fit.&nbsp;

“This gives us something to work towards and of course everything will be done with Government advice."

Premier League have nine rounds left, League One clubs have played 35 matches and League Two has played 36 matches.

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June.

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June. The games will be held behind closed doors only if get a green light from the UK government. This plan will also be followed by the top-flight league of Britain. Parry has written to the clubs talking about a 56-day window in which the league could be completed so that the next season does not face major turbulence due to the halted season. The EFL has made pressure funds of £50m available to clubs to help them through the crisis, and the Premier League has offered savings of £125m. The EFL is plodding towards an initial three-week mini pre-season starting on May 16 - if the government says it is safe to do so. Preston North End advisor and former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, said: "We have worked out a timetable based on being back on May 16. "The individual fitness programmes players have been doing will be ramped up to make sure they are not coming back cold. "Coming back on May 16 is with an assumption that games will start on the first weekend of June. "If we are working towards a start in the first weekend of June, coming back on May 16 would give the players three weeks to get match fit. “This gives us something to work towards and of course everything will be done with Government advice." Premier League have nine rounds left, League One clubs have played 35 matches and League Two has played 36 matches.

EFL and Premier League expected to begin in early June to finish season

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